This month The Sun Bookshop is very excited to host Nathan Burke, coach of the AFLW Western Bulldogs. Nathan will be chatting about his new book, Best and Fairest Sports Parenting. Every parent wants to do the right thing by their sports-playing children. The problem is that no-one tells us exactly what the ‘right thing’ is. Nathan’s book does just that. You are invited to come and celebrate the launch with Nathan Burke at the Sun Theatre Wednesday June 14th 6.30 pm sharp. Bookings are essential at www.sunbookshop.com
Demon Copperhead – Barbara Kingsolver
$32.99
It’s no wonder that Kingsolver’s huge tome has won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2023. Demon Copperhead is inspired by Dickens’ David Copperfield with its empathetic retelling set in rural Appalachia. It tells the story of a boy born to a teenage mother living in a trailer, surviving by the kindness of neighbours and teachers while enduring extreme hardship at the grinding wheels of generational poverty.
Kingsolver has an amazing writer’s voice that conjures a likeable and reflective protagonist, the reflective red-headed Demon Copperhead. It is extraordinary to read the inner and outer dialogue in the rich patois of poor folks in southwest Virginia. Despite the brutal aftereffects of coal mining and opioid addiction, the novel is ultimately a message of finding oneself despite what the world throws at you.
This month we have been lucky enough to have three amazing fantasy authors spend time with us and sign copies of their new novels. All the way from the U.K., middle grade author A.F. Steadman was on a whirlwind visit to share her latest in the wonderful ‘SKANDAR’ series. She was joined by two of Australia’s most beloved Young Adult authors, Amie Kaufman and Lili Wilkinson. Their new releases can all be found at The Younger Sun and if you’re quick you can score yourself a copy signed by the author!
The SKANDAR series
By A.F. Steadman
$22.99
Journey to a world of unicorns as you’ve never seen them before; wild, bloodthirsty, unpredictable and fiercely loyal.
This brilliant middle grade fantasy series follows the journey of Skandar Smith as he leaves the mainland to train to become a unicorn rider on the secretive island where wild unicorns roam free and elemental magic abounds. Skandar is thrust into a world of epic sky battles, dangerous clashes with wild unicorns, and rumours of a shadowy villain amassing a unicorn army. And the closer Skandar grows to his newfound friends and community of riders, the harder it becomes to keep his secrets—especially when he discovers their lives may all be in graver danger than he ever imagined.
This is the beginning of a five book series and is perfect for fans of the Percy Jackson and Eragon series.
Recommended for ages 8-13
Reviewed by Jenny Kiely
The Isles of the Gods
By Amie Kaufman
$24.99
From Australia’s bestselling author of the Illuminae Files and the Aurora Cycle, comes the first in a riveting new fantasy series.
The Isles of the Gods takes us on a journey to unknown lands as we follow Prince Leander of Alinor, who must make a sacrifice to prevent a dangerous war between two gods. However, Lavender is not the only one whose life depends on completing this journey that includes crossing the Crescent Sea to the Isle of the Gods. This is an epic tale of magic, romance and vengeful gods, gangster’s dens, forgotten temples and sailing the oceans to save a world.
Gorgeously detailed and thoroughly engrossing, Amie Kaufman’s The Isles of the Gods is a master-class in world building and a high stakes adventure story that I can guarantee will have you on the edge of your seats.
Recommended for ages 13 to Adult
Reviewed by Jenny Kiely
A Hunger of Thorns
By Lili Wilkinson
$24.99
A Hunger of Thorns is a dark and witchy tale about forbidden magic and friendship that celebrates the power of women.
Maude is the daughter of witches. She spent her childhood running wild with her best friend, Odette, weaving stories of girls who slayed dragons and saved princes. Then Maude grew up and lost her magic—and her best friend.
These days, magic is reduced to glamour patches and psychic energy drinks. Odette has always hungered for forbidden, dangerous magic, and two weeks ago she went searching for it. Now she’s missing, and everyone says she’s dead. Everyone except Maude.
Be swept away by this lush tale, steeped in secrets and celebrating girls who are discovering that they are wild, fierce and powerful.
Recommended for ages 13 to Adult
Reviewed by Jenny Kiely
