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Rain Fall
I'm not running late like I usually am. Maybe that's why I look in the river, maybe that's why I stop when I see it. A dark-coloured raincoat, the arms spread wide, floating, hood-first down the river.
And then it starts to rain.
Fifteen-year-old Annie needs to get to her basketball match, but the police have cordoned off her road. Is her neighbour, who she grew up with, still alive? What has he done to have the police after him?
A murder investigation brings new people to Annie's wild West Coast town, including a dark-haired boy riding the most amazing horse she has ever seen. But Annie is wary of strangers, especially as her world is beginning to crumble around her. In setting out to discover the truth Annie uncovers secrets that could rip the small community apart.
And then it starts to rain.
Fifteen-year-old Annie needs to get to her basketball match, but the police have cordoned off her road. Is her neighbour, who she grew up with, still alive? What has he done to have the police after him?
A murder investigation brings new people to Annie's wild West Coast town, including a dark-haired boy riding the most amazing horse she has ever seen. But Annie is wary of strangers, especially as her world is beginning to crumble around her. In setting out to discover the truth Annie uncovers secrets that could rip the small community apart.
218 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2018
About the author
Ella West
11 books25 followersMulti-award winning author Ella West lives in New Zealand on a rural property near Dunedin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 16, 2018
★★★☆
In the rural pastures New Zealand, the rain continues to dampen the town. Up on the sodden hill, fifteen year old Annie lives with her parents, her mother a teacher and her father employed by the local coal manufacturing industry, transporting carriages of goal along the New Zealand coastline. The atmospheric radiance of the rural New Zealand is enchanting, the soft pastoral landscape a contrast to the dry, arid southern Australian environment and a wonderful aspect of Rain Fall.
Annie is a demure young woman, she appreciates the isolation of the small town community, content to wander the flourishing landscape upon her chestnut gelding. Jack Robertson is a professional rodeo competitor temporarily relocating with his father, a metropolitan detective investigating a homicide. Upon meeting, Annie and Jack covertly rendezvous at the beach each day and although Annie believes Jack is in a relationship, is romantically involved with the seventeen year old. Their companionship will appeal to early adolescent and mature, middle grade readers but unfortunately, the homicidal mystery surrounding Annie's neighbour is unnecessary and to the detriment of character development.
The town of Westport relies upon the coal industry to create employment and with the introduction of clean, renewable energy, retrenchment seems inevitable for the hundreds of families across the region. Including Annie's father. Environmental impact is an issue rarely broached in young adult literature but an incredibly important narrative. Although personally I believe governments should invest in clean, renewable energy sources, I understand the devastating socioeconomic ramifications on families employed by the industry.
Small town chronicles in themselves are wonderful narratives. The characters, the atmosphere and adolescents discovering their environment. Unfortunately the narrative to Rain Fall although enjoyable, is overambitious. Never underestimate the quiet, small town story.
In the rural pastures New Zealand, the rain continues to dampen the town. Up on the sodden hill, fifteen year old Annie lives with her parents, her mother a teacher and her father employed by the local coal manufacturing industry, transporting carriages of goal along the New Zealand coastline. The atmospheric radiance of the rural New Zealand is enchanting, the soft pastoral landscape a contrast to the dry, arid southern Australian environment and a wonderful aspect of Rain Fall.
Annie is a demure young woman, she appreciates the isolation of the small town community, content to wander the flourishing landscape upon her chestnut gelding. Jack Robertson is a professional rodeo competitor temporarily relocating with his father, a metropolitan detective investigating a homicide. Upon meeting, Annie and Jack covertly rendezvous at the beach each day and although Annie believes Jack is in a relationship, is romantically involved with the seventeen year old. Their companionship will appeal to early adolescent and mature, middle grade readers but unfortunately, the homicidal mystery surrounding Annie's neighbour is unnecessary and to the detriment of character development.
The town of Westport relies upon the coal industry to create employment and with the introduction of clean, renewable energy, retrenchment seems inevitable for the hundreds of families across the region. Including Annie's father. Environmental impact is an issue rarely broached in young adult literature but an incredibly important narrative. Although personally I believe governments should invest in clean, renewable energy sources, I understand the devastating socioeconomic ramifications on families employed by the industry.
Small town chronicles in themselves are wonderful narratives. The characters, the atmosphere and adolescents discovering their environment. Unfortunately the narrative to Rain Fall although enjoyable, is overambitious. Never underestimate the quiet, small town story.
January 9, 2018
This book was a really disjointed read for me and I can’t rate it any higher than one star at the very most because I just didn't enjoy it or find any interest in the storyline. The plot points skipped from one to another in a moment and then it would just drop one thing being worked on to start off a new plot so I was left wondering why we were meant to care so much about the previous thing in the first place anyway!
