Scan barcode
nixwhittaker's review
5.0
I'm a big fan of stories that represent who we are. I hadn't realised how important it was to also have stories set in places familiar to us as well. Auckland Allies is set in Auckland where I went to Uni just like Steampunk Sally. The places the Auckland Allies run around is a wallow in nostalgia that was glorious.
Auckland Allies is set in modern times but with people with magic, called practitioners, Tara is a Maker and Sparx is her neighbour. They end up being chased by blokes in black all because Tara did some work for Sally. A mistake on their part as instead of keeping their plans secret they made enemies. Okay, they aren't powerful enemies but they are resourceful.
The core characters all appeal as Sparx and Sally speak to my geeky side in different ways while Tara reminds me of how all of us might put on a tough shell but really we are all squishy feelings inside. This is a great story that I'll be pointing out to all my friends, especially those who lived in Auckland like I did.
Auckland Allies is set in modern times but with people with magic, called practitioners, Tara is a Maker and Sparx is her neighbour. They end up being chased by blokes in black all because Tara did some work for Sally. A mistake on their part as instead of keeping their plans secret they made enemies. Okay, they aren't powerful enemies but they are resourceful.
The core characters all appeal as Sparx and Sally speak to my geeky side in different ways while Tara reminds me of how all of us might put on a tough shell but really we are all squishy feelings inside. This is a great story that I'll be pointing out to all my friends, especially those who lived in Auckland like I did.
hopeevey's review
4.0
What a fun, engaging read! I am soo glad there's a second book :)
There's a lot to like here: excellent characterization, good pacing, lots of depth without navel-gazing, and - my favorite element - the main characters very much earn their success. They're all bit players in the magical world, mostly because they're got very little innate magical talent. They're unlikely heroes. They have to figure out ways to use what skills and talents they do have to accomplish their goals. You'll have to read it to find out if they succeed :)
There's a lot to like here: excellent characterization, good pacing, lots of depth without navel-gazing, and - my favorite element - the main characters very much earn their success. They're all bit players in the magical world, mostly because they're got very little innate magical talent. They're unlikely heroes. They have to figure out ways to use what skills and talents they do have to accomplish their goals. You'll have to read it to find out if they succeed :)
More...