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A review by sarah_mcmullan_nz
Ruins by Joshua Winning
5.0
I was gnashing at the teeth for the second in this trilogy and thankfully, film journalist Josh Winning has proven that the mythical tale of the difficult second novel/film is just that: a myth.
Ruins continues the story of Nicholas Hallow, a young man born into a magical secret society that helps protect the world from the forces of evil that wish to swallow it whole.
Cleverly combining magic, myth, folklore and good old teenage coming of age angst; Winning has created a whole new world that will appeal not only to the tween / young adult market, but to those of us significantly older, ahem.
In particular, I can see this being a big hit with reluctant boy readers who may identify with Nicholas, a fairly average kid.
I gave a copy of the first book, Sentinel, to a friend’s 11 year old son who was absolutely hooked. He loved the action, he loved the mystery, the magic and he loved the interaction with Isabel – the cat!
It’s clear that Winning’s love for horror in both cinema and literature has helped him craft a story that knows how to both use and subvert the usual genre tropes.
With subtle nods to the greats, Winning has written a book that feels new and fresh; no mean feat in a market full of books vying to be the next big supernatural series. The difference is this feels as if it really could be.
Bring on Book 3!
4.5 Stars / 5
Reviewer: Sarah McMullan @SarahMcMullanNZ
[email protected]
www.13thfloor.co.nz
Ruins continues the story of Nicholas Hallow, a young man born into a magical secret society that helps protect the world from the forces of evil that wish to swallow it whole.
Cleverly combining magic, myth, folklore and good old teenage coming of age angst; Winning has created a whole new world that will appeal not only to the tween / young adult market, but to those of us significantly older, ahem.
In particular, I can see this being a big hit with reluctant boy readers who may identify with Nicholas, a fairly average kid.
I gave a copy of the first book, Sentinel, to a friend’s 11 year old son who was absolutely hooked. He loved the action, he loved the mystery, the magic and he loved the interaction with Isabel – the cat!
It’s clear that Winning’s love for horror in both cinema and literature has helped him craft a story that knows how to both use and subvert the usual genre tropes.
With subtle nods to the greats, Winning has written a book that feels new and fresh; no mean feat in a market full of books vying to be the next big supernatural series. The difference is this feels as if it really could be.
Bring on Book 3!
4.5 Stars / 5
Reviewer: Sarah McMullan @SarahMcMullanNZ
[email protected]
www.13thfloor.co.nz