I also had a hard time caring about the characters because there wasn’t much time spent on developing them individually so I didn’t have anything to grasp onto as to why they had the motivation they did or what they really wanted. To me it was more like the story was just being quickly told to the reader rather than explaining and painting a picture like you want most stories to go. Nothing was really explained including the motives for most of the characters which was really frustrating.
Another issue I had was that personally, I'm not sorry for the mines closing because I'm not at all in favour of coal over energy that doesn't hurt the planet that our families and generations after us still have to survive on just because the people currently alive can have an easier, more profitable life. That’s just my own honest opinion though because I could tell the author really wanted to get the point across that mines closing were BAD and the “greenies” were stupid so it came off incredibly preachy to me in that way.
Overall, this book was not for me. The writing came across as broken and seemingly hastily glued together and the storyline didn't resonate with me. It was interesting to read about a book set in New Zealand in a small town but I don't think it really hit anything great so it needed more work. I’m sure people living in small towns or someone would find this story much more interesting but for me, it just didn’t capture anything in my interest and I wouldn’t recommend it to YA readers.
(Thank you to Allen & Unwin for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I also had a hard time caring about the characters because there wasn’t much time spent on developing them individually so I didn’t have anything to grasp onto as to why they had the motivation they did or what they really wanted. To me it was more like the story was just being quickly told to the reader rather than explaining and painting a picture like you want most stories to go. Nothing was really explained including the motives for most of the characters which was really frustrating.
Another issue I had was that personally, I'm not sorry for the mines closing because I'm not at all in favour of coal over energy that doesn't hurt the planet that our families and generations after us still have to survive on just because the people currently alive can have an easier, more profitable life. That’s just my own honest opinion though because I could tell the author really wanted to get the point across that mines closing were BAD and the “greenies” were stupid so it came off incredibly preachy to me in that way.
Overall, this book was not for me. The writing came across as broken and seemingly hastily glued together and the storyline didn't resonate with me. It was interesting to read about a book set in New Zealand in a small town but I don't think it really hit anything great so it needed more work. I’m sure people living in small towns or someone would find this story much more interesting but for me, it just didn’t capture anything in my interest and I wouldn’t recommend it to YA readers.
(Thank you to Allen & Unwin for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
January 8, 2018
I received a finished copy of this novel from Allen & Unwin in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
I really really loved this book. Contemporary reads for me (a huge fantasy lover) can be a bit hit and miss, but I absolutely loved Rain Fall. Rain Fall is told from the perspective of our main protagonist Annie, a fifteen-year-old living in a small West Coast town in New Zealand.
Rain Fall is filled mystery, a murder, a disappearance and other mysterious events and characters that instantly draw the reader into the book. It touches on environmental issues, the devastation people face from loss of livelihood in a small town and of course there is romance.
The scenes within the book describe the picturesque New Zealand countryside and go into great detail so the reader can envision exactly where Annie and the other characters are. Aside from the ridiculous amount of rain, it sounds quite breath taking.
It took me a few chapters to get used to Annie, at first I thought oh no a fifteen-year-old protagonist, but West’s writing shortly shut me up. I really connected with Annie, she is a quiet girl who is content to be on her own, she doesn’t need to surround herself with a bunch of people. I really enjoyed reading Annie and Jack’s friendship/relationship and seeing it grow – they bonded over their love of horses and had some really cute moments that left me smiling.
Rain Fall is a short novel, 224pages and to me that was perfect (although I would love more Jack and Annie scenes haha). The plot was quite easy to follow; it was constantly at the forefront of my mind throughout the novel and kept me intrigued all the way to the end.
Overall a really enjoyable mystery, romance YA novel set in beautiful New Zealand. I can’t wait to read more of Ella West’s novels.
I really really loved this book. Contemporary reads for me (a huge fantasy lover) can be a bit hit and miss, but I absolutely loved Rain Fall. Rain Fall is told from the perspective of our main protagonist Annie, a fifteen-year-old living in a small West Coast town in New Zealand.
Rain Fall is filled mystery, a murder, a disappearance and other mysterious events and characters that instantly draw the reader into the book. It touches on environmental issues, the devastation people face from loss of livelihood in a small town and of course there is romance.
The scenes within the book describe the picturesque New Zealand countryside and go into great detail so the reader can envision exactly where Annie and the other characters are. Aside from the ridiculous amount of rain, it sounds quite breath taking.
It took me a few chapters to get used to Annie, at first I thought oh no a fifteen-year-old protagonist, but West’s writing shortly shut me up. I really connected with Annie, she is a quiet girl who is content to be on her own, she doesn’t need to surround herself with a bunch of people. I really enjoyed reading Annie and Jack’s friendship/relationship and seeing it grow – they bonded over their love of horses and had some really cute moments that left me smiling.
Rain Fall is a short novel, 224pages and to me that was perfect (although I would love more Jack and Annie scenes haha). The plot was quite easy to follow; it was constantly at the forefront of my mind throughout the novel and kept me intrigued all the way to the end.
