Jaguar Warrior

by Sandy Fussell

Imprisoned in a box, Atl waits for death. He is not afraid. Anger burns too deeply within him. Then, unexpectedly, Atl is released. Released to deliver an urgent message. But it is not the mission that sets him running. It is the sudden chance for freedom. Nothing can stop this Jaguar Warrior. Not even the one who hunts him.

Paperback

First published March 1, 2010

About the author

Sandy Fussell lives south of Sydney with her husband and two sons. She studied mathematics at university, is intensely interested in history and now works in IT. From the moment she could read, Sandy loved books and always wanted to be a writer. In school, she wrote what she refers to as “booklets” and “terrible plays that the teacher made the class perform”. After school, Sandy forgot about writing for a long time and started a family. She came back to writing after one of her children stopped reading and she suggested that they write a book together.

Reviews

[Judy]

Sandy Fussell is an impressive children's writer with a unique voice. This story is quite brutal in its historical context, but it's still full of Fussell's characteristic warmth and hopefulness, and characters you grow to understand and feel for. The physical and spiritual journeys of the Captain through this story are as compelling as those of the younger protagonists.

Kids who love adventure will enjoy the fast pace and high stakes, but this book offers some genuine thoughtfulness as well, instead of re-using a hackneyed adventure / hero formula.

Sensitive or young readers may find its themes disturbing. Although Fussell's writing is always clear and easy to read (and hence it's ideal for a reluctant reader), it's probably best for a mature age 11 upwards.

[Paula]

I didn’t expect much when I got this book from a second hand stall but it sucked me in nevertheless. The story is about a young boy who grew up in slavery to be sacrificed to appease the goods. Turns out the goods need him for a more important job after all. He is tasked be the priest to function as a runner, asking the hostile neighbouring city for help. Along the way he finds friends, his courage, running towards the chance for freedom. Short but interesting read in an unforgiving world of human sacrament, seen through the eyes of a young boy.

“The Gods don’t interpret. They will see what is in your heart. Only men interpret. The priest sighs. And they so often get it wrong.”
P. 130 Jaguar Warrior

[iris]

Good book! Short, yes, but still good. The places aren't thoroughly described as with some authors, yet it felt so vivid and green. The plot was very clever and smooth. Definitely recommended

[Michael Earp]

[Helen Merrick]

not my usual fare .. but I'm being good and doing reading homework in preparation for chairing sessions at the Perth Writer's festival

[Trisha]

action-packed, but full of heart and wisdom.

[Travis Berketa]

Jaguar Warrior reads a lot like Sandy Fussell's Samurai Kids Series, just basically set in a different place and time.