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Talon: A Jack Rawson Saga
If you like animals, magic, mystery and a little mayhem you will love this book.
Jack Rawson has an astonishing gift and it is this gift which drags him into the dark and dangerous world of cults, treachery and government conspiracies; and it is the same gift he needs to use to save himself, his family and some of the rarest animals on the planet.
Jack and his friends are racing against time to discover what or who is behind the mysterious and alarming events happening all around them, and to save some of the most extraordinary creatures on earth from disappearing forever!
Interested? You can purchase the book on http://www.talon.net.au or the ebook on Amazon ( http://www.amazon.com/Talon-Jack-Raws...)
Jack Rawson has an astonishing gift and it is this gift which drags him into the dark and dangerous world of cults, treachery and government conspiracies; and it is the same gift he needs to use to save himself, his family and some of the rarest animals on the planet.
Jack and his friends are racing against time to discover what or who is behind the mysterious and alarming events happening all around them, and to save some of the most extraordinary creatures on earth from disappearing forever!
Interested? You can purchase the book on http://www.talon.net.au or the ebook on Amazon ( http://www.amazon.com/Talon-Jack-Raws...)
- GenresYoung Adult
438 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
1 person is currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Gerard
2 books9 followersChristopher Gerard grew up in a small farming community on a sheep then dairy farm. He was the second son from a family of six children and had a profound affection for the other creatures that share this world with us; an affection that has never waned.
As a child he was always bringing home animal waifs and strays; the injured or the simply lost, to care for them and once well, to release them back into their natural habitat.
It was commonly thought by his family that he was destined to work with animals; possibly a vet or at the very least, on a farm. However fate and opportunity intervened.
After completing his schooling at a Catholic boarding school he, more through accident than design, and because all his friends were going, went to university and completed a business degree. Now “well educated”, he began a career in business, firstly with a large multinational company and then in a small advertising agency.
Several years later he, with a then colleague and now close friend, started up a small business, and for the last thirty years this has been Christopher’s career.
However he has always written and in 2012 he published his first novel, Talon.
He lives in New South Wales with his wife and their very talkative Chinchilla Persian, Pheobe.
As a child he was always bringing home animal waifs and strays; the injured or the simply lost, to care for them and once well, to release them back into their natural habitat.
It was commonly thought by his family that he was destined to work with animals; possibly a vet or at the very least, on a farm. However fate and opportunity intervened.
After completing his schooling at a Catholic boarding school he, more through accident than design, and because all his friends were going, went to university and completed a business degree. Now “well educated”, he began a career in business, firstly with a large multinational company and then in a small advertising agency.
Several years later he, with a then colleague and now close friend, started up a small business, and for the last thirty years this has been Christopher’s career.
However he has always written and in 2012 he published his first novel, Talon.
He lives in New South Wales with his wife and their very talkative Chinchilla Persian, Pheobe.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 17, 2012
I am not a young adult but I have recently started reading young adult fiction. It all started with Eargon, then The Hunger Games and it just snowed balled. I have just finished another young adult, fantasy novel – Talon. I love the concept of the book: the young protagonist, Jack, has the ability to communicate with animals. The story follows Jack and his band of friends – both human and nonhuman – in a race against time to solve the mystery of endangered animals disappearing in their forest.
I found the book very easy to read and a real page turner. Christopher Gerard, the author, has given the varied creatures in the book, from a Rhodesian ridgeback, a Haast eagle , a Persian Chinchilla cat to a common crow, distinct voices. They are very well written and I have learnt quite a few things about animal abilities!
Understanding how the animals utilise their respective skills to solve problems are some of my favourite parts of the book. However, the humans featured in the book, with the exception of Jack Rawson, are not as clearly defined. It seems that they are simply along for the ride. But that’s a small criticism. Because the ride they are on is an exciting, action packed one!
I finished Talon in 5 days and towards the end it was very action-packed and exciting. I really wanted to find out the ties between the Russian, the government, the Villain named the Master and South American Cults. However, the conclusion came so quickly that it seemed a bit hastily explained. Perhaps I was expecting more as a more mature reader or perhaps, this is how our interest is piqued for the next installment in the series? All in all, I found Talon a really great read and the intriguing animal universe kept me turning the pages.
I found the book very easy to read and a real page turner. Christopher Gerard, the author, has given the varied creatures in the book, from a Rhodesian ridgeback, a Haast eagle , a Persian Chinchilla cat to a common crow, distinct voices. They are very well written and I have learnt quite a few things about animal abilities!
Understanding how the animals utilise their respective skills to solve problems are some of my favourite parts of the book. However, the humans featured in the book, with the exception of Jack Rawson, are not as clearly defined. It seems that they are simply along for the ride. But that’s a small criticism. Because the ride they are on is an exciting, action packed one!
I finished Talon in 5 days and towards the end it was very action-packed and exciting. I really wanted to find out the ties between the Russian, the government, the Villain named the Master and South American Cults. However, the conclusion came so quickly that it seemed a bit hastily explained. Perhaps I was expecting more as a more mature reader or perhaps, this is how our interest is piqued for the next installment in the series? All in all, I found Talon a really great read and the intriguing animal universe kept me turning the pages.
