Book Review: Land of Britannica

by Jeanette O'Hagan

Land of Brittanica by Jenny Woolsey

Description:

Twelve-year-old Brittney is upset her parents have split up and she wants them back together. After Dad introduces his girlfriend to Brittney and her brothers, she is plunged into a strange world... the Land of Britannica. This kingdom is ruled by the evil Storm Queen and it is Brittney's mission, as stated in the Book of the Kingdom, to defeat the queen and restore the cracked green heart that hangs in the sky. She must face many perils and dangers. Will Brittney be able to fulfil her destiny?

Land of Britannica is an allegory. Brittney must work through stages of grief as she goes on her mission to save the people.

This is a wonderful story of a brave girl who fights evil for good.


Middle Grade Novel
Ages 9 - 12
198 pages
Publication Year: 2017

About the Author

Jenny Woolsey is a writer and blogger, speaker, teacher, youth worker and advocate for people with facial differences, mental illness, and disabilities. She lives in the north of Brisbane, in Queensland, Australia, with her husband, three magnificent children, three spirited cats and her cute fluffy dog.

Jenny started writing stories when she was little. As a teenager, poetry was her favourite genre. In 2014 Jenny decided it was time to begin writing again and published her first novel, Ride High Pineapple. In 2016 she published her second, Brockwell the Brave. Jenny writes to help children and teens who feel different and are going through tough situations. She understands as she's felt this way all through her life.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed Jenny Woolsey's debut novel Ride High Pineapple which dealt with difference (the heroine has a congenital face dysmorphia), bullying and being brave with an engaging story. So I was looking forward to reading Land of Britannica. This book was pitched to a younger audience with clear language.

Twelve-year old Brittney is struggling with the separation of her parents, especially when her Dad introduces his new girlfriend. Unable to sleep, she is transported through a strange green portal and finds herself in a kingdom with a cracked green heart hanging in the sky and an evil Storm Queen. The people of the kingdom believe Brittney is the girl from the Book of the Kingdom, who will mend the green heart and save the realm from the Queen.

Brittney must face her fears as she battles trolls, fierce guards and the Queens magic. She receives help along the way, and there are many strange cross-overs between her normal world and this new one, including her companion, a talking cat called Marmalade almost identical to her cat at home.

Land of Britannica follows the well-tried path of hero's journey, with a quest and many difficulties along the way. Britannica is a world with fantastical elements, including an evil stepmother Queen, a fairy, talking animals, and dragons; elements that connect with Brittany's inner battle. There is plenty of action and a satisfying conclusion. All the while, the story explores the confusion for children when their parents separate.

This is a solid middle-grade book, easy to read and full of adventure. The book is written for the general market, though from with Christian values and worldview. Great for kids that might be struggling with family conflict, change and separation or know someone who is.

Available as an e-book on Amazon or as print book from the author's website.

Book Review: Jewel of the Stars by Adam Collings

Review by Jeanette O'Hagan

Back Cover Blurb:

The Cruise is Over

Haylee was more confident designing starships than raising an autistic child. Now she just wants a relaxing holiday with her family. But when Earth falls to an alien armada, she knows life will never be the same again.

Les was just a cruise ship captain. Now, he must rise up and become something greater, if he is to keep his crew and passengers alive.

Braxton never wanted to leave the space navy, but now, taking a cruise is the only way to feel the stars around him. This crisis may be his ticket to regaining the life he thought was gone forever.

Can they overcome their differences and save everyone on the ship?

If they reach unexplored space, they might yet survive, but an unstoppable enemy stands in their way…

Earth’s Remnant is the thrilling pilot to an episodic space opera, Jewel of The Stars, by Adam David Collings. Join the crew as they fight for survival against the wondrous backdrop of the unknown. What else will they find hiding among the stars?

Join the adventure today.

My Thoughts:

I was keen to read Jewel of the Stars, intrigued ever since the author Adam David Collings shared the concept.  Jewel in the Stars: Earth's Remnant is a science- fiction novella. It is classic space opera - think transporters, faster-than-light ships, travelling between the stars, aliens and space ships.  In this case, the action is set on a cruise ship travelling through space instead of on ocean and with planets, stars, and nebulae instead of islands or exotic ports. Apart the starliner Titanic in from the "Voyage of the Damned episode of Doctor Who (and yes, that starliner suffered a similar fate to it's namesake), I haven't come across this concept before. 

But what makes Jewel of the Stars particularly interesting is it's format. Earth's Remnant is the first 'episode' of the first 'season', much like the popular format of popular TV series.  Each episode has it's own story arc, as does the season and the series. 

Adam has launched the series with episode one (and it's free prequel) - setting up the dramatic situation and premise. Jewel of the Stars sets out on a regular tourist trip when a cataclysmic alien invasion cuts them off from earth. They are on their own and most avoid the predatory aliens while surviving the scarcity of space. Can they do it? 

The first episode, Earth's Remnant introduces us to pivotal characters - the captain, an ex-space navy commander, an astroengineer and mother, the doctor and so on.  The story presents a concrete dilemma that must be solved if the Jewel of the Stars and its passengers and crew are to survive. 

While Jewel of the Stars is written for the general market,  I like how Adam subtly and naturally brings in a faith element to the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Earth's Remnant. The characters are interesting, with believable challenges and outcomes. The episode was well paced, with an exciting and nail-biting climax, leaving me anxious to read the next episode without feeling let down. I'm anticipating more great adventures and await the second episode with bated breath.

Jewel of the Stars is for lovers of science-fiction - or anyone who have enjoyed Star Trek, SG1 or Doctor Who TV series.  If you love an entertaining, fast paced read with great characters and dramatic situations set on a cruise ship in space, then this is the series for you. 

Available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Jewel-Stars-Season-Episode-Remnant-ebook/dp/B0757DSYBH/