Galloglass

Adolescent friends Effie, Maximilian, Lexy, Raven and Wolf live in an alternative universe known as the Realworld. Following the catastrophic Worldquake several years earlier, modern technology has been largely wiped out and magic is flourishing.

In this third volume of the enthralling Worldquake Sequence, the friends continue on their quest to protect the universe from the Diberi, a sinister organisation from the shadowy Underworld.

As the children hone their magical skills, they learn more about themselves and some face personal challenges: while Effie comes to terms with feelings of rejection and self-doubt, Wolf desperately searches for his missing sister and Lexy suffers abuse at the hands of a menacing houseguest. They must overcome their individual concerns and unite if they are to thwart the Diberi’s planned attack during the Midwinter Festival.

Courage, friendship, resourcefulness and determination are celebrated in this compelling page-turner for older readers. The author has created an imaginative world with convincing characters and an intriguing plot. This inventive fantasy adventure tackles some sensitive issues, including complex family relationships and abuse. Although Galloglass could be enjoyed as a standalone novel, it would be beneficial to read it in sequence within the series.