December 24, 2012
I don’t normally like to read new writers – they are not proven and you never know what you are going to get. Recently I was given a fantasy novel – Talon – which also features heavy anthropomorphic themes.
Yes, all alarm bells were going off. But I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised by Christopher Gerard and the wonderful world of animals that he has created.
At the heart of the story is an important tale about animal trafficking (my disclaimer – I love animals). The book however doesn’t come across as preachy at all – it’s clever, smart and genuinely suspenseful. I think by focusing on a few humans and a small band of animals showcasing how they use their abilities to aid the protagonist Jack in unravelling the mystery of animal trafficking, the book is kept fast paced and exciting.
Yes, all alarm bells were going off. But I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised by Christopher Gerard and the wonderful world of animals that he has created.
At the heart of the story is an important tale about animal trafficking (my disclaimer – I love animals). The book however doesn’t come across as preachy at all – it’s clever, smart and genuinely suspenseful. I think by focusing on a few humans and a small band of animals showcasing how they use their abilities to aid the protagonist Jack in unravelling the mystery of animal trafficking, the book is kept fast paced and exciting.
July 18, 2014
I have received this book through the goodreads giveaways.
I wasn’t prepared to be as upset as I was after reading the first chapter. To be honest, I considered putting the book down because I was close to tears. But I continued reading the story and although I thought back to those upsetting parts, I did find the book enjoyable. It is definitely worth a read and once I started reading I did want to find out what happened. I also enjoyed how the writing style wasn’t cluttered. I’ve read other books similar and they’ve had everything happening at once, but this book flowed nicely through 438 pages.
I wasn’t prepared to be as upset as I was after reading the first chapter. To be honest, I considered putting the book down because I was close to tears. But I continued reading the story and although I thought back to those upsetting parts, I did find the book enjoyable. It is definitely worth a read and once I started reading I did want to find out what happened. I also enjoyed how the writing style wasn’t cluttered. I’ve read other books similar and they’ve had everything happening at once, but this book flowed nicely through 438 pages.
January 2, 2013
I really loved Talon. I honestly didn’t expect it to be as good as it was. I loved the way Christopher included, as part of the story, the amazing and genuine abilities of the animals- things like their incredible night vision, extraordinary smelling ability- to save them and the humans from some tricky situations. If you are looking for something different, clever and exciting I can definitely recommend Talon.
Want to read
January 10, 2013Wow what an interesting read this novel was.
For me more than just being enjoyable this book was very educational as I really haven’t spent a lot of time around animals,
I just couldn’t put the book down.
The story is well written and really helps you build a picture of the set in your imagination.
Highly recommend it..
For me more than just being enjoyable this book was very educational as I really haven’t spent a lot of time around animals,
I just couldn’t put the book down.
The story is well written and really helps you build a picture of the set in your imagination.
Highly recommend it..
April 1, 2013
I received this book from Goodreads as a first-reads winner.
Jack Rawson has an amazing gift…he can communicate with animals…the CK’s, but not the NoK’s. Oscar, his massive, but gentle dog, Penelope, his cat, and Will, the grey mouse are all CK’s, along with many birds and other animals. Jack is staying with his Aunt Julia, who knows about Jack’s gift, but is unable to do as he does, and his friend Ben is also visiting. When Jack is brought the news of a vast operation of animal trafficking, where the most rare of birds and animals are being taken from their habitats, Jack decides they must do their best to stop the senseless cruelty.
And so begins the most dangerous, and exhilarating time of their young lives, with Jack, Ben, Aunt Julia and new friend Susan all finding themselves drawn into a conspiracy so vast, so dark, they have no idea who they can trust. A cult which goes back centuries, corrupt people who are in positions of trust, a mysterious tattoo… With the help of Jack’s many animal friends, they manage to stay one step ahead of the danger, and one step closer to saving the rare and beautiful creatures.
But with time running out, and the answer still not complete, will Jack and his friends manage to save themselves, as well as the animals who are depending on him?
A gripping and unique young adult novel, with an unusual topic which worked beautifully. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Jack Rawson, and hope Aussie author Christopher Gerard continues Jack’s story. Highly recommended.
Jack Rawson has an amazing gift…he can communicate with animals…the CK’s, but not the NoK’s. Oscar, his massive, but gentle dog, Penelope, his cat, and Will, the grey mouse are all CK’s, along with many birds and other animals. Jack is staying with his Aunt Julia, who knows about Jack’s gift, but is unable to do as he does, and his friend Ben is also visiting. When Jack is brought the news of a vast operation of animal trafficking, where the most rare of birds and animals are being taken from their habitats, Jack decides they must do their best to stop the senseless cruelty.
And so begins the most dangerous, and exhilarating time of their young lives, with Jack, Ben, Aunt Julia and new friend Susan all finding themselves drawn into a conspiracy so vast, so dark, they have no idea who they can trust. A cult which goes back centuries, corrupt people who are in positions of trust, a mysterious tattoo… With the help of Jack’s many animal friends, they manage to stay one step ahead of the danger, and one step closer to saving the rare and beautiful creatures.
