Title: Troubletwisters
Author: Garth Nix
First published May 1, 2011
304 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780545258975 (ISBN10: 0545258979)
Rating: 3.59
Overview
Have you ever felt like your life was changing in a very strange way? Well, that’s exactly how Jaide and Jack Shield feel.
They seem to attract magical disasters and strange occurrences wherever they go. But when their home is destroyed from the inside, the twins are suddenly taken away to live with a mysterious relative they’ve never met – Grandma X.
At Grandma X’s house, things get even weirder. Doors appear and disappear, weather vanes point in the opposite direction of the wind, and cats can talk.
It’s all too much for Jaide and Jack to handle, but they soon discover the reason behind all this strangeness – they’re troubletwisters, and it’s up to them to defend the world against a dark, evil force.
The twins must now learn to control their powers and fight against the unknown darkness that threatens their world. But are they ready for the challenges ahead?
Join Jaide and Jack on their thrilling adventure to discover the truth and unlock their true potential as troubletwisters.
About the Author
Garth Nix, an Australian author, was born in Melbourne in 1963. As a child, he was often serenaded by the Salvation Army band outside his home, playing tunes like “Hail the Conquering Hero Comes” or “Roll Out the Barrel.” When he was young, Garth moved to the federal capital, Canberra, where he lived until he was nineteen.
At that point, he embarked on a road trip around the UK in a beat-up Austin, with little more than a trunk full of books and a Silver-Reed typewriter.
Despite the Austin losing a wheel on the road, Garth made it back to Australia safely and began studying at the University of Canberra. After completing his degree in 1986, he worked in a bookshop, followed by stints as a book publicist, a publisher’s sales representative, and an editor.
He also served part-time as a soldier in the Australian Army Reserve for four years, working in an Assault Pioneer platoon. In 1994, Garth left the publishing industry to become a public relations and marketing consultant, a job he held until 1997 when he became a full-time writer.
He briefly worked as a part-time literary agent at Curtis Brown Australia in 1999 before returning to his writing career in 2002.
Garth now resides in Sydney with his wife, two sons, and a large collection of books. Despite his belief that full-time writing may explain the odd behavior of some authors, he has dedicated himself to the craft.
Editoral Review
Troubletwisters, written by Garth Nix and Sean Williams, is a thrilling adventure novel that follows the story of two young siblings, Jack and Jaide, as they discover their untapped magical powers and fight against the evil forces that threaten their world. Published on May 1, 2011, Troubletwisters is a perfect read for those who enjoy reading fiction stories set in supernatural worlds, teeming with magic and mystique.
Nix and Williams have skillfully blended elements of action, adventure, and fantasy to create a world that is both imaginative and captivating. The novel is set in a small, sleepy coastal town called Portland, where Jack and Jaide move to live with their eccentric grandmother, who they barely know.
However, things take a dramatic turn when they realize that their grandmother is a magical protector of Portland and that they, too, have inherited her powers. The authors have done an excellent job of character development, particularly Jack and Jaide, who are relatable and lovable protagonists.
They grow significantly over the course of the novel, discovering their identities and developing their powers as they face dangerous challenges. Jack’s courage and quick thinking, along with Jaide’s cleverness and resourcefulness, make them a formidable team.
The pacing and plot structure of Troubletwisters are also noteworthy. The novel is fast-paced, with plenty of action scenes that keep readers hooked.
Alongside the main plot, there are subplots that are equally engaging and serve to enhance the bigger storyline. The novel takes the reader on an exciting ride that is full of suspense and thrills.
As a young adult novel, Troubletwisters touches on themes of self-discovery, friendship, and family. Although it is set in a magical world, it effectively addresses issues that people of all ages face, such as dealing with bullies, facing fears, and standing up for oneself.
However, one notable weakness of the novel is that it does not provide a thorough explanation of the magic system in the book. It is a critical aspect of the story, yet it is not fully explored.
This can leave readers feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied. Having said that, the novel’s strengths more than compensate for its weaknesses.
Troubletwisters is an exhilarating read that lives up to its title. Its blend of magic and adventure makes it an excellent option for readers looking for a fast-paced, engaging story.
In conclusion, I would unequivocally recommend Troubletwisters to young adults and fiction enthusiasts who love reading magical adventures. It is a fun-filled, action-packed, and heartwarming novel that will leave readers yearning for more.
I rate this book 4 out of 5, mostly due to the underdeveloped magic system, which could benefit from more fleshing out.
