Saturday 18 November 2006

Something Wicked This Way Comes, Ken Catran, 2005


SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES Ken Catran, Scholastic, Auckland, New Zealand, 2005, 198 pages, paperback, $16.99.
ISBN 1-86943-546-X.

Dennis Wheatley’s name is unknown to teenage readers, so a novel in his style, set in small-town New Zealand, seems an odd choice. Kiwi teens may be baffled by the eldritch screams and gibbous moons but will recognise the pentacles and grimoires from Charmed. Ken Catran knows how to get a plot rolling and 17-year old Brad sells his soul and suddenly finds himself facing all the forces of evil, as the Dark Lord prepares to ride out. He and the beautiful Eithne have two Angels on their side but the dark powers have magpies helping them.
For mature teens.

Trevor Agnew

First published in The Press, Christchurch, New Zealand on September 3rd 2005

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