Overall a really enjoyable mystery, romance YA novel set in beautiful New Zealand. I can’t wait to read more of Ella West’s novels.
September 3, 2019
I enjoy reading stories set in NZ and this describes the West Coast very clearly. I liked how the author unveiled the story a little bit at a time. Action, secrets and romance.
February 18, 2020
Hands up those of us raised on a reading diet of Trixie Belden and the Famous Five, who sneakily always wondered why nothing "interesting" ever happened at home. RAIN FALL is a young adult novel set in rural, green, lush New Zealand, in a place that did seem strikingly similar to the green hills of England.
Annie lives with her parents in the small, isolated community, a horse obsessed teenager, who loves her glorious Chestnut gelding. When she meets young professional rodeo rider Jack Robertson, a romantic attachment starts to build, complicated by the fact that Jack's in town temporarily because his father is investigating the suspected homicide of Annie's neighbour.
The novel is an interesting undertaking - part teenage romance, part social flux and part murder mystery. Teenage romance as outlined above, social flux because the area is basically a coal town, Annie's father works in the industry and the push from society to move away from coal energy means that the ever present threat of retrenchment and lifestyle upheaval hangs over the town. And then there's the mysterious death of the neighbour that Annie grew up with.
The balance between society in flux and the murder at the heart of the town is nicely achieved in this novel, helped by very authentic characters and a good plot that doesn't dwell on the soppy or the icky too much at any point. The portrait of a town struggling with massive social change is particularly well executed, using the observations of a young girl trying to come to turns with so much change as the viewing port for everything. It's overwhelming, and yet educational, it's confusing and so often crystal clear.
Nicely done, without veering into the thriller territory suggested by the blurb, this is perhaps on the slightly lighter side than you'd expect from the subject matter. Subject matter that perhaps isn't as indepth and "sciency" as you'd like when you're four times the age of the intended market and more than a bit twitchy about climate science denial. But that's not the point, and you can definitely see RAIN FALL appealing enormously to young readers from the horse obsessed group in particular.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Annie lives with her parents in the small, isolated community, a horse obsessed teenager, who loves her glorious Chestnut gelding. When she meets young professional rodeo rider Jack Robertson, a romantic attachment starts to build, complicated by the fact that Jack's in town temporarily because his father is investigating the suspected homicide of Annie's neighbour.
The novel is an interesting undertaking - part teenage romance, part social flux and part murder mystery. Teenage romance as outlined above, social flux because the area is basically a coal town, Annie's father works in the industry and the push from society to move away from coal energy means that the ever present threat of retrenchment and lifestyle upheaval hangs over the town. And then there's the mysterious death of the neighbour that Annie grew up with.
The balance between society in flux and the murder at the heart of the town is nicely achieved in this novel, helped by very authentic characters and a good plot that doesn't dwell on the soppy or the icky too much at any point. The portrait of a town struggling with massive social change is particularly well executed, using the observations of a young girl trying to come to turns with so much change as the viewing port for everything. It's overwhelming, and yet educational, it's confusing and so often crystal clear.
Nicely done, without veering into the thriller territory suggested by the blurb, this is perhaps on the slightly lighter side than you'd expect from the subject matter. Subject matter that perhaps isn't as indepth and "sciency" as you'd like when you're four times the age of the intended market and more than a bit twitchy about climate science denial. But that's not the point, and you can definitely see RAIN FALL appealing enormously to young readers from the horse obsessed group in particular.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
February 19, 2018
What a beautiful brooding story. I am particularly fond of the rainy west coast. My mum grew up in Greymouth and every Christmas, Easter and winter school holidays was spent there. I can smell the coal in the air just reading it, feel that spongy damp grass more like moss beneath my feet. My grandfather and uncle were coal miners and we often explored the Brunner and Strongman mines. Lots of family photos with the cuzzies lined up against coal boxes and whatnot. I love the description of small town life and the sense of community and looking out for your neighbour (even when they blow up their house.)
I really enjoyed the wonderful sense of personality given to the horses. I loved Blue! Those were my favourite parts.
The romance is delightful. Fancy cowboy comes to town, Annie feels her small town provincial life by contrast but makes no apologies. She’s independent and knows her own mind. Her guardedness is relatable and refreshing. She isn’t interested in trying to impress this guy despite finding herself drawn to his openness and confidence.
I love West’s writing, so restrained and beautifully crafted. A most worthy read.
I really enjoyed the wonderful sense of personality given to the horses. I loved Blue! Those were my favourite parts.
The romance is delightful. Fancy cowboy comes to town, Annie feels her small town provincial life by contrast but makes no apologies. She’s independent and knows her own mind. Her guardedness is relatable and refreshing. She isn’t interested in trying to impress this guy despite finding herself drawn to his openness and confidence.
I love West’s writing, so restrained and beautifully crafted. A most worthy read.
January 19, 2019
This contemporary story of a community in crisis, and the repercussions that change the trajectory of fifteen year old Annie's life is tightly written and has an interesting voice. It's a gripping tale in a richly realised, atmospheric setting, and there is romance in tandem with the thriller narrative. I would have loved the book to be a little longer and was surprised by some of the discussions around topics like coal mining and rodeo riding, but on the whole I found it an enjoyable read.
September 3, 2018
Review to come.
April 22, 2018
So anyway, I read this so you won't have to. That cover, that cover! Sucked me right in. I hope you never find yourself trapped in the same rainstorm.
Horses, rain, the New Zealand wild west coast. What could possibly go wrong? Rain, for one. Why do these people even go outside? And Blue lives in that rain. He isn't a horse, he's a kelpie.
Would you like some insta-love with your rain? Here you go, and guess what - he's a bronco riding rodeo cowboy!? If he says "I love you" one more time, I will personally drown him in the Orowaiti River.
When I came upon the aint-mining-great-propaganda. Fuck that to hell and back. And your Author's Note Ella West, I care more about the planet that gives me life.
That war is Climate Change. And Annie honey, it's not the middle, we're just getting started. From here on in, things will only get worse. Westporters, have your sandbags ready for higher flood events every year. Hell, Westport might be underwater year round.
Note to Annie & her author:
That clean coal is used to make steel from iron ore that's open cut mined from formerly pristine land, much of it in WA. Our EPA doesn't care what endangered ecological communities or DRF plant species are descimated in the process. We can grow a few of those DRF species. Who cares about the ecosystems, right?
I don't quite know how I finished, but it's only 200p. so I forced myself wade through the mud.
The murder mystery is boring as a drizzly day, until
Seriously, don't bother. The stars are for Blue and Tassie. The story is shit in a bale of rain-soaked hay.
Horses, rain, the New Zealand wild west coast. What could possibly go wrong? Rain, for one. Why do these people even go outside? And Blue lives in that rain. He isn't a horse, he's a kelpie.
Would you like some insta-love with your rain? Here you go, and guess what - he's a bronco riding rodeo cowboy!? If he says "I love you" one more time, I will personally drown him in the Orowaiti River.
When I came upon the aint-mining-great-propaganda. Fuck that to hell and back. And your Author's Note Ella West, I care more about the planet that gives me life.
"I don't understand it. Coalmining and logging means jobs, lots of jobs, and if there's anything the West Coast needs right now it's jobs. Sometimes it feels as if we're in the middle of a war."
That war is Climate Change. And Annie honey, it's not the middle, we're just getting started. From here on in, things will only get worse. Westporters, have your sandbags ready for higher flood events every year. Hell, Westport might be underwater year round.
Note to Annie & her author:
That clean coal is used to make steel from iron ore that's open cut mined from formerly pristine land, much of it in WA. Our EPA doesn't care what endangered ecological communities or DRF plant species are descimated in the process. We can grow a few of those DRF species. Who cares about the ecosystems, right?
I don't quite know how I finished, but it's only 200p. so I forced myself wade through the mud.
The murder mystery is boring as a drizzly day, until
Seriously, don't bother. The stars are for Blue and Tassie. The story is shit in a bale of rain-soaked hay.
December 22, 2018
Age - 12+
Annie lives in a small town called Westport (west coast, Sth Island, NZ). Westport has endless rain, struggling coal mines and small town gossip. When Annie's neighbour's house is surrounded by armed defenders, it is the most exciting thing that's happened for a while.
Annie doesn't believe her neighbour Pete did any of the things they say he did. He's always been friendly and quiet. But he's gone missing and the longer he's gone, the more suspicious he looks.
A police detective from the city arrives from Christchurch for the case, and his son Jack has come with him. Jack loves horses as much as Annie, and they meet by chance on the beach in the rain. More horse rides on the deserted beach build something between them. But surely it's just for fun?
Annie's comfortable life is turning on its head. There's Jack and his smile, the local coalmine upsetting whole families by laying off staff, and Pete still on the run. Will things ever be back to normal?
I felt I was right there in Westport with the rain and the worries Annie and her family faced. I learnt about the dwindling coal mining industry and the upheaval it caused, and also a little about the mining disasters that have occurred there over the years. Rich with horse lore, animal lovers will enjoy this story. The mystery woven throughout the narrative will keep you guessing.
Annie lives in a small town called Westport (west coast, Sth Island, NZ). Westport has endless rain, struggling coal mines and small town gossip. When Annie's neighbour's house is surrounded by armed defenders, it is the most exciting thing that's happened for a while.
Annie doesn't believe her neighbour Pete did any of the things they say he did. He's always been friendly and quiet. But he's gone missing and the longer he's gone, the more suspicious he looks.
