Dear Vincent
Page 23
Into the Wilderness is the fast-paced, thrilling second novel in Blood of the Lamb young adult trilogy.
Maryam, Ruth and Joseph have fled Onewere, reluctantly taking Joseph’s troublesome cousin, Lazarus, with them. They arrive at their destination, Marawa Island, filled with hope for rescue and reprieve. But at first glance the island appears to be solely populated by birds … Perhaps the Apostle’s dire warnings about the fall-out of the Tribulation were true after all?
As Maryam and Joseph experience all the topsy-turvy misunderstandings and sexual tension first love entails, the antagonism between Maryam and Lazarus reaches explosive proportions. But when disaster brings the crushing realisation that time is now against them, all four must decide just who they can risk turning to for help …
Resurrection is the third gripping, futuristic novel in the bestselling Blood of the Lamb young adult trilogy.
‘This book had me on the edge of my seat every time I picked it up and constantly dreading turning the page but unable to stop. Maryam’s story once again captivated me. I’m going to recommend this to my friend who has also read the rest of the series and loves it as well.’ Danelle, 16
Maryam is fighting for her life, freedom and love in this stunning finale to the Blood of the Lamb series. Maryam and Lazarus arrive back at Onewere, and Maryam, is captured while trying to loosen the Apostles’ religious stranglehold by showing the people the miraculous remedy. The ruling elite decides to manipulate her return and Lazarus’s so-called ‘resurrection from the dead’ by setting in motion a highly orchestrated pretence of embracing her as the new Messiah — right down to planning her eventual sacrifice and death by crucifixion before a hysterical and brain-washed crowd.
In a sequence that mirrors Christ’s final hours, Maryam must somehow get the islanders to listen to her plea to start thinking for themselves — eventually managing to stir the independence in their hearts just as she is about to be put to death …
Smashed tells the story of three teenage friends, and how their friendship, loyalties and values are thrown into confusion when the main character’s younger sister is raped by one of his best friends. His reaction sets in motion a ‘ripple effect’, which culminates in a violent act of revenge upon the rapist.
Has our hero done this? As he finds himself deep in trouble and confused about the truth, he is forced to the vital question: are we really just puppets controlled by our genes, or do we have the free will to rewrite our own destiny?
Smashed is a cautionary tale about growing up — of the huge and complex challenges today’s young people face in their lives. It tackles gritty teenage issues such as alcohol, physical and sexual abuse, and anger but with a sense of humour and great sensitivity. A thoughtful, pacy read — one that’s hard to put down.
Winner of the Esther Glen Award for Fiction 2008.
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