Here's a selection of recent reviews of some of my books.
(Kirkus Reviews)
Joseph St. George is 12 on Nov. 9, 1938—Kristallnacht—when the Gestapo take his father away. Joe’s family isn’t Jewish, and he believes his New Zealander parents are diplomats. He’s grown up in Berlin and, with his best friend, Klaus, nephew of Martin Bormann, Hitler’s secretary, has witnessed both military parades and the persecution of neighborhood Jews. When he and his mother have to flee for their lives, Joe realizes there’s more to her life than he knew—especially once she shoots a man. The story then flashes forward two years. Joe, who was sent to live with family on a sheep farm in New Zealand, stows away to London in search of his mother only to discover that the address she gave him doesn’t exist. His attempts to find her lead to mayhem, death, and an interesting invitation from the British government. With a cracking pace and an interesting assortment of largely White characters (excepting Black British musician Ken “Snakehips” Johnson, a historical figure who makes a cameo appearance), it’s a compelling trip presented through the eyes of a natural spy. The wartime details are spot-on. Joe’s initial admiration for Hitler and willingness to target his Jewish neighbors are hard to read about but help show readers his growth from boy to man.
Smart, satisfying, and leaving room for a sequel. (bibliography) (Historical fiction. 12-16)
(Student Review from Arshia B - Eagle Junction State School)
This story is about a normal nine-year-old girl. Normal, that is, apart from the fact that she can speak every single language in the world. My favourite part is when Maddy is asked to translate ancient scrolls that no one else can read, she can hardly wait! The day before she must translate the ancient scrolls she can barely sleep! There are also two other characters that are my personal favourite the characters are Kazuki and Ditmar. I like Kazuki, because he is shy like I used to be so I can connect to this story very well. I like Ditmar because he loses his tongue (losing his voice.) Falkner's writing style is at once easy and engaging - I loved this story so much that I borrowed a hardcopy from the local library intentionally so that I would not get bored during the summer vacation! If you are after a story that is easy to read yet action-packed, this one is for you. This story is lovely, light and lots of fun. This story is also a bit scary because she talks to a stranger. This is by far my favourite story!
Title: Maddy West and the Tongue Taker
Author: Brian Falkner
Illustrator: Donovan Bixley
Publisher: Capstone Young Readers Publication
Date: 1 September 2014
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781623700843
For ages: 8 - 12 Type:
Middle Fiction
(Hooked on Books)
Joe is back at it again, still deep undercover as Jürgen Weyl, in Brain Falkner’s third and final book in the Katipo Joe series. Published in 2022 by Scholastic, we join Joseph St George again, this time with even more danger and secrecy. This is the closest that any British spy has gotten to Hitler, and Joe must work hard to maintain this cover, but it won’t be easy! Although Joe has friends who know who he is, that just means there is more of a chance to get discovered. And people are starting to get skeptical. Will Joe be able to evade suspicion and remain under cover?
After spiriting his mother away to safety Joe decides to return to the belly of the beast, but is soon questioning this decision. People are starting to get suspicious, and the head of the Gestapo is onto him. Thankfully Hitler is on Joe’s side, thinking that he is the loyal Jürgen Weyl. But in a way, isn’t he? Joe has immersed himself so fully into this character, out of necessity, out of a need to survive, but has he gone too far? Joe is already starting to lose himself and he must take care not to fall too far into the web of lies he has constructed and risk getting stuck. He has managed to infiltrate Hitler’s inner circle, but has their thinking infiltrated his mind?
Joe must travel across the country at the side of Hitler to the Wolf’s Lair, closer to the Russian front where Germany is now invading, and closer to danger and exposure. This is a precarious position for Joe as now he is living in close quarters with Hitler, acting as his left hand man. Having the most feared man in Germany, and arguably the world, on your side has its perks, but it also means Joe must constantly have his wits about him. Many times Joe has gotten himself into trouble, but will he be able to talk himself out of it again? Or will he trip up and jeopardise the mission, and his life? And this time it’s not only Joe’s life at stake, but the lives of his loved ones. Will Joe be able to perform with the weight of these lives on his shoulders? He must tread carefully, and not only because the camp is surrounded by a minefield.
