The TÆ’ANARYN

The TÆ’ANARYN by Dr Joe Ireland (Wombat Books)

PB RRP $14.95

ISBN 978-1-921632-32-7

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

The TÆ’ANARYN is a fantasy story about a little devil girl named Kialessa. She has a good heart but is endowed with horns, a tail and she doesn't burn. After an attack on her life, she is removed from an abusive home by the King’s men and taken to an elite boarding school only to be treated badly there too for her differences.

Whilst skulking around the school/castle corridors after hours Kialessa uncovers a mysterious plot to kill the King of Lenmer'el the one person who has shown her respect and friendship.

This book is aimed at the young adult and middle grade market but I feel it is more suited to middle readers. The book contains a glossary, list of exalted gods, days of the week, a list of terms of address and points to ponder in the back of the book. In the front there is a list of characters and pronunciation. Most middle readers would not require definitions of King, Queen, Prince and Princess. However, they may have benefited from other words such as scribe, missionaries, portmanteau and pantheon being included.

The story contained some strong messages such as ignoring bad behavior and rewarding good, and treating others as you would like to be treated yourself. The issue of religious belief was raised and handled well within the story. I found the story itself to be well told though it would have benefited from stronger editing.

This is the first of the fantasy series The Tae'anaryn. Dr Joe Ireland has written award winning fantasy for the Dungeons & Dragons Living Greyhawk campaign. He has worked as a teacher, magician, performer, busker and even lecturer in the philosophy of science. This is his first novel.

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools and one local history coffee table book.