DRAGON KEEPER

by Carole Wilkinson   (LWH)

This was such a gorgeous story and beautifully written. I just adored it. When I finished reading Dragonkeeper I felt like I'd reallly been on a  delightful journey.

This is a story of a young slave girl named Ping, who rescues a dragon, Danzi, from a wicked master and this begins her journey of trust, courage, power and love. Mixed with Chinese history and fantasy the story unravelled to reveal a touching ending.

Ping must face many dangers while protecting  the dragon and a dragon stone left in her care. They were on a journey to reach the ocean many there were many perils along the way. I particularly loved the humour Danzi showed when Ping asked why he hadn't warned her of impending dangers along the way.

This is the first book in a trilogy by Carole Wilkinson and I'm looking forward to continuing the journey with Ping in 'Garden of the purple dragon' - Bk.2, 'Dragon Moon' - Bk.3, and 'Blood Brothers' Bk. 4.

Find out more about Carole Wilkinson by visiting her website http://www.carolewilkinson.com.au/art/

DIVINE CLEMENTINE

by Hayley S. Kirk   (LWH)

What an interesting book. I felt like I had been on quite an emotional experience but happy with the ending.

Sixteen year old Clementine adores her twenty six-year-old Aunt Stella. She wants to be like her, act like her, travel with her... she is Clementine's closest friend. Tragedy strucks when Clementine witnesses her treasured aunt hit by a bus and killed.

It is too much for her to cope with and she has trouble dealing with her grief. When Clementine saves some treasures that belongs to Stella, along with her personal diaries, her life comes crashing down, when she finds that Stella was suffering from bipolar and depression. She feels betrayed, frustrated and can't believe all her family have lied to her all these years.

A downward spiral of depression comes upon Clementine. She doesn't want anyone to come into her world and definitely won't share her grief with family or friends. Eventually she travels to the country and stays with another aunt who has young children, and does some farm work for neighbours and meets Thom. Eventually her barriers drop and she begins to find her old self again. A great read dealing with difficult issues.

THE INK BRIDGE

by Neil Grant   (LWH)

This book really does convey the spirit of Afghanistan and allows you to experience just a glimpse of the realities of living in this war torn country, the heart of the people, the daily struggle and the life of a refugee.

Young Omed will be killed by the Taliban if he stays, they've already cut out his tongue, he can no longer provide for his family and must flee. He is forced to team up with Snake, a very undesirable character, if he is to escape to Australia especially now he can't communicate with anyone.

When he meets Hector in a candle factory in Melbourne they become silent friends. Hector has his own story and since his mother's death hasn't spoken a word. The two 'silent' boys form an unlikely relationship that will last for many years.

 This story is beautifully told and the descriptive writing is exceptional. I really enjoyed this story and although fiction it could be based on many refugee experiences.