Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: secret

  • James Bond and the Sixties Spy Craze

    James Bond and the Sixties Spy Craze

    When the first James Bond movie hit the wide screen in the i960’s, Dr No in 1962, it began craze if you like, for more of this farfetched and yet very believable espionage, secret agent spy thriller genre. This was to last from 1962–1969—peaking in 1966–1967.

    The timing was perfect as the world was grappling with the effects of Russia and their Communist philosophies, the very serious threat of nuclear war between the USA and Russia with fear widespread, when along comes James Bond, a man who not only looked handsome, had a very good way with women and had a ruthless personality when came to getting the job done.

    Based on the books by Ian Fleming, who saw James Bond as his alter ego, the pace was fast, the settings exotic and the glamour surrounding Bond made it all the more believable in the cinemas. People needed a hero, even if he was a fictitious fellow.

    The franchise was to go on to great Box Office success and is still alive and well after more than sixty years, the men playing Bond have changed several times with the last Bond, Australian Daniel Craig bringing this man of secrets and talents into the world of today.

    This spawned many other Spy concepts, with In Like Flint being the first one to take a tilt at the Bond franchise, which then lead on to a range of secret agent material for both television and Cinema. Charlies Angels, the Austin Powers series and The Man From Uncle to name a few, are directly related to the original James Bond concept.

    In James Bond and the Sixties Spy Craze, Thom Shubilla looks at the influence James Bond has had on wider range of media productions, the establishment of the ‘franchise’, a little about the very careful selection of who was to play Bond and the men who followed in the footsteps of Sean Connery, Box Office takings and why the concept of James Bond is still popular today.

     For anyone who is an avid James Bond fan, and there are many, James Bond and the Sixties Spy Craze is a must read and a most enjoyable walk back down memory lane.

  • Nour’s Secret Library

    Nour’s Secret Library

    War was coming to Damascus, it is somehow undefined, but none the less there. Nour and her cousin Amir played happily in the street outside their homes, went to school and like all girls and boys, went on amazing secret adventures to find hidden treasures.

    One day they decided to form a secret society, a special Club just for their friends, just like the one in the story book. They would have a secret location, password and even a secret handshake. Until, one morning planes started flying over their once peaceful City and war had come to Daraya.

    Nour and her family, her neighbours and friends spent the night sheltering in the cellars of the houses, reading books by torch light, huddled together for comfort and warmth. Bombs dropped on the City during the day and night, destroying their houses, their business and their City.

    During the day when it was a safe to go outside, Amir would go out to get some bread, and on the way he began to collect books he found lying on the streets. He told his friends about this and they began collecting them as well. Soon the piles and piles pf books became so large they had to be taken to somewhere else to be stored.

    The friends decided that they should form a Secret Library which they called ‘Al-Fajr’, which in Arabic, the language they spoke, means ‘dawn’ and so began a library filled with books, big ones, small one and all sorts in between.

    Over time the library grew to be very large and people from everywhere came to Nour’s Secret Library where they felt safe and happy way from the terrible war raging above them.

    Nour’s Secret Library is a beautiful story based on fact from Wafa’ Townaska and illustrated in bold, bright and happy colours by Vali Mintz which perfectly captures the resilience of the human spirit and that no matter how young you are, you can make a very real difference to so many people.

    The final pages of the book contain a little History about the war still raging in Syria, the real Underground Library created from books hurled into the streets as houses and building were bombed and an excellent Glossary of Terms used in the book.

    Nour’s Secret Library is highly recommended for children between the ages of 6-10 years old but in reality, any age will enjoy the story filled with hope for a better future.

  • Nour’s Secret Library

    Nour’s Secret Library

    War was coming to Damascus, it is somehow undefined, but none the less there. Nour and her cousin Amir played happily in the street outside their homes, went to school and like all girls and boys, went on amazing secret adventures to find hidden treasures.

    One day they decided to form a secret society, a special Club just for their friends, just like the one in the story book. They would have a secret location, password and even a secret handshake. Until, one morning planes started flying over their once peaceful City and war had come to Daraya.

    Nour and her family, her neighbours and friends spent the night sheltering in the cellars of the houses, reading books by torch light, huddled together for comfort and warmth. Bombs dropped on the City during the day and night, destroying their houses, their business and their City.

