Sunbirds: #2 Epidemic (Sunbirds)

Rating:
Summary: Readability (albeit with problems) continues.
Review: A. A. Browne, SunBirds #2: Epidemic (Author's Choice, 2001)

One of the key words in my review of the first SunBirds novel was "potential." Things won't be changing much in review #2.

We continue on in the story of the SunBirds and their aiding of the beetles in the battle against the flies for world domination. (No, I promise you, the premise really does work well.) This book is told from the point of view of Shadow, one of Aquarius' (narrator of the first book) associates in the SunBirds, and a much flightier, happier-go-lucky character. Browne handles the change in narrative voice with aplomb, something that often catches more seasoned writers out, which makes the underlying problems a bit more confusing than they would otherwise be; this is obviously not the work of an amateur, no matter how young the author.

But there are problems with it. Most of them have to do with Browne's treatment of emotion (and again, this is a problem which does affect more seasoned writers, usually in genre fiction, so it's not something one can dismiss as the work of a neophyte); characters will illogically shift their emotion in the space of a sentence or two, or pop up with something inappropriate for the situation (laughing while facing the possibility of death, say, but in a carefree way rather than with bravado). When done right, this can be a powerful tool in showing a character's actual emotions through the inappropriateness of what's shown; Glendon Swarthout utilizes this technique masterfully throughout Bless the Beasts and Children, for example. Here, it fails, for either of two possible reasons: either Browne was too focused on the plot of the story to get far into characterization, or just doesn't have the life experience necessary to pick up on subtleties in the conveyance of emotions. This is not necessarily age-related, as anyone who's ever read a Danielle Steel novel will heartily attest.

Okay, enough with the bad. On with the good. The second novel in the series is similar to the first in its slimness, quickness, originality, and all-around fun. Nick Carter for kids, except with power chips instead of guns and far more interesting bosses sending the agents out on missions, to be sure. If you can get past the inappropriate emotional responses, which are really a minor thing here, this is another fun read in the SunBirds series. May there be many more. ** ½

Rating:
Summary: A Dangerous Task
Review: It's been a couple of months since the SunBirds first formed. Having come to terms with their new roles, Aquarius, Shadow, Sapphire and the rest continue to aid the beetles in their ongoing efforts to thwart the fl'eyes. This time round, Shadow takes up the narrative, bringing us up to date with recent events, while putting her life at risk with an erratic Power Chip.

In this second instalment of the "SunBirds Series" our intrepid heroes are sent on a perilous quest. They have to enter the "pen" of their Raiser to obtain an important piece of equipment called a computer. The beetles need this for the memory chip, which is required for their communication devices. Things prove to be anything but straightforward for the SunBirds. Like Hercules going into Hades, the SunBirds face just as much danger, but on this occasion they have a bit of help from a high-spirited pheasant called Lava.

Trying to get the computer is not the only risk, however. The fl'eyes are an ever-present menace, having concocted a virulent disease that threatens the survival of the SunBirds as well as the beetles.

"Epidemic" is a strong continuation to "Beginnings", highlighted by acts of courage, daring, and downright recklessness. It is good that we are seeing things from the perspective of Shadow instead of Aquarius this time, for it means we get an account that is more rounded; the story is not confined to one narrator's point of view.

Meanwhile, the fight against the fl'eyes goes on. If the fl'eyes can resort to the horrors of germ warfare, what else are they capable of?

Rating:
Summary: The saga continues...
Review: Shadow, Aquarius, Sapphire, Bronze, Copper, and Emerald are the six who make up the group known as the "SunBirds".

The lead beetle scientist named Mr. Gleam has given the SunBirds three of his greatest inventions. These are Power Chips, the Reserver Information Outlet, and the World Com. As allies, the Beetle Kingdom and the animals of SunSet Hills farm take on the Fl-eyes (flies) and their ruler!

This time the story follows Shadow, a beautiful Indian Blue peahen. Her Power Chip is failing. The beetles cannot pin-point the problem. Worse, the Fl-eyes have a new biological weapon and Shadow is their main target! Knowing the Beetle Kingdom and the SunBirds have joined forces, the Fl-eyes have figured out a way to use the merger against their foes.

**** Author A. A. Browne continues his fantasy series. The first small part of the book is dedicated to recapping the first story in this series. Therefore, if you have not read the first book, you will still understand all that is happening. Yet I strongly recommend reading the first story since it will only enhance the pleasure. You would understand things more and feel like an "insider".

The second book is as good as the first, if not just a bit more so. The story is clearly expressed in a way that even those around age ten will easily understand what is happening. Recommended to all ages! ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch

Rating:
Summary: This author will go far!
Review: Shadow, Aquarius, Sapphire, Bronze, Copper, and Emerald are the six who make up the group known as the "SunBirds".

The lead beetle scientist named Mr. Gleam has given the SunBirds three of his greatest inventions. These are Power Chips, the Reserver Information Outlet, and the World Com. As allies, the Beetle Kingdom and the animals of SunSet Hills farm take on the Fl-eyes (flies) and their ruler!

This time the story follows Shadow, a beautiful Indian Blue peahen. Her Power Chip is failing. The beetles cannot pin-point the problem. Worse, the Fl-eyes have a new biological [tool] and Shadow is their main target! Knowing the Beetle Kingdom and the SunBirds have joined forces, the Fl-eyes have figured out a way to use the merger against their foes.

Author A. A. Browne continues his fantasy series. The first small part of the book is dedicated to recapping the first story in this series. Therefore, if you have not read the first book, you will still understand all that is happening. Yet I strongly recommend reading the first story since it will only enhance the pleasure. You would understand things more and feel like an "insider".

The second book is as good as the first, if not just a bit more so. The story is clearly expressed in a way that even those around age ten will easily understand what is happening. Recommended to all ages!

Rating:
Summary: This Series Gets Better & Better!
Review: You know after reading the first book of this young writer's series, I just had to read the second book and I am so glad that I did...Andrew Browne is such a talent! My daughter and I are having so much fun with his stories. I think Andrew shows a great deal of promise as a new writer and I look forward to reading more books by him in the very near future. I give Andrew and his new series TWO-THUMBS WAY UP!

(Highly Recommended Reading For Children Of All Ages!)