Fifth Dimension - Byrds (The)

Advantages: fast, and funny.
Disadvantages: a wee bit dated

...An ancient evil, once defeated, has come back to try and destroy the world again. It was prophecised that this evil would be defeated by an unknown quantity, called the fifth element, that would unite the four natural elements to create the divine light. A race of aliens, called the mondoshawan, entrusted the knowledge of the fifth element to a human. The evil that had been defeated would come back in 5000 years, and the human race should be prepared. The knowledge was to be passed down through the generations, until it would be needed again. As predicted, the evil arrived. The human race started by attacking it, but the attacks seemed only to make the evil stronger. It grew in size, and ferocity. But they are found by the current holder of 'the knowledge', who tells them that the mondoshawan were coming to use the fifth element to... Read review

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Advantages: Exciting and interesting story
Disadvantages: Typical bad guys

...Background: This is the third novel I have reviewed by Jo Bannister; it follows 'the hireling's tale' and 'requiem for the dealer'. These previous two I really enjoyed, so I was keen to try this one when I came across it at the local Car Boot sale the other day. About the author: Jo Bannister so far in her writing career has written a total of 32 novels. She was born in Rochdale in 1951 but has for many years lived in Northern Ireland. The most famous star from these books is Brodie Farrell with the star of the one I'm reviewing Clio Rees starring in four books. This novel was written in 2005. Synopsis of the book: Clio Marsh is a writer by profession; she has decided to challenge herself by going on a week long survival course in the remote Norfolk Broads and look for ideas for a new book. She is probably the least... Read review

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Advantages: Easy to read, compelling
Disadvantages: Dull ending

...Harriet and David Lovatt know that they are made for each other the moment their eyes meet - both want a big house, lots of children and family all around them. And for a time, it seems as if they are going to get exactly that. Their first four children are a delight to raise, and relatives are more than happy to spend time at the Lovatts' house. Then Harriet becomes pregnant for the fifth time - an unexpected pregnancy that is far more difficult than any of her former ones. When the baby is born, it is clear that he is very different from the others - large and clumsy, impossible to please and violent towards others. What exactly has Harriet given birth to? And will their family life ever be the same again? I have read two books by Doris Lessing before, both of which were set in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) where the author was brought... Read review

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