A police detective from the city arrives from Christchurch for the case, and his son Jack has come with him. Jack loves horses as much as Annie, and they meet by chance on the beach in the rain. More horse rides on the deserted beach build something between them. But surely it's just for fun?
Annie's comfortable life is turning on its head. There's Jack and his smile, the local coalmine upsetting whole families by laying off staff, and Pete still on the run. Will things ever be back to normal?
I felt I was right there in Westport with the rain and the worries Annie and her family faced. I learnt about the dwindling coal mining industry and the upheaval it caused, and also a little about the mining disasters that have occurred there over the years. Rich with horse lore, animal lovers will enjoy this story. The mystery woven throughout the narrative will keep you guessing.
January 25, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book, but I was a bit disappointed about the ending as nothing really happened and I feel like you were cut a bit short of the ending, other than that I loved it and would definitely recommend to friends. Here is a little summary about it enjoy...
I'm not running late like I usually am. Maybe that's why I look in the river, maybe that's why I stop when I see it. A dark-coloured raincoat, the arms spread wide, floating, hood-first down the river.
And then it starts to rain.
Fifteen-year-old Annie needs to get to her basketball match, but the police have cordoned off her road. Is her neighbor, who she grew up with, still alive? What has he done to have the police after him?
A murder investigation brings new people to Annie's wild West Coast town, including a dark-haired boy riding the most amazing horse she has ever seen. But Annie is wary of strangers, especially as her world is beginning to crumble around her. In setting out to discover the truth Annie uncovers secrets that could rip the small community apart.
I'm not running late like I usually am. Maybe that's why I look in the river, maybe that's why I stop when I see it. A dark-coloured raincoat, the arms spread wide, floating, hood-first down the river.
And then it starts to rain.
Fifteen-year-old Annie needs to get to her basketball match, but the police have cordoned off her road. Is her neighbor, who she grew up with, still alive? What has he done to have the police after him?
A murder investigation brings new people to Annie's wild West Coast town, including a dark-haired boy riding the most amazing horse she has ever seen. But Annie is wary of strangers, especially as her world is beginning to crumble around her. In setting out to discover the truth Annie uncovers secrets that could rip the small community apart.
March 10, 2018
I gave this book three stars because of the following.
1. The book didn’t seem to have much emotion.
We never got to read much about Annie’s emotion. That did put me off a bit because it’s hard to imagine the situation and how she’s feeling towards it.
2. The dialogue seemed contradictory
Occasionally when Annie’s mum asks her a question like, “how is blue” and Annie would just say’ “he’s alright” and then her mum would say she worries too much about the horse. I mean that confused me a little because she was the one who asked the question.
3. Annie assumed he had a girlfriend and didn’t even confront him about it.
This frustrated me a little because Annie assumed Stella was his girlfriend. She did not confront him about it and that put me off a bit. I mean it felt like she was thinking about it ALL THE TIME and it was just repetitive.
What I did like about this book was that the setting and all the landscapes were well detailed.
However apart from the previous opinions I did enjoy this book and it’s great for people who are looking for a quick, easy and light read.
1. The book didn’t seem to have much emotion.
We never got to read much about Annie’s emotion. That did put me off a bit because it’s hard to imagine the situation and how she’s feeling towards it.
2. The dialogue seemed contradictory
Occasionally when Annie’s mum asks her a question like, “how is blue” and Annie would just say’ “he’s alright” and then her mum would say she worries too much about the horse. I mean that confused me a little because she was the one who asked the question.
3. Annie assumed he had a girlfriend and didn’t even confront him about it.
This frustrated me a little because Annie assumed Stella was his girlfriend. She did not confront him about it and that put me off a bit. I mean it felt like she was thinking about it ALL THE TIME and it was just repetitive.
What I did like about this book was that the setting and all the landscapes were well detailed.
However apart from the previous opinions I did enjoy this book and it’s great for people who are looking for a quick, easy and light read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 23, 2021Since I’m planning to be a high school English teacher, I thought it would be good to see what high schoolers are reading. I found a list of 186 books recommended by the NZ Society of Authors for secondary students and will work my way through it.
This one was first up. Annie is 15 and living in small town NZ. She loves her horse and playing basketball. There’s a new boy in town, total dreamboat, they kiss. Awww.
There’s a murder! Annie and her boyfriend are on the case.
The plot twists were a bit predictable but I guess this is for kids, so I can’t judge too harshly.
This one was first up. Annie is 15 and living in small town NZ. She loves her horse and playing basketball. There’s a new boy in town, total dreamboat, they kiss. Awww.
There’s a murder! Annie and her boyfriend are on the case.
The plot twists were a bit predictable but I guess this is for kids, so I can’t judge too harshly.
October 28, 2018
Experience the wet West Coast from the comfort of your armchair. The rain is the central theme of this book, and small town life too. Westport life has revolved around the mines for many years, however things are changing and so must the people. Ella West tells a story that is easy to read and has a great romance too. There are some plot holes, but overall she manages to convey what the wet, wet Coast is like for a teen.
Recommended to Y9/10 (12-15yrs) who enjoy adventure and a little romance.
Recommended to Y9/10 (12-15yrs) who enjoy adventure and a little romance.
August 1, 2019
I loved this book all because of the ending.
At first when I looked at the cover I was like Murder.....love it already.
Then I started reading it that was when I gave it 31/2 stars but then the ending came and I was like OOF yaaaaaaassssss because that was when the whole story tied in and I got all excited cause of Murder......am I being a lil crazy about murder?..... Nah. With out a doubt 5 stars:)
At first when I looked at the cover I was like Murder.....love it already.
Then I started reading it that was when I gave it 31/2 stars but then the ending came and I was like OOF yaaaaaaassssss because that was when the whole story tied in and I got all excited cause of Murder......am I being a lil crazy about murder?..... Nah. With out a doubt 5 stars:)
July 11, 2018
4.7 stars
December 24, 2022
It is enjoyable to read a book written for young adults as it makes you feel young again. Enjoyed the setting of the west coast of New Zealand. An enjoyable book written by my cousin!
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August 4, 2021A tightly-plotted little noir drenched in kiwiana and gentle humour. Ella West captures the vulnerability of characters and town with sparse prose and punchy imagery. Highly recommend.
May 29, 2018
NZ author, set in Westport, a crime to solve, add a dose of 'cowboy hunk' on a horse and it's every 'horsey' girls dream story. Protagonist is 15 (nearly 16 - you can almost see the eye roll), hunk is 17.
April 9, 2018
A good book for tweens, horses, a little bit of romance, a little bit of mystery. Not the gripping thriller promised by the publishers blurb though.
June 18, 2018
Nice to read the rare kiwi YA book. Well written and interesting.
December 23, 2019
I was never a big contemporary fan and I think this book reminded me why that was. I recently tried contemporary and found Kast West and completely fell in love. So I thought I would try more and explore more types of books. But for some reason, I can't seem to do books like this. Maybe it was just this book but it was a little bland I think. I mean it was decent and was an easy quick read but it never really hooked me. Like I didn't get stuck in the mystery and figuring out what was going on nor did I really care about Jack or Annie. In fact, I think I liked the horses better Blue and Tassie were such moods. There was just not a lot going on and though it wasn't slow as some fiction books are it was just a little bland. And talk about instant love!!! I think that's what made me give this book such a low rating because it annoyed me so bad. Two days! It was two days and this boy who never had a girlfriend before decided he loved this random chick he had seen on the beach only twice. So he started kissing her and she just let it happen like nothing was wrong though she thought he already had a girlfriend! I get it she's fifteen and it's overwhelming or whatever but does she not have any morals. Nothing that says I have known this guy for two days why am I letting him kiss me? I feel like the only reason she let it happen was that he was a famous horse rider or whatever. I don't know the romance just annoyed me. Very very much so. Though I did admire the book for that ending when for once the guy didn't save the day and in fact, both were scared out their wits him more so than her. I wish it ended with death just to spice things up but I think that's just me.
February 27, 2020
Why are so many books advertised as thrillers when they’re not? Totally bugs me. Anyway, moving along...the blurb says it’s about about a murder investigation in small-town New Zealand. And it is. Sort of. But even so, the book somehow manages to be really slow going all the way through. Then just when you think it might pick up at the end, it’s wildly anti-climatic. It’s very obvious what is going to happen. It’s not a terrible book by any means, but it just didn’t excite me. I never felt like the protagonist was in any danger, and the supporting characters were under-developed and predictable. The most well-written character in the whole book was actually the horse. It also seemed like the plot was secondary to the author’s portrayal of small-town mentality. And while I liked reading familiar place names as I’m sure many others did, and appreciated the use of te reo Māori here and there, it wasn’t exactly utilising its New Zealand setting to the fullest. The highlight of the book for me were the references to New Zealand’s history, specifically the mining industry. These parts were well-researched, if a little one-sided in their views, and definitely provided some important food for thought. Ultimately though, I’m entirely unsure who this book was written for. It switched from childish views and narrative (enter the forced insta-love romance with the new boy in town who is a cardboard cutout of a bronc rider) to older, more mature themes (criminals, murder, unemployment. And on that note, what fifteen year-old knows or thinks about property rates and power bills?) Not what I was expecting whatsoever.
March 16, 2018
I’ve just gobbled up Ella West’s latest book, Rain Fall. It’s one of the most atmospheric NZ children’s novels I’ve read, with a tense, edge-of-your-seat plot.
Set in one of my favourite parts of our beautiful country, the wild, wet West Coast of the South Island, Rain Fall follows Annie and the murder investigation she finds herself caught up in. When her neighbour’s house explodes and he disappears Annie knows that something isn’t quite right. She learns that Pete was mixed up with the wrong people and he may be alive and hiding out somewhere close. While looking for Pete she meets an intriguing new boy, Jack, and she finds herself falling for him. Unfortunately Jack’s dad is the Police investigator who is in town trying to uncover the truth about Pete. While trying to work out her feelings for Jack and looking for Pete, Annie is also coming to terms with the fact that she might have to leave this life behind if her dad loses his job as a train driver for the mine. Soon Annie finds herself deep in danger.
Ella West kept me hanging on her every word and needing to get to the final page to find out how it would end. I loved the feeling that you were really there in Westport where it rarely stops raining. The setting really adds to the tone of the story.
Rain Fall is perfect for readers aged 12+ who want a fast-paced story. I will be recommending it to my Stacey Gregg fans because of the horsey elements of the story. It would be a great read aloud for Years 7 and 8 too.
Set in one of my favourite parts of our beautiful country, the wild, wet West Coast of the South Island, Rain Fall follows Annie and the murder investigation she finds herself caught up in. When her neighbour’s house explodes and he disappears Annie knows that something isn’t quite right. She learns that Pete was mixed up with the wrong people and he may be alive and hiding out somewhere close. While looking for Pete she meets an intriguing new boy, Jack, and she finds herself falling for him. Unfortunately Jack’s dad is the Police investigator who is in town trying to uncover the truth about Pete. While trying to work out her feelings for Jack and looking for Pete, Annie is also coming to terms with the fact that she might have to leave this life behind if her dad loses his job as a train driver for the mine. Soon Annie finds herself deep in danger.
Ella West kept me hanging on her every word and needing to get to the final page to find out how it would end. I loved the feeling that you were really there in Westport where it rarely stops raining. The setting really adds to the tone of the story.
Rain Fall is perfect for readers aged 12+ who want a fast-paced story. I will be recommending it to my Stacey Gregg fans because of the horsey elements of the story. It would be a great read aloud for Years 7 and 8 too.
May 9, 2018
Oh my goodness! I just finished Rain Fall after receiving a copy from Allen & Unwin publishers. I am a high school librarian and this is a fantastic young adult/teen read by an excellent descriptive author.
There is crime, romance, teen angst, relationships, danger and adventure. What more could you want from a teenage novel?
I know more about the New Zealand West Coast than I have ever learnt in the past. I know a little bit more about coal history on the West Coast, horses, horse riding and rodeo events. Annie (15 years old) was a great female protagonist. And of course ... it rains on the West Coast. Never surprises anyone watching the weather forecast but to read about it (and the writing skills of this author had me envisioning every scene and setting) was enlightening.
I talked to a 12 year old who read it yesterday and she was still buzzing about the book a week later. I will get more copies for our shelves, just as I did with Ella West's last book 'Night Vision'.
I am a NZ high school librarian and am passing this on to the English department and getting them to read it as well .... it should be a class reader throughout our school system.
I feel like I have to explain why not 5 stars. I would of given 4 1/2 but can't figure out how. Anyway as an adult I wanted to shake Annie by the shoulders a couple of times and say 'what are you thinking' so that's just old me! :) I'm wondering if Ella intends writing an adult novel ... I hope so. I will be buying it!
There is crime, romance, teen angst, relationships, danger and adventure. What more could you want from a teenage novel?
I know more about the New Zealand West Coast than I have ever learnt in the past. I know a little bit more about coal history on the West Coast, horses, horse riding and rodeo events. Annie (15 years old) was a great female protagonist. And of course ... it rains on the West Coast. Never surprises anyone watching the weather forecast but to read about it (and the writing skills of this author had me envisioning every scene and setting) was enlightening.
I talked to a 12 year old who read it yesterday and she was still buzzing about the book a week later. I will get more copies for our shelves, just as I did with Ella West's last book 'Night Vision'.
I am a NZ high school librarian and am passing this on to the English department and getting them to read it as well .... it should be a class reader throughout our school system.
I feel like I have to explain why not 5 stars. I would of given 4 1/2 but can't figure out how. Anyway as an adult I wanted to shake Annie by the shoulders a couple of times and say 'what are you thinking' so that's just old me! :) I'm wondering if Ella intends writing an adult novel ... I hope so. I will be buying it!
July 27, 2018
I read this book after hearing the author read some of the first pages at a local event. I was keen to read some New Zealand fiction and learn about the ways we call rain. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It went quickly, had strong voice, and taught me about a town and an industry I don’t know much about. I found the relationship between the two main characters a bit unbelievable, especially towards the end- why would she spend so much time with him happy to be the side chick? And why would he be fine dating someone who was so casual about infidelity? That was off putting for me, as were the criticism of “greenies.” I can understand presenting another perspective to the mining industry and that the workers aren’t all the bad guys, which is how I tried to take it, but still, it was off putting in how one dimensional it was. The pacing also fell off and the narrative just generally lost me at the end, which is why the book is only three stars for me. It was a decent quick read though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2018
Yeah, this book was pretty good.