    During the day when it was a safe to go outside, Amir would go out to get some bread, and on the way he began to collect books he found lying on the streets. He told his friends about this and they began collecting them as well. Soon the piles and piles pf books became so large they had to be taken to somewhere else to be stored.

    The friends decided that they should form a Secret Library which they called ‘Al-Fajr’, which in Arabic, the language they spoke, means ‘dawn’ and so began a library filled with books, big ones, small one and all sorts in between.

    Over time the library grew to be very large and people from everywhere came to Nour’s Secret Library where they felt safe and happy way from the terrible war raging above them.

    Nour’s Secret Library is a beautiful story based on fact from Wafa’ Townaska and illustrated in bold, bright and happy colours by Vali Mintz which perfectly captures the resilience of the human spirit and that no matter how young you are, you can make a very real difference to so many people.

    The final pages of the book contain a little History about the war still raging in Syria, the real Underground Library created from books hurled into the streets as houses and building were bombed and an excellent Glossary of Terms used in the book.

    Nour’s Secret Library is highly recommended for children between the ages of 6-10 years old but in reality, any age will enjoy the story filled with hope for a better future.

  • Deep in the Forest

    Deep in the Forest

    Charli is barricade behind emotional barriers of her own making, deeply mired in grief at the death of her beloved mother one year ago, barely managing to make it through the day and today was no different. Seen as a pariah in her small country town of Stone Lake, she has little to do with the people in the area, her one true friend is Amra, who gets her.

    Driving down the long driveway to her home, she feels at peace as the trees dip over the roadway; she makes a dash into the house, lights the fire to send off the chill of the room and just when she is settling to do some work, the cars come; revving their engines, the boys tumbling out determined to wreck, terrify and then leave.

    So begins Deep in the Forest from Erina Reddan who has based her second novel on life in a country town where prejudice rules, a local cult known as The Sanctuary and corruption. The protagonist Charli is a flawed character suffering from self-doubt, she is on the autism spectrum, an introvert struggling to accept the death of her mother who was the major point of stability in her life.

    She has a project to complete, creating a beautiful manuscript from the history and few pictures provided by the Sanctuary of their work in Stone Lake over more than 100 years. Once it is finished she is out of Stone Lake with no plans to hurry back again. She is lovingly running her fingers over the binding of a page when she finds a very tiny note which begins a trail of revenge, murder and hatred disguised within a framework of benevolence. Deep in the forest there is a secret hidden; how far will they go to protect the culprit?

    Erina Reddan has captured the angst of Charli as she doubts the very essence of who she is; over thinker, artist, talented creator, Jake, the man who although he is from the Sanctuary, she is fast developing a sort of relationship with and the corruption of the local police Sargent Balaskas, with care and an excellent understanding of the dark side of people.

    Deep in the Forest is written with a strong female cast of characters and although the storyline could almost be considered as an easy plot to work out, how the many layers are revealed keeps the story moving along at a brisk pace.

  • BRIMSTONE

    BRIMSTONE

    A Mantra 6 Thriller

    James Bond was a series that saw Ian Fleming gain wide notoriety for his imaginative, fast paced spy thrillers. Russel Hutchings with Brimstone has just moved the genre of clandestine spy thrillers into the modern world, with a very realistic agent in John Devereaux, plucked from the ranks of the SAS to be sent on a clandestine mission into the dark heart of Cambodia.

    There is nothing to it, he is told by spymaster Magnus Webb, just parachute in and assassinate two of the high profile drugs lords and then leave! He will be operating on his own, and should things go wrong, he simply does not exist.

    From this fast paced beginning the mission broadens out to become a complex operation with the Cambodian aspect already set to over throw the old leaders and make room for the young’ Turks ‘to broaden the reach of their syndicate.  Devereaux simply did their job for them!

    As the capacity for the spread of this new syndicate become apparent Deveraux is asked to continue his new role, which eventually leads him into the shadowed world of drug distribution and a dark, powerful, deadly syndicate that will stop at nothing to build an ever growing empire.

    As Hutching was a long serving member of SAS he has drawn on his vast knowledge of the world of covert operations, where you have to be ready to move at a moment’s notice, venturing into dark and unforgiving terrain in pursuit of the ‘bad guys’ of this world.

    This ring of truth takes an almost standard story formulation into the reams of reality, presenting a side of the Australian Security forces seldom seen. As a character, Devereaux is fleshed out with the very real issues that face many men in his former profession; that of the beloved family having enough of the dangerous nature of their work, but this simply adds to the reality of the story. Devereaux is a real man, facing real evil.