This is another stunning book by Falkner and a great end to the Katipo Joe series. I commend him as he has managed to tie off the series really well, while still leaving a suitable amount of mystery and unknown. Some authors leave too much of a cliffhanger, but Falkner was able to give us a satisfactory amount of information while still leaving some stuff to fate. Through this book we see the characters continue to grow, and we, as readers, grow with them, learning more about the war effort and the sacrifices made by many.
Again we see the devastation of war, and the atrocities committed by Hitler and his inner circle to try and win the war. We are confronted with the grim reality of life during the Second World War, and we glimpse the fear felt by those on the other side of the German Reich. This is not, however, from the direct perspective of these people, but Joe, who must stand by and witness it all without being able to do anything. This in itself conveys a powerful statement, and in a way all of us can relate. Many people have witnessed the horror of what Hitler has done, not all of us first hand, and we can’t do anything. We are helpless, in our case, because it has already happened, but also for those who fought and gave their lives to try and stop Hitler. They succeeded but still millions died.
Through Joe we learn that even though we may not be able to make a direct impact and change things immediately, every tiny thing we do is a step toward the right direction. The soldiers who bravely gave their lives were the reason we were able to win the war, but spies like Joe also made a sacrifice. They constantly had the threat of torture or death hanging over them, and we can see this through Joe and his internal struggles. Even the wives and children who spent months, or even years without their husbands, fathers and sons, contributed to the
(Publishers Weekly)
This immersive, high-stakes WWII spy novel centers protagonist Joseph “Katipo” St. George, a 12-year-old child of diplomat parents—a British father and New Zealander mother. In 1938 Berlin, Joe is familiar with the displays of the Hitler Youth (his best friend’s uncle is one of Hitler’s top aides) and encounters antisemitic violence. After the Gestapo takes his father, Joe’s mother facilitates escape for herself and for Joe, giving her son an assumed identity—and suggesting that there’s more to his parents than he previously realized. Joe is sent to safety on a New Zealand farm but stows away on a naval ship to London, depicted in a rousing 1941-set segment. There, the mystery around his mother’s London whereabouts leads to life alongside “Blitz rat” children and covert operations of his own. Falkner (The Project) intersperses plot-driven third-person chapters with first-person excerpts from the fictional protagonist’s memoirs. Though complications sometimes bog down the pacing en route to a cliffhanger ending, it’s a historically grounded novel of intrigue alongside familial and personal change. Protagonists cue as white. Ages 12–up. (Jan.)
(Booktrailers 4Kids and YA)
Joseph St George begins his story as a school boy in Berlin before the beginning of World War Two. His ordinary world is turned upside down when his British father is arrested as a spy. Joe and his mother escape Berlin but when they become separated Joe is sent to New Zealand. His return sometime later, sees him caught up in a world at war and his search for his parents sees him infiltrate the Hitler Youth movement. His loyalty is all a lie, of course, as it becomes clear that in order to find his parents he must become a spy. This puts him in constant risk of being found out and life becomes more and more dangerous. Survival becomes everything.
Joe’s orders are to get closer to Hitler and this works well. He begins moving in the same circle as Hitler. Indeed, Hitler sees him as his protégé. Joe then makes connections to the best and worst of the people surrounding and protecting Hitler. Joe’s order is huge, absolutely dangerous and will be life-threatening if caught. There is always the question about who to trust. Who are the good guys, and who are the bad? As he draws closer to Hitler he becomes aware that someone is watching him but he has no idea who. He also finds himself attracted to Sofie, a fellow Hitler Youth member, but their friendship could ruin everything. As his feelings for her grow, it puts them both in danger.
Joe does things that go against his natural kindness and caring. He struggles at times with guilt, and the realisation that some of the things he does, no matter how abhorrent, are actually necessary. War brings out the best and worst of people.
The suspense is palpable. I could almost hear the bombs in the background and feel the fear. This is a solid, gritty read and at times, quite confronting. While Joe’s story may be fiction, many of the events and people are real. This makes the series more realistic, more believable. Joe grows as a character, but he also retains a vulnerability, especially around people he cares about, which makes him more likeable. His flaws and strengths are real.
I loved the first two books and have been hanging out for the third for ages. I was hooked from the moment I sat down to read. I couldn’t put the book down. I sat on my bed reading instead of getting ready for work. I was in danger myself, for being late as I just wanted to know what was going to happen next in Joe’s world.