But with time running out, and the answer still not complete, will Jack and his friends manage to save themselves, as well as the animals who are depending on him?
A gripping and unique young adult novel, with an unusual topic which worked beautifully. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Jack Rawson, and hope Aussie author Christopher Gerard continues Jack’s story. Highly recommended.
March 17, 2013
Talon tells the story of Jack Rawson, a young man who can communicate with animals. When his animal friends tell him that endangered animals are disappearing from the forest, he embarks on a quest to discover what is happening to them.
Talon managaes to educate the reader on the evils of animal trafficking, without coming across as preachy or overly dramatic. Instead, it paints a picture of terrified animals torn from their homes and kept confined in inhumane conditions.
Overall, Talon was a very interesting read. Jack and his animal friends have great character and very strong voices (something which the human cast does occasionally lack), the plot is suspenseful and quite well paced. While the ending does feel a little rushed, it still leaves you satisfied.
Definitely a book for those in their teens. Who knows, maybe they'll learn some interesting facts about what animals can do! I know I did.
Book received through First Reads giveaway.
Talon managaes to educate the reader on the evils of animal trafficking, without coming across as preachy or overly dramatic. Instead, it paints a picture of terrified animals torn from their homes and kept confined in inhumane conditions.
Overall, Talon was a very interesting read. Jack and his animal friends have great character and very strong voices (something which the human cast does occasionally lack), the plot is suspenseful and quite well paced. While the ending does feel a little rushed, it still leaves you satisfied.
Definitely a book for those in their teens. Who knows, maybe they'll learn some interesting facts about what animals can do! I know I did.
Book received through First Reads giveaway.
December 6, 2013
This book was really intersting. It opened a whole new and exciting world. Though sometimes I did get a bit confused on whose name belonged to which animal. Sometimes I would have to refer back to early chapters to work out which animal was talking.
The book was filled with suspense. You didn't know what was going to happen next. Sometimes you held your breath in anticipation for what was going to happen. The characters were really intersting whether they be human or animal/bird.
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways for the opportunity to win, own and read this book. I will be reading the other books in the series to find out what other adventurea Jack Rawson and friends from the animal kingdom find themselves in.
The book was filled with suspense. You didn't know what was going to happen next. Sometimes you held your breath in anticipation for what was going to happen. The characters were really intersting whether they be human or animal/bird.
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways for the opportunity to win, own and read this book. I will be reading the other books in the series to find out what other adventurea Jack Rawson and friends from the animal kingdom find themselves in.
March 20, 2013
I read this book as a result of winning a copy on Good Reads.
The first chapter was hard to get through and I wondered if I should continue, any kind of animal cruelty freaks me out so I wasn't sure I would be able to deal with the issues raised. That's not a comment on the writing, just how it made me feel personally.
Yet I kept going because I hate leaving a book. I felt the story was interesting and the concept new and unique. It did tend to over-describe things which slowed down the story a little.
Overall, a good read for anyone who wants something challenging.
The first chapter was hard to get through and I wondered if I should continue, any kind of animal cruelty freaks me out so I wasn't sure I would be able to deal with the issues raised. That's not a comment on the writing, just how it made me feel personally.
Yet I kept going because I hate leaving a book. I felt the story was interesting and the concept new and unique. It did tend to over-describe things which slowed down the story a little.
Overall, a good read for anyone who wants something challenging.
June 5, 2015
NOTE: I RECEIVED THIS BOOK FROM GOODREADS FIRST READS IN RETURN FOR A HONEST REVIEW.
An amazing book which kept me interested the whole way through. People say don't judge a book by its cover and I certainly did thinking it wasn't going to be something I was interested in. I was so wrong. This was a well written book with a great story line and I am so glad I got the chance to read it. The characters all had their own personality whether be human or animals and nothing was really left out.
An amazing book which kept me interested the whole way through. People say don't judge a book by its cover and I certainly did thinking it wasn't going to be something I was interested in. I was so wrong. This was a well written book with a great story line and I am so glad I got the chance to read it. The characters all had their own personality whether be human or animals and nothing was really left out.
August 16, 2014
I received this book as a Goodreads winner. I liked the topic of the book but I felt the writing fell a little short. It felt quite slow paced and not very descriptive. I couldn't get a clear picture of the main character(s) in my mind. I think it would be suited to the younger end of the 'Young Adult' audience it's aimed at.
September 2, 2016
This book is based on a great premise but it is just not written well. The thing that frustrated me most, is I could not tell where it was set!! I may have missed something but I went back over it and still couldn't find any reference to a country.
This is a book that reads as a first draft but has a lot of potential.
This is a book that reads as a first draft but has a lot of potential.
March 26, 2013
I received this book for free from goodreads first reads.
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book at first but before long I was hooked and loving the adventure of it all.
It is a book for animal lovers everywhere. An easy read and recommended.
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book at first but before long I was hooked and loving the adventure of it all.
It is a book for animal lovers everywhere. An easy read and recommended.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews