Take Flight’ Millwater Book of the Month

millwater book of the month

Take Flight by J.L. Pawley

Take Flight is the second book in the Generation Icarus series, an adrenaline-fueled, action-packed read for young adults. The books are about a group of teenagers who can fly after developing wings. They don’t know why they have changed from regular teenagers to something else, but Condor, Owl, Raven, Falcon, Hawk, Tui and Kestrel band together as ‘The Flight’, leaving behind their old names and their families. They try to survive – with many people trying to capture them for different reasons – while also trying to learn the truth about their genesis.

‘The Flight’ hide out in a remote mountain hideaway, and they think they are safe. But they couldn’t be more wrong when Evolutionary Corp mercenaries arrive in helicopters to hunt them down. Only Condor and Kestrel escape being captured and, desperate to save the other Icari, they travel across America to meet with the Angelists, who believe their kind are angels – and there they find another Icari, Hanna. But it’s not long before all the Icari are imprisoned and tortured by the Evolutionary Corps – and it seems unlikely any of them will make it out alive.

Take Flight is a visceral, page-turning read where things seem to go from bad to worse for these winged teenagers for much of the book. Thankfully, the ending of the book offers redemption from the grim scenes of torture, and it provides hope for the future. I particularly enjoyed the development of the different characters in this series, with Tui being my favourite personality of ‘The Flight’. I enjoyed her sass, skills and compassion.

Take Flight is a roller-coaster of a read that is unputdownable, and I can’t wait to read book three of the series.

Steam Press, RRP $19.99

Karen McMillan, author of Brushstrokes of Memory and Everyday Strength. www.karenm.co.nz

HBC Singer’s end - of - year Concert

The Hibiscus Coast Singers (HCS) are delighted to announce their end-of-year concert details. Following two full houses for both of our Winter concerts and great feedback from the audience and choir members alike for Robyn Allen-Goudge’s musical directorial debut, we have continued with a more varied programme than in previous years. Our concerts are one week after the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day, so we have chosen the title ‘Peace Poppies Pohutukawa’. Our music will reflect this poignant period in our nation’s history. The choice will feature ‘In Flanders Fields’ – set to music composed by Robyn, excerpts from ‘Faure’s Requiem’ and ‘Give us Peace’ set to Tallis’ Canon. Lighter pieces include ‘Happy Christmas (War is over)’, ‘It’s a Long way to Tipperary’ and audience participation in some Christmas carols to help get us in the festive mood!

We are honoured to be accompanied (again) by Michael Bell on piano and there will be two talented young musicians (one a baritone soloist) helping to inject their youthful energy to complement our more mature sound! And a local trumpeter, Stuart Craw, who will be strutting his stuff!

There will be something for everyone to enjoy, reflect upon and rejoice – so come along to the Red Beach Church at 2:30pm, either Saturday 17th or Sunday 18th November. We look forward to singing for you.