Like the previous books in this series, there is action, suspense, danger, history, a bit of a romance and a few surprises too. I’ve said it in previous reviews of this series, but this really has everything. Great writing, great story, from a great writer.
There are a number of photos in the back of the book of the real people in this narrative, which provides interesting details.
Totally recommend this YA series. I would love to see these books as a movie or TV series. An audio version would also be great.
(Hooked on Books)
Cassie Clark: Outlaw, written by Brian Falkner, is an action-packed novel full of shocking plot twists and exciting thrills. This book is about a teenage girl on a mission to find her father, a prominent figure in the government, who has disappeared. The newspapers say he ran off with a news reporter, but Cassie will not, cannot believe it. She follows leads around the country, brushing with death on multiple accounts. Above anything, this journey tests her judgement, her courage, her strength, and her loyalty as a daughter and a friend.
What I really liked about this book was that even though Cassie experiences everything abnormal and unlikely, she is an entirely relatable character! She is a teenage girl struggling with her emotions, finding it nearly impossible to decide who to trust, and is put through the ultimate test of bravery when forced to make crucial decisions on her own. She must work out who she is and how she fits into the world, and it’s an incredible journey to embark on with her.
The supporting roles in this book are fantastic. Her mother, sister, friends, love interest, enemies and allies all added depth to Cassie’s character, while giving the reader a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Cassie has her flaws but learns to make them strengths with the help of the people around her, whether they are trying to save her or destroy her.
One of my favourite relationships in this book was the one between Cassie and her younger sister. You can instantly tell they have had their ups and downs, and maybe not always gotten along. They have opposite personalities, and don’t understand one another, but throughout the book their relationship develops and strengthens; a true lesson in sistership and resilience.
Cassie Clark: Outlaw is the perfect read for people who love teen fiction, action, coming of age, and drama genres. The storyline and characters are a strong reminder of our own lives, while giving us the unexpected and unknown in the form of life and death situations and hierarchy, which is what makes it impossible to put down. Falkner certainly knows how to tell a good story.
(Kirkus Reviews) ▼
Joseph St. George is 12 on Nov. 9, 1938—Kristallnacht—when the Gestapo take his father away. Joe’s family isn’t Jewish, and he believes his New Zealander parents are diplomats. He’s grown up in Berlin and, with his best friend, Klaus, nephew of Martin Bormann, Hitler’s secretary, has witnessed both military parades and the persecution of neighborhood Jews. When he and his mother have to flee for their lives, Joe realizes there’s more to her life than he knew—especially once she shoots a man. The story then flashes forward two years. Joe, who was sent to live with family on a sheep farm in New Zealand, stows away to London in search of his mother only to discover that the address she gave him doesn’t exist. His attempts to find her lead to mayhem, death, and an interesting invitation from the British government. With a cracking pace and an interesting assortment of largely White characters (excepting Black British musician Ken “Snakehips” Johnson, a historical figure who makes a cameo appearance), it’s a compelling trip presented through the eyes of a natural spy. The wartime details are spot-on. Joe’s initial admiration for Hitler and willingness to target his Jewish neighbors are hard to read about but help show readers his growth from boy to man.
Smart, satisfying, and leaving room for a sequel. (bibliography) (Historical fiction. 12-16)
(Student Review from Arshia B - Eagle Junction State School) ▼
This story is about a normal nine-year-old girl. Normal, that is, apart from the fact that she can speak every single language in the world. My favourite part is when Maddy is asked to translate ancient scrolls that no one else can read, she can hardly wait! The day before she must translate the ancient scrolls she can barely sleep! There are also two other characters that are my personal favourite the characters are Kazuki and Ditmar. I like Kazuki, because he is shy like I used to be so I can connect to this story very well. I like Ditmar because he loses his tongue (losing his voice.) Falkner's writing style is at once easy and engaging - I loved this story so much that I borrowed a hardcopy from the local library intentionally so that I would not get bored during the summer vacation! If you are after a story that is easy to read yet action-packed, this one is for you. This story is lovely, light and lots of fun. This story is also a bit scary because she talks to a stranger. This is by far my favourite story!