    Hutching has also drawn on his first-hand knowledge of Cambodia, Sydney, France and Russia to the extent that, should you have ever graced the streets of these locations, they will be very real and if you have not, the descriptive phrasing will bring them to life.

    Fast paced and just long enough, Brimstone is the first in a six-part series, Mantra-6, following John Devereaux as he moves up into the secret organization known as MANTRA-6.

  • Heroes of the Secret Underground

    Heroes of the Secret Underground

    It is important in these times that the history of struggles and terror during the wars is not forgotten. For young people whose families were not involved in the day-to-day drama, many situations may seem unreal. Heroes of the Secret Underground is a story, told through history with the clever use of time travel to lessen the fear. The time slip gives an illusion of safety, while the characters are observing unspeakable times.

    Louie, Bert and Teddy live in a wonderful old hotel run by their grandparents. The year is 2000, and the summer holidays have just begun. Already Louie is aware that some people dislike their family although she doesn’t understand why. Racism is a topic that has not been discussed. By chance, Louie comes across a beautiful old necklace and through a process, she and her brothers are transported back in time to Budapest, in Hungary. It is winter and the year is 1944.

    What a different setting this is. People are cold, afraid, hungry and hiding. They are desperately trying to escape from the country, and to become invisible while wearing the yellow star stitched to their coats. The children have to rely on help from those people who work tirelessly in the underground movement. Louie and her brothers have to join the desperate ones who are guided by no less a person than her grandfather when he was a youth.

    The love of family and eagerness to support each other is of utmost importance. Louie must solve an old problem before they can begin to think of getting home again. Excitement, terror, adventure, and courage, make this a powerful read, and most importantly, an educational eye opener for younger readers.

  • The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes: The Crumbling Castle

    The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes: The Crumbling Castle

    The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes – The Crumbling Castle, a new series from Brenda Gurr, created around cakes, magic and mayhem, has a created an unlikely heroine, who perfectly fits the role of a gifted and magically inspired creator of marvelous cakes. The quirky illustrations from Nancy Leschnikoff round out the story-line beautifully.

    Zoë’s Mum passed away a long time ago and her Dad travels the world as a famous Food critique and writer. When he is away Zoe’s aunt, Jam, is the adult in charge. Jam is musician who also has a rather different way of looking at life, along with their cat Coco; a cat who surely has more than some magic in her makeup! There is also Zoë’s very best friend Addie, who simply loves to join in whatever adventure is about to happen.

    Now, in the town where they live is a pastry-cook who makes the most divine cakes which are delivered, very secretively, to people who ring up and order one for special occasions, The cakes are so fantastically tasty and gloriously special, people think there simply must be some witchcraft involved at the very least.

    On this particular day, one of the ladies taking part in the towns Medieval Fair, ordered a special Zinnia Jakes cake for her stand, with only a few days to go before the Fair opens. But on the night before the Fair was to open Zinnia Jakes was asked to deliver the cake at 9am, right at the beginning of the day.

    Will the Zinnia Jakes cake make it to the Fair in one piece and on time, but more importantly, can Zoe remain the unknown, secretive, pastry chef behind Zinnia Jakes Cakes?

    Even though I am seriously adult, and a grandparent one at that, I completely enjoyed this madcap romp with one amazingly little girl, Zoe Jones and her slightly abstract way of going about, simply being Zoe Jones.

    Look out for more Zinnia Jakes fabulous adventures later in 2020.

  • The Secret Garden Cookbook Inspiring Recipes from the Magical World of Frances Hodgson Burnett

    The Secret Garden Cookbook Inspiring Recipes from the Magical World of Frances Hodgson Burnett

    Cookbooks are glorious, sumptuous creations that temp and entice, regardless of whether they are ever used as an actual cookbook, or simply enjoyed for what they offer, a peek into a world of food, via creative chefs, talented home cooks or history.

    The Secret Garden Cookbook from Amy Cotler contains all of these things; temptation, history and lovely recipes that have been cooked and enjoyed for many generations, regardless of whether they have come from the kitchens of the wealthy or the poor.

    Based on the beloved children’s book The Secret Garden from Frances Hodgson Burnett, Amy Cotler has carefully selected a wide range of traditional and much-loved recipes, updating them for the modern kitchen, which will once again, be enjoyed for their delicious nourishing, home cooked taste.

