What do you think?
Rate this book
Juno #2
Fierce September
Juno and the Taris inhabitants must leave their dying island. The young people look forward to a wider life Outside, but Outside too has its problems. It is two-year-old Hera, with her uncanny ability to foresee events, who saves the Taris people from the injury and death prepared for them by an underground group of protestors.
The people of Taris, though, have no choice but to try to live in this seemingly hostile place. The young people are entranced despite the hate campaign against them: there are the fashions, the technologies and best of all for Juno, the freedom from extreme control. Only days after the group arrives, a pandemic hits the country - this has drastic consequences for Juno and her people.
Once the pandemic is over, life settles down and the question now for Juno is to find her way among the choices open to her, some of which cause her parents to fear she is abandoning the values they hold so dear.
Juno was relieved to put Taris behind her. But Taris doesn't give up its hold so easily - she is shocked to find the island held more secrets than any of them knew. She wants to bury her head, ignore what she's discovered and forge ahead to find her own place in this new world. She falls for Ivan, a young man who seems to understand her, but love is a fey thing. What will become of her?
Juno faces more dangers in the stunning sequel to Juno of Taris.
The people of Taris, though, have no choice but to try to live in this seemingly hostile place. The young people are entranced despite the hate campaign against them: there are the fashions, the technologies and best of all for Juno, the freedom from extreme control. Only days after the group arrives, a pandemic hits the country - this has drastic consequences for Juno and her people.
Once the pandemic is over, life settles down and the question now for Juno is to find her way among the choices open to her, some of which cause her parents to fear she is abandoning the values they hold so dear.
Juno was relieved to put Taris behind her. But Taris doesn't give up its hold so easily - she is shocked to find the island held more secrets than any of them knew. She wants to bury her head, ignore what she's discovered and forge ahead to find her own place in this new world. She falls for Ivan, a young man who seems to understand her, but love is a fey thing. What will become of her?
Juno faces more dangers in the stunning sequel to Juno of Taris.
368 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2010
13 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Fleur Beale
47 books149 followersFleur Beale is the author of many award-winning books for children and young adults, best known for her novel I am not Esther which has been published worldwide.
Beale was one of six children of a dairy farmer Cedric Corney and of a teacher and author Estelle Corney (née Cook). She was born in Inglewood, Taranaki, New Zealand, on the farm where her father was born. Beale grew up in the town before attending Victoria University, Wellington and Christchurch Teachers' Training College, where she met her husband. Since 1985 she has taught at Melville High School in Hamilton, Waikato and in Wellington. Beale's first stories were written for the children's radio programme Grandpa's Place. Her first book was a small reader and picture book for young children and she started to write for teenagers in 1993. Her stories often involve troubled adolescents engaged in outdoor activities.
Beale was a finalist in the Aim Children's Book Awards (junior fiction) and her 1998 novel I am not Esther was shortlisted for the senior fiction section of the 1999 New Zealand Post Children's Awards. In 1999 she was awarded the Children's Writing Fellowship at Dunedin College of Education and quit teaching to write full time. Her 2001 novel Ambushed was a finalist for the Junior Fiction section of the 2002 New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards. Her 2004 account of how an indigenous girl discovers how her education can save her tribal lands (My Story A New Song in the Land. The Writings of Atapo, Pahia, c.1840) received a Notable Book award in 2005 as did Walking Lightly.
Beale was one of six children of a dairy farmer Cedric Corney and of a teacher and author Estelle Corney (née Cook). She was born in Inglewood, Taranaki, New Zealand, on the farm where her father was born. Beale grew up in the town before attending Victoria University, Wellington and Christchurch Teachers' Training College, where she met her husband. Since 1985 she has taught at Melville High School in Hamilton, Waikato and in Wellington. Beale's first stories were written for the children's radio programme Grandpa's Place. Her first book was a small reader and picture book for young children and she started to write for teenagers in 1993. Her stories often involve troubled adolescents engaged in outdoor activities.
Beale was a finalist in the Aim Children's Book Awards (junior fiction) and her 1998 novel I am not Esther was shortlisted for the senior fiction section of the 1999 New Zealand Post Children's Awards. In 1999 she was awarded the Children's Writing Fellowship at Dunedin College of Education and quit teaching to write full time. Her 2001 novel Ambushed was a finalist for the Junior Fiction section of the 2002 New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards. Her 2004 account of how an indigenous girl discovers how her education can save her tribal lands (My Story A New Song in the Land. The Writings of Atapo, Pahia, c.1840) received a Notable Book award in 2005 as did Walking Lightly.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 12, 2013
I decided to read this book because it was the only book on my shelf and the blurb was also very amusing.
I read this book despite knowing that it was the sequel of 'Juno of Taris'.
The category I placed this book in the bingo board is 'A Book With A Female Main Character'
I found this category interesting because I am a young female and I could understand some situations Juno's going through.
In the end of every chapter, there are three sentences that start with 'have you heard?' and it's just all the rumors going around the Taris people (Juno's people). There's this one rumor which is my favorite: 'Have you heard? Rofan wants to make Vima's wedding a true celebration. She says it could be the last time we're all together.' I like this quote because my favorite character Vima is finally getting married and is no longer going to be a solo mother. She is also getting married to her true love! and it finishes off the story on a positive note before them all separating.
Something new I learnt from this book, even though this is so cliche is Believe in yourself. Juno never thought in her whole life that would be taken to court, and also being the innocent victim. She believed she could get the right amount of evidence to prove her innocence. This story has found a different way to show this lesson.
Juno was a very interesting character because she was always curious.
That is what got her to find all the hidden secrets behind her people.
By Folau
I read this book despite knowing that it was the sequel of 'Juno of Taris'.
The category I placed this book in the bingo board is 'A Book With A Female Main Character'
I found this category interesting because I am a young female and I could understand some situations Juno's going through.
In the end of every chapter, there are three sentences that start with 'have you heard?' and it's just all the rumors going around the Taris people (Juno's people). There's this one rumor which is my favorite: 'Have you heard? Rofan wants to make Vima's wedding a true celebration. She says it could be the last time we're all together.' I like this quote because my favorite character Vima is finally getting married and is no longer going to be a solo mother. She is also getting married to her true love! and it finishes off the story on a positive note before them all separating.
Something new I learnt from this book, even though this is so cliche is Believe in yourself. Juno never thought in her whole life that would be taken to court, and also being the innocent victim. She believed she could get the right amount of evidence to prove her innocence. This story has found a different way to show this lesson.
Juno was a very interesting character because she was always curious.
That is what got her to find all the hidden secrets behind her people.
By Folau
March 25, 2023
Fierce September is a great book, definitely in the running for my favourite book. Fierce September depicted many societal problems, including the spread of misinformation, in a very accurate manner. It was a pretty good depiction of what the future could look like and had a great plot. I would wholeheartedly recommend the book to anyone looking for a good read
March 4, 2018
Second book in the Juno series. The first one is Juno of Tairs and totally recommend it. Its hocking and can hardly put it down.
Its about and island of five hundred people and they have to survive! But now they have left the island and are heading to Aotearoa!
Its about and island of five hundred people and they have to survive! But now they have left the island and are heading to Aotearoa!
November 8, 2017
This book really kept my attention. The ending was full of much closure, so I'm curious to see what is in store next.
January 7, 2023
Enjoyed this book 2 of the series. Felt the story line transitioned well. Loved seeing it set in my hometown!
March 14, 2018
A really good book, highly recommend the Juno of Taris series :)
March 16, 2011
The previous novel, Juno of Taris, ended with the arrival of outsiders and the small community realising that domed island of Taris was in big trouble due to cracks appearing in the protective cover that makes their island airtight, and the support systems failing one by one. Initially leaving was going to be an option with the inhabitants able to choose to either leave the island or stay, now the leaving option has escalated to leave now or die. A huge storm is scheduled to hit the island in a few hours and their rescuers think the whole dome will break. This proves true, and as they travel through the fierce September storm on a ship the 500 Taris inhabitants watch the dome disintegrate and carry away all the buildings on the island.
On arrival in Wellington the people of Taris discover that the world is very different from when their elders were first sealed away. The world’s population has been reduced to around a million by a series of pandemics that have ravaged the world; global warming has left whole cities empty. A bomb attack welcomes the Tarians, and when they are housed in a refugee centre they realise they need to quickly familiarise themselves with the new society they are to be a part of, the money, food, technologies, clothes and work.
Willem is the person who rescued the Tarians and soon it is apparent that there is a subversive element within New Zealand that is conducting a hate campaign via the internet, against Willem and as a flow on, the Tarians. Shortly after their arrival a new pandemic breaks out and the Tarians are accused of bringing it to New Zealand. Who hates the Tarians so much that they want to destroy them?
In Juno of Taris, each chapter is ended with a few sentences of different gossipy information recording the Tarians passing information on to each other. FIERCE SEPTEMBER does the same but with an added bonus at the end of each chapter there is the web address of a blog posting which actually exists. If they have access to the internet, readers can access and read the two opposing blog postings. One is someone from the boat who is for the group and the other blog is one of the subversive agitators who are whipping up anti-refugee hysteria, along with comments to both blogs. Such a clever idea – but nothing is revealed that is not in the book, so people without internet access won’t miss out on crucial information.
It doesn’t take Juno and her friends long to realise that things will not be the same outside and if they can stop the pandemic and clear their names then they will leave their temporary refuge and be absorbed into the New Zealand community as individual and small family groups.
I really enjoyed this second book in the trilogy, was well written and narrated from the point of view of Juno. I cannot wait for the final book to come out, but that is not looking like it will happen before 2012
On arrival in Wellington the people of Taris discover that the world is very different from when their elders were first sealed away. The world’s population has been reduced to around a million by a series of pandemics that have ravaged the world; global warming has left whole cities empty. A bomb attack welcomes the Tarians, and when they are housed in a refugee centre they realise they need to quickly familiarise themselves with the new society they are to be a part of, the money, food, technologies, clothes and work.
Willem is the person who rescued the Tarians and soon it is apparent that there is a subversive element within New Zealand that is conducting a hate campaign via the internet, against Willem and as a flow on, the Tarians. Shortly after their arrival a new pandemic breaks out and the Tarians are accused of bringing it to New Zealand. Who hates the Tarians so much that they want to destroy them?
In Juno of Taris, each chapter is ended with a few sentences of different gossipy information recording the Tarians passing information on to each other. FIERCE SEPTEMBER does the same but with an added bonus at the end of each chapter there is the web address of a blog posting which actually exists. If they have access to the internet, readers can access and read the two opposing blog postings. One is someone from the boat who is for the group and the other blog is one of the subversive agitators who are whipping up anti-refugee hysteria, along with comments to both blogs. Such a clever idea – but nothing is revealed that is not in the book, so people without internet access won’t miss out on crucial information.
It doesn’t take Juno and her friends long to realise that things will not be the same outside and if they can stop the pandemic and clear their names then they will leave their temporary refuge and be absorbed into the New Zealand community as individual and small family groups.
I really enjoyed this second book in the trilogy, was well written and narrated from the point of view of Juno. I cannot wait for the final book to come out, but that is not looking like it will happen before 2012
November 17, 2015
Because I had not read the first of the series, a large section of the story felt rushed, disjointed and cumbersome to begin with. There are just so very many characters in the first chapters and because it is a continuation of a previous book, there is no gradual introduction possible. I felt a bit overwhelmed and confused.
That was a fitting state to approach the story because, in it, the island of Taris is dying and everyone must leave immediately. All was rush and confusion as rescue arrives and no margin for overstay of even a day exists. However, in later chapters, I felt that some of the revelations there lost their shock value because I did not have the background knowledge of Book 1 to appreciate them. Once I realised the implications, I sensed the story was more satisfying and full of twists than it appeared to be.
My views are therefore influenced in part by the fact that the story does not stand truly on its own, completely independent of the first. The writing is very good, very persuasive, but marred by the need to explain too much in too little space while also leaving much unexplained.
The society of Taris is as much a character in its own right as any of the major players in the story. That society is (as explained in an interview within the story) rationalist in base. They are the loving caring genuinely self-sacrificing heroes and heroines who are used as scapegoats in a hate campaign; they are accused of bringing a devastating plague to their new homeland (future New Zealand). However this killing plague has been deliberately spread (and possibly created and engineered by) a religious group.
This group is not identified as Christian but, of all world religions, they can be based on no other. They use the language of Christianity in an inflammatory, manipulative way and behind their cloak of religious zeal lies the agenda of re-introducing capitalism in its most destructive form to a country that has embraced an ideal that lies somewhere between socialism and capitalism.
The extremely positive light in which the (almost without exception) loving caring committed-to-each-other community of Taris is portrayed contrasts sharply with the extremely negative spin put on their criminally-vicious, propaganda-spewing, murderous and hate-filled opponents. They might not be identified as Christian but any reader will automatically think that as they are almost cardboard stereotypes of an extreme cult presented as mainstream.
Indeed their cardboardness is a part of the story: perhaps it points to someone using them.
That was a fitting state to approach the story because, in it, the island of Taris is dying and everyone must leave immediately. All was rush and confusion as rescue arrives and no margin for overstay of even a day exists. However, in later chapters, I felt that some of the revelations there lost their shock value because I did not have the background knowledge of Book 1 to appreciate them. Once I realised the implications, I sensed the story was more satisfying and full of twists than it appeared to be.
My views are therefore influenced in part by the fact that the story does not stand truly on its own, completely independent of the first. The writing is very good, very persuasive, but marred by the need to explain too much in too little space while also leaving much unexplained.
The society of Taris is as much a character in its own right as any of the major players in the story. That society is (as explained in an interview within the story) rationalist in base. They are the loving caring genuinely self-sacrificing heroes and heroines who are used as scapegoats in a hate campaign; they are accused of bringing a devastating plague to their new homeland (future New Zealand). However this killing plague has been deliberately spread (and possibly created and engineered by) a religious group.
This group is not identified as Christian but, of all world religions, they can be based on no other. They use the language of Christianity in an inflammatory, manipulative way and behind their cloak of religious zeal lies the agenda of re-introducing capitalism in its most destructive form to a country that has embraced an ideal that lies somewhere between socialism and capitalism.
The extremely positive light in which the (almost without exception) loving caring committed-to-each-other community of Taris is portrayed contrasts sharply with the extremely negative spin put on their criminally-vicious, propaganda-spewing, murderous and hate-filled opponents. They might not be identified as Christian but any reader will automatically think that as they are almost cardboard stereotypes of an extreme cult presented as mainstream.
Indeed their cardboardness is a part of the story: perhaps it points to someone using them.
October 2, 2012
It was good but dragged on a bit in some cases. These were things that stuck out to me:
Perception
- "she was so young- most people were not inclined to believe the predictions of a two year old"- Juno about her little sister Hera
- " we took in as many as we could. Some said it was too many. Others asked how we could turn away the desperate." page 90
Think about compassion? perspectives, stories? Fairness, equality and rights or ownership
- how does time influence development? Change?
In 2070 quite a few parents were asking for help in dealing with their children who seemed to have some sort of extra perception. Page 246
Why is it not accepted always and why does being yourself still have a definition?
- could a person be well when the fabric of their life had erupted? Page 319, Juno
- Love - was it worth it? Page 336 Juno
Perception
- "she was so young- most people were not inclined to believe the predictions of a two year old"- Juno about her little sister Hera
- " we took in as many as we could. Some said it was too many. Others asked how we could turn away the desperate." page 90
Think about compassion? perspectives, stories? Fairness, equality and rights or ownership
- how does time influence development? Change?
In 2070 quite a few parents were asking for help in dealing with their children who seemed to have some sort of extra perception. Page 246
Why is it not accepted always and why does being yourself still have a definition?
- could a person be well when the fabric of their life had erupted? Page 319, Juno
- Love - was it worth it? Page 336 Juno
October 3, 2013
I loved the concept of the first book in this series Juno of Taris. I immediately sought out the second one. I was disappointed with it though. It was cool to see the futuristic technologies and the patriot in me was happy that it was set in New Zealand but it was kind of boring plot wise.
I give it 3 stars because it made me feel anger and pain on behalf of Juno and her family/friends.I like books that make me care about the characters and because I cared I kept reading. I only re read it once and probably will not read it again.
I did like the wedding and how Juno and her mother grew closer in their grief. It was realistic and made me sad for them.
I give it 3 stars because it made me feel anger and pain on behalf of Juno and her family/friends.I like books that make me care about the characters and because I cared I kept reading. I only re read it once and probably will not read it again.
I did like the wedding and how Juno and her mother grew closer in their grief. It was realistic and made me sad for them.
November 27, 2019
This book taught me trust, because Hera, Juno's little sister, can tell the future, but lots of others on the ship did not believe the words that she told. A quote from the book was - "She was so young- most people were not inclined to believe the predictions of a two year old."