Title: Maddy West and the Tongue Taker
Author: Brian Falkner
Illustrator: Donovan Bixley
Publisher: Capstone Young Readers Publication
Date: 1 September 2014
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781623700843
For ages: 8 - 12 Type:
Middle Fiction
(Hooked on Books) ▼
Joe is back at it again, still deep undercover as Jürgen Weyl, in Brain Falkner’s third and final book in the Katipo Joe series. Published in 2022 by Scholastic, we join Joseph St George again, this time with even more danger and secrecy. This is the closest that any British spy has gotten to Hitler, and Joe must work hard to maintain this cover, but it won’t be easy! Although Joe has friends who know who he is, that just means there is more of a chance to get discovered. And people are starting to get skeptical. Will Joe be able to evade suspicion and remain under cover?
After spiriting his mother away to safety Joe decides to return to the belly of the beast, but is soon questioning this decision. People are starting to get suspicious, and the head of the Gestapo is onto him. Thankfully Hitler is on Joe’s side, thinking that he is the loyal Jürgen Weyl. But in a way, isn’t he? Joe has immersed himself so fully into this character, out of necessity, out of a need to survive, but has he gone too far? Joe is already starting to lose himself and he must take care not to fall too far into the web of lies he has constructed and risk getting stuck. He has managed to infiltrate Hitler’s inner circle, but has their thinking infiltrated his mind?
Joe must travel across the country at the side of Hitler to the Wolf’s Lair, closer to the Russian front where Germany is now invading, and closer to danger and exposure. This is a precarious position for Joe as now he is living in close quarters with Hitler, acting as his left hand man. Having the most feared man in Germany, and arguably the world, on your side has its perks, but it also means Joe must constantly have his wits about him. Many times Joe has gotten himself into trouble, but will he be able to talk himself out of it again? Or will he trip up and jeopardise the mission, and his life? And this time it’s not only Joe’s life at stake, but the lives of his loved ones. Will Joe be able to perform with the weight of these lives on his shoulders? He must tread carefully, and not only because the camp is surrounded by a minefield.
This is another stunning book by Falkner and a great end to the Katipo Joe series. I commend him as he has managed to tie off the series really well, while still leaving a suitable amount of mystery and unknown. Some authors leave too much of a cliffhanger, but Falkner was able to give us a satisfactory amount of information while still leaving some stuff to fate. Through this book we see the characters continue to grow, and we, as readers, grow with them, learning more about the war effort and the sacrifices made by many.
Again we see the devastation of war, and the atrocities committed by Hitler and his inner circle to try and win the war. We are confronted with the grim reality of life during the Second World War, and we glimpse the fear felt by those on the other side of the German Reich. This is not, however, from the direct perspective of these people, but Joe, who must stand by and witness it all without being able to do anything. This in itself conveys a powerful statement, and in a way all of us can relate. Many people have witnessed the horror of what Hitler has done, not all of us first hand, and we can’t do anything. We are helpless, in our case, because it has already happened, but also for those who fought and gave their lives to try and stop Hitler. They succeeded but still millions died.
Through Joe we learn that even though we may not be able to make a direct impact and change things immediately, every tiny thing we do is a step toward the right direction. The soldiers who bravely gave their lives were the reason we were able to win the war, but spies like Joe also made a sacrifice. They constantly had the threat of torture or death hanging over them, and we can see this through Joe and his internal struggles. Even the wives and children who spent months, or even years without their husbands, fathers and sons, contributed to the
(Publishers Weekly) ▼
This immersive, high-stakes WWII spy novel centers protagonist Joseph “Katipo” St. George, a 12-year-old child of diplomat parents—a British father and New Zealander mother. In 1938 Berlin, Joe is familiar with the displays of the Hitler Youth (his best friend’s uncle is one of Hitler’s top aides) and encounters antisemitic violence. After the Gestapo takes his father, Joe’s mother facilitates escape for herself and for Joe, giving her son an assumed identity—and suggesting that there’s more to his parents than he previously realized. Joe is sent to safety on a New Zealand farm but stows away on a naval ship to London, depicted in a rousing 1941-set segment. There, the mystery around his mother’s London whereabouts leads to life alongside “Blitz rat” children and covert operations of his own. Falkner (The Project) intersperses plot-driven third-person chapters with first-person excerpts from the fictional protagonist’s memoirs. Though complications sometimes bog down the pacing en route to a cliffhanger ending, it’s a historically grounded novel of intrigue alongside familial and personal change. Protagonists cue as white. Ages 12–up. (Jan.)
