All the well-loved characters from Dream Catcher make a re-appearance in Jen Mc Veity's latest Young Adult novel.  So how does Jen show her readers new territory, new plots?  It is through her effortless dialogue and the tension created between Tess and her politician father and Tess and her mother's new boyfriend.  And of course the environmental dare-devils, the Green Guerrillas are out to save their local community from several environmental crimes.

The very first sentence throws us immediately into action - the latest Green Guerilla's campaign - rats delivered to prominent community members as a protest against rats bred for experimental purposes.

But when a young newspaper reporter Matt, appears on the scene, an extra dimension is added to the plot tension and a catalyst for Tess, the main character to grow.  We actually witness this in the book, a sign of a vibrant character.

Despite wanting to be a 'Shadow Seeker' away from the political fermentation that takes place in the lead up to the local election, Tess actually swelters under a very bright spot light.  How Jen McVeity causes this to happen is part of a skilled writer's tools.  Obstacle on obstacle trips Tess and the Green Guerillas, until the final confrontation in the closing chapter.

Here is a thrilling contemporary novel- often a rarity in the plethora of fantasy for Young adults.

And I agree wholeheartedly with Tess when she says, "You tend to forget the Green Guerillas are just us, a group of kids."  But wait, passion and dedication can change the world.  And surely right now we need some inspiration.  Let the Young Adult audience savour 'Shadow Seeker and go away inspired.  A positive, engrossing read.

Other books by this author:
Dream Catcher (Angus & Robertson, 2000)

Review by Lorraine Marwood

© 2002 Lorraine Marwood