    Fans of The Secret Garden will well remember the tale of two lonely children, Mary Lennox, the heroine, and Colin, relocated to a part of the world they were far from familiar with, both unwell, both far from their homes and loved ones. They discover an old, long neglected garden, along with young Dickon a local lad from a working-class family, where food was a much-respected item. Over time they create a secret world where they too, like the plants begin to flourish.

    The story is based on magic; the magic of making things come alive, grow strong and flourish. Set in Victorian England, during the reign of Queen Victoria, when many went hungry, food was to the poorer classes scarce, expensive and seasonal; often a little was made to go a long way, feeding many mouths at the table.

    Beautifully set out the book begins with Yorkshire Breakfast, detailing the background, adding little snippets from The Secret Garden then offering many recipes which would be considered normal for the ‘big house’ but far from normal elsewhere.

    An English Tea is explained, along with the history which goes back to 18th century and a selection of dishes and teas that may have been served. From the Kitchen Garden rejoices in the plenitude of the summer harvest of fruit and vegetables, while Dickon’s Cottage Food looks at the more wholesome, robust cakes cooked by his mother to feed a growing family.

    India played a very big part in Victorian England with many of the dishes such as Mulligatawny Soup, Kedgeree and Sooji being introduced to the English dining table. Al of these were prepared to tempt Mary to eat, as she had grown up in India.

    Throughout the pages there are charming additions that explain the origins of the foods and recipes, as well as the relation to The Secret Garden and the children. Country Style illustrations also help to create a delightful ‘olde worlde’ ambience to the books.

    The Secret garden Cookbook would have to be considered as a must have for fans and certainly a joy for cooks everywhere, as they recreate so many delicious treats from years gone by.

  • Inside the Secret Life of Fairies

    Inside the Secret Life of Fairies

    Maggie Hamilton has written many spiritual and social justice books. In her quest for knowledge, she has spent the last decade visiting temples and cathedrals, sacred glades, woodlands and magical places throughout the world, seeking the spiritual and the inhabitants of the fairy realm about whom she writes so poignantly.

    If I am going to be truthful, I started to read  Inside the Secret Life of Fairies as a sceptic, however, the further I read the more enchanting I found Maggies words. Her interaction with her beloved fairies and the anecdotes of people from all walks of life and all ages, who see and communicate with the fairy folk, are truly fascinating and memorable.

    To access our own fairies and magical beings we must immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature, summer, autumn, winter and spring. Maggie encourages us to seek and look with eyes wide open to find our own fairy friends be it flower fairies, water fairies, rock, tree or stone fairies, it would seem that fairies abound and want to be found.

    The good fairies bring wisdom, healing and peace to us and the environment plus if you have a house fairy you are very blessed. The day I finished Maggies delightful book in went in to my garden to dead head the roses and found myself apologising to the roses and their fairy keepers as I meant no harm.

    Maggies book is indeed convincing and a pleasure to read.

  • The Unicorn Quest : Secret in the Stone

    The Unicorn Quest : Secret in the Stone

    Book two in the The Unicorn Quest series is an enchanting and delightful read for those who love otherworldly adventure, with a little of life lessons built in amongst all the adventure, challenge and danger which is wrapped around the central premise , that of a slightly magical ‘potteresque’ story line with a favourite of all the mystical animals, the Unicorn, as its main driver.

    Readers join together once again with Claire Martinson and her sister Sophie as they fight to save the Kingdom of Arden, and rescue all the Unicorns which have somehow mysteriously disappeared.

    Only princes and princesses of a certain blood line, laced with magic, can rescue the Kingdom and it would seem that the sisters may be just the right people, but there is one small problem, only Claire has come into her power.

    Claire is struggling with the sudden responsibility that being a magical princess on a mission to rescue the Unicorns holds and Sophie, while trying to help, seems to be making a bad situation worse.

    Sophie is perfectly convinced her power is still to emerge, but meanwhile Claire is being challenged as to her validity to be able to do what is required. Things are looking pretty grim for the sisters and their friends who are desperate to try and help.

    Beginning as if this is a new book, the storyline is easy to pick up and enjoy without having read the first book in the series, but as with all series, go back and read the first book as it will help flesh out most of the characters who do appear, still intent on either helping, hindering or completely destroying everything Claire an Sophie at are trying to achieve.

    Enchanting fantasy reading for fans of the fantasy genre.