(Booktrailers 4Kids and YA) ▼
Joseph St George begins his story as a school boy in Berlin before the beginning of World War Two. His ordinary world is turned upside down when his British father is arrested as a spy. Joe and his mother escape Berlin but when they become separated Joe is sent to New Zealand. His return sometime later, sees him caught up in a world at war and his search for his parents sees him infiltrate the Hitler Youth movement. His loyalty is all a lie, of course, as it becomes clear that in order to find his parents he must become a spy. This puts him in constant risk of being found out and life becomes more and more dangerous. Survival becomes everything.
Joe’s orders are to get closer to Hitler and this works well. He begins moving in the same circle as Hitler. Indeed, Hitler sees him as his protégé. Joe then makes connections to the best and worst of the people surrounding and protecting Hitler. Joe’s order is huge, absolutely dangerous and will be life-threatening if caught. There is always the question about who to trust. Who are the good guys, and who are the bad? As he draws closer to Hitler he becomes aware that someone is watching him but he has no idea who. He also finds himself attracted to Sofie, a fellow Hitler Youth member, but their friendship could ruin everything. As his feelings for her grow, it puts them both in danger.
Joe does things that go against his natural kindness and caring. He struggles at times with guilt, and the realisation that some of the things he does, no matter how abhorrent, are actually necessary. War brings out the best and worst of people.
The suspense is palpable. I could almost hear the bombs in the background and feel the fear. This is a solid, gritty read and at times, quite confronting. While Joe’s story may be fiction, many of the events and people are real. This makes the series more realistic, more believable. Joe grows as a character, but he also retains a vulnerability, especially around people he cares about, which makes him more likeable. His flaws and strengths are real.
I loved the first two books and have been hanging out for the third for ages. I was hooked from the moment I sat down to read. I couldn’t put the book down. I sat on my bed reading instead of getting ready for work. I was in danger myself, for being late as I just wanted to know what was going to happen next in Joe’s world.
Like the previous books in this series, there is action, suspense, danger, history, a bit of a romance and a few surprises too. I’ve said it in previous reviews of this series, but this really has everything. Great writing, great story, from a great writer.
There are a number of photos in the back of the book of the real people in this narrative, which provides interesting details.
Totally recommend this YA series. I would love to see these books as a movie or TV series. An audio version would also be great.
(Hooked on Books) ▼
Cassie Clark: Outlaw, written by Brian Falkner, is an action-packed novel full of shocking plot twists and exciting thrills. This book is about a teenage girl on a mission to find her father, a prominent figure in the government, who has disappeared. The newspapers say he ran off with a news reporter, but Cassie will not, cannot believe it. She follows leads around the country, brushing with death on multiple accounts. Above anything, this journey tests her judgement, her courage, her strength, and her loyalty as a daughter and a friend.
What I really liked about this book was that even though Cassie experiences everything abnormal and unlikely, she is an entirely relatable character! She is a teenage girl struggling with her emotions, finding it nearly impossible to decide who to trust, and is put through the ultimate test of bravery when forced to make crucial decisions on her own. She must work out who she is and how she fits into the world, and it’s an incredible journey to embark on with her.
The supporting roles in this book are fantastic. Her mother, sister, friends, love interest, enemies and allies all added depth to Cassie’s character, while giving the reader a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Cassie has her flaws but learns to make them strengths with the help of the people around her, whether they are trying to save her or destroy her.
One of my favourite relationships in this book was the one between Cassie and her younger sister. You can instantly tell they have had their ups and downs, and maybe not always gotten along. They have opposite personalities, and don’t understand one another, but throughout the book their relationship develops and strengthens; a true lesson in sistership and resilience.
Cassie Clark: Outlaw is the perfect read for people who love teen fiction, action, coming of age, and drama genres. The storyline and characters are a strong reminder of our own lives, while giving us the unexpected and unknown in the form of life and death situations and hierarchy, which is what makes it impossible to put down. Falkner certainly knows how to tell a good story.