Annie, the main character was good. But I didn't understand a few of the things that she did. Why did she ignore/lie to her friend? Why did she just ASSUME that Jack had a girlfriend? Why did she not notice first off that the raincoat was odd *I won't give away any spoilers*. Why is she just defending her neighbour for no good reason other than trust? And why is it 99.999999999% of the time ALWAYS RAINING?
I'm making this book sound bad. But I actually really enjoyed it. Like REALLY enjoyed it Once I picked it up, I didn't want it put it down. So that was good.
The characters were all nice, normal people and I liked that about the story. I also liked the fact that it was set in good old New Zealand. There was some good description, a good plot, and a tiny bit of romance.
It's a good book :)
Annie, the main character was good. But I didn't understand a few of the things that she did. Why did she ignore/lie to her friend? Why did she just ASSUME that Jack had a girlfriend? Why did she not notice first off that the raincoat was odd *I won't give away any spoilers*. Why is she just defending her neighbour for no good reason other than trust? And why is it 99.999999999% of the time ALWAYS RAINING?
I'm making this book sound bad. But I actually really enjoyed it. Like REALLY enjoyed it Once I picked it up, I didn't want it put it down. So that was good.
The characters were all nice, normal people and I liked that about the story. I also liked the fact that it was set in good old New Zealand. There was some good description, a good plot, and a tiny bit of romance.
It's a good book :)
May 10, 2018
Do you like horses? Read this book.
Do you like New Zealand? Read this book.
Do you like coal mines? Read this book.
I read this book and I don't particularly like any of those things. This book tries too much to do too much. Girl rides horse on beach, girl meets random boy riding his horse on beach. They fall in love. Seriously- out of nowhere they begin saying "I love you" even though it's only been like a week. They somehow get involved in a mystery explosion, gun shoot out all while Dad's losing his job because the coal mines are shutting down. Great pace at the end when all the adventure happens, but it comes out of nowhere and really isn't believable because there was no sustained lead up. Pace has to do just that- be paced!. Good to read to pick up on the quirky little things that are different in NZ than in AUS. Did you know they call horse rugs "covers"? I didn't.
Do you like New Zealand? Read this book.
Do you like coal mines? Read this book.
I read this book and I don't particularly like any of those things. This book tries too much to do too much. Girl rides horse on beach, girl meets random boy riding his horse on beach. They fall in love. Seriously- out of nowhere they begin saying "I love you" even though it's only been like a week. They somehow get involved in a mystery explosion, gun shoot out all while Dad's losing his job because the coal mines are shutting down. Great pace at the end when all the adventure happens, but it comes out of nowhere and really isn't believable because there was no sustained lead up. Pace has to do just that- be paced!. Good to read to pick up on the quirky little things that are different in NZ than in AUS. Did you know they call horse rugs "covers"? I didn't.
January 4, 2021
This story reads at a good pace - I can see why it was chosen for New Zealand Read Aloud some years ago in 2018! It concentrates on a murder mystery, but also a young and new relationship as well as the knock on effects on the controversial issue of closing coal mines in small townships that rely on them due to dwindling demand. There are references not only to closures but dangerous historical incidents: "Brunner, Dobson, Strongman, Pike River - these are the ghosts that walk among us." There's a small mention of logging helicopters, too. There's humor and likeable minor characters among descriptions of West Coast terrain which I believe to be authentic. The themes include: actions have consequences, avoid jumping to conclusions, loyalty, compassion, risk, job uncertainty, small town mentality, sustainability, and the legitimacy of the future of coalmining.
June 15, 2019
Great YA fiction with an Edge
I have resolved to read the whole longlist for the Ngaio Marsh awards 2019 and this was the second book. I'm not familiar enough with the young adult genre but think it may be a little young for my nearly 15 year old mokopuna. I loved the writing style, I felt like I was riding Blue myself. I really liked the backdrop theme of the economic decline on the Coast, it's quite hard to tell kids about this stuff. I've visited the mass grave at Stillwater. Such a light approachable way to carry such heavy themes. And a crime mystery to boot!
I was also happy to discover the writer is from Dunedin. Best of luck for the Awards.
I have resolved to read the whole longlist for the Ngaio Marsh awards 2019 and this was the second book. I'm not familiar enough with the young adult genre but think it may be a little young for my nearly 15 year old mokopuna. I loved the writing style, I felt like I was riding Blue myself. I really liked the backdrop theme of the economic decline on the Coast, it's quite hard to tell kids about this stuff. I've visited the mass grave at Stillwater. Such a light approachable way to carry such heavy themes. And a crime mystery to boot!
I was also happy to discover the writer is from Dunedin. Best of luck for the Awards.
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