The reason why trust was important in this book and how I learnt about it was how Hera was trying to save their lives when they were pulling into the port and she said there was a bomb. Only half of them believed it but they didn't take the risk. They didn't pull into that port and it blew up a little while later. Hera showed that she could be trusted by all the other people of Taris on the boat.
The reason why trust was important in this book and how I learnt about it was how Hera was trying to save their lives when they were pulling into the port and she said there was a bomb. Only half of them believed it but they didn't take the risk. They didn't pull into that port and it blew up a little while later. Hera showed that she could be trusted by all the other people of Taris on the boat.
October 6, 2014
The sequal to Juno of Taris.
Whilest this book started off a little slow, by about 1/3 of the way through I was encaptured. I'd hate to live in a society where pandemics rule over us and where we have ruined our planet to the point of no return in certain places.
Juno ajusts slowly to the new world around her. The OUtside. Vima on the other hand adjusts brilliantly.
I loved the metion of my hometown in this book! :)
Whilest this book started off a little slow, by about 1/3 of the way through I was encaptured. I'd hate to live in a society where pandemics rule over us and where we have ruined our planet to the point of no return in certain places.
Juno ajusts slowly to the new world around her. The OUtside. Vima on the other hand adjusts brilliantly.
I loved the metion of my hometown in this book! :)
June 3, 2017
Fierce September didn't hold my interest to the same degree as the first book in the series. The plot is a logical follow-up to Juno of Taris but I didn't feel the same sense of urgency and mystery. I also found it hard to believe that a character with telepathy wouldn't spend most of the hours of their day exploring this gift. Despite these shortcomings, the novel is definitely worth reading and left me wondering what book three, Heart of Danger, is like.
December 13, 2014
I don't usually buy/read fiction for young people but I did in this case because Beale is a fellow NZ author.
The story is in the tradition of the Famous Five and I found it very enjoyable. A different taste and flavour to adult fiction and more restful to read.
The style reminded me of Veronica Roth's "Divergent" trilogy, the only other young adult novels I've read in recent years.
Beale is a very talented writer.
Pity about the cover - it does not reflect the story at all.
November 29, 2010
I loved this sequel to Juno of Taris and its underlying message about immigration. It was much more NZ than the first volume too! The people of Taris are rescued and taken to Aotearoa where they are blamed by the population for a contagious disease outbreak. I look forward to the third installment (I might actually finish this series!).
October 7, 2011
Not as compelling as I remember the first book being but some interesting ideas about what New Zealand may be like in the future.
At the end of each chapter there are links to blog entries with more information about the story but I couldn't see the point of them. If I'm reading a book, I'm reading a book, I don't want to be getting up to the internet at the end of every chapter.
At the end of each chapter there are links to blog entries with more information about the story but I couldn't see the point of them. If I'm reading a book, I'm reading a book, I don't want to be getting up to the internet at the end of every chapter.
December 18, 2012
Much like the first book, Fierce september had corruption and mystery, but unlike the first one this book was intriging as it was interesting to see how the citizens of Taris reacted to all the new technology. Most of them were like old people figuring out how to work skype or facebook, when it came to technology.
August 31, 2013
This book wasn't as good as the first. But fortunately, it was intriguing. It wasn't an action packed plotline that kept me reading, it was more of an interesting one. This book, like Juno Of Taris, is different to the kind of books I normally read and enjoy, so its quite suprising I liked it. I rate it around 3-ish 4-ish stars.
October 3, 2010
It was a great read. There wasnt' a dull moment1
January 27, 2012
Really enjoyed reading this book. Great follow up to Juno of Taris. Loved the adventure it takes you on.
March 21, 2011
Like 'Juno of Taris', a gripping book that was definitely worth the read.
December 21, 2015
I really liked this book. It was a very interesting read, and very well done. I look forward to the next book, if there is one.
January 12, 2012
I really liked this book. It was a very interesting read, and very well done. I look forward to the next book, if there is one.
June 7, 2012
awesome so far
Read
June 8, 2012PBK * BEA bk.2
November 24, 2012
Really good! Even better that its set in NZ ;)
June 3, 2016
Fascinating to read a view on what Aotearoa would look like in a dystopian setting. Would've like more mention of Maori culture - or did it not survive? Still a great read.
August 15, 2016
The book was great! Full of so much action. The ending wasn't great, would have loved a cliff hanger to lead into the next book!
May 18, 2016
it was a really cool book. i liked it so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews