The Fourteenth Summer of Angus Jack

by Jen Storer, Lucinda Gifford (Illustrator)

Funny, exhilarating and a little bit scary; a bewitching blend of Norse mythology and urban fantasy.

Since moving to Australia with their father, Angus Jack and his sister, Martha, have moved house constantly. They end up living next door to a peculiar old lady called Reafen, who is a second-hand dealer. To Angus and Martha, Reafen seems harmless enough. But who is she really and where did she get all the weird stuff in her shop?

Without his knowledge, Reafen draws Angus into her world; into ancient feuds, Wild Magick and bitter rivalries - into the secret dealings of Vikings and goblins and all those who have lived in the Old Realm.

Funny, exhilarating and a little bit scary; a bewitching blend of Norse mythology and urban fantasy from the award-winning author of TENSY FARLOW AND THE HOME FOR MISLAID CHILDREN.

Ages: 8-11 years

CBCA Notable Book (2016)

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Young Adult

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2015

About the author

Jen Storer grew up in a small country town in the Wimmera. She began her working life as a nurse. In the 1990s she returned to study, graduating from Monash University with first class honours in Literature. She has written many books for children including the best-selling Truly Tan series and the acclaimed gothic fantasy, Tensy Farlow and the Home for Mislaid Children. She lives in Melbourne.

Reviews

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book from one of those secret wrapped up blind date with a book things and it was definitely aimed at a younger audience but I still enjoyed it. Easy and entertaining to read but nothing I was crazy about.

[Maria Parenti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love - the curiosities which enrich this story. How Angus and Ava, the goblin girl from the Old Realm, have special singing stones. The accidental shared worlds’ connection between Martha and Graini from the Old Realm. Why witch Varla is after the Narrare which Angus needs to rescue Martha. His unexpected lineage through his mother. The quiet, deep connection Angus and Ava hold dear of their mother’s memories which they wish their father, the professor would acknowledge in them. Such a lovely interweaving of characters and how they affect each other makes for lots of interesting subplots.

[Megan Higginson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen Storer writes like a dream and is a natural story teller. I love the way she can describe a feeling by not describing it.

'She gets pancakes and maple syrup. We get Frosty Loops and burned toast.' is talking about so much more than breakfast options. And it's effective enough to leave me grumpy after reading it, empathising acutely with feelings of jealousy, grief and abandonment that I would probably have described in much more tedious ways.

Lucinda Gifford's black and white illustrations perfectly illuminate the text with full page scenes brimming with tantalising detail, and small vignettes with an edgy graphic quality.

[Anna Carles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Angus and his sister Martha have been forced to move house AGAIN by their father. They live in a house by the sea, and are spending the summer holidays swimming and snagging free donuts from the Donut Lady. One day a strange old woman takes over the vacant shop next to their house , filling it with antiques, curios, and a whole lot of junk. Mysterious things begin to happen, things the the scientific Angus finds impossible to explain. When his father is kidnapped Angus will have to embrace the world of magic in order to save his life.
The Fourteenth Summer of Angus Jack is a magically creepy adventure story featuring vikings, trolls, enchantment, and piles of junk food. 7/10

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Have currently paused this book as I have had to return it to the library and I am waiting for it to be available to be checked out again.. I have faith that this is a good book. I will try again.

06/11/15 - Picking this back up as I have now gotten it back from the library. Fingers crossed.

08/11/15 - Finally finished it! I'm glad I did finish it but really it wasn't worth it. I just did not like Angus. I did like the boat though and sadly the boat wasn't in the story much.

[Neve E · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fourteenth Summer of Angus Jack is a narrative about 2 kids that move houses all the time with their dad, and this time their father says this is the last time they are moving. Next door is a mysterious old lady that's very interesting and curious. i thought this book had a text to self connection since i also moved houses a lot. i enjoyed this book because it never bored me and had a lot of ups and downs.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun adventure story for 9 up. Full of magic and Norse myths and Australian summer.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable fantasy adventure. Year 5 and above.