Book reviews: The Magic Order & A Monster Calls
It’s not a new release, but 'A Monster Calls' is an important book, especially if you are heading into the festive season after a loss.
Picture: iStock
The Magic Order Volume 1
Comics
Rating: ★★★★☆
Author: Mark Millar
Illustrator: Picador
ISBN: 9781534308718
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj-Q120HcOW/
A cliffhanger first instalment
An unknown force is killing off magical families – the very people who protect ordinary humans from the dark forces in the world.
Netflix’s first foray into the world of comics is ridiculously good. The first volume is a suspenseful ride that introduces a new world conceptualised by Mark Millar from Millarworld.
Millarworld is a subsidiary of Netflix and the book ties in with a slate of series from Millar.
In The Magic Order, magic meets the mob when five families of magicians battle an enemy. By day they are our neighbours, friends and co-workers, but by night they are the magicians who protect us. It’s a collector’s item.
A Monster Calls
Children’s literature
Rating: ★★★★★
Author: Patrick Ness
ISBN: 9781406339345
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPYJBBBAmLb/
Cathartic for those grieving
It’s not a new release, but A Monster Calls is an important book, especially if you are heading into the festive season after a loss.
The visceral and explosive emotional fantasy novel follows 13-year-old Connor O’Malley who has become reclusive after his mother’s cancer diagnosis. It’s not a tear-jerker about cancer, but rather how it affects those who see loved ones suffer.
As Connor’s mom’s health deteriorates a monster visits him, tells him three stories and demands Connor tell him one. Connor’s story reveals what he’s been feeling as his mom battles cancer. It’s a cathartic read.
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