Duncan Ball was a fabulous MC with hundreds of kids, 40 schools, the best of Australian kids and young adult authors and illustrators at the annual Bookfeast in Sydney’s West.
The Q & A Session was fun with witty comments by:-
Andy Griffiths author of ‘The Day My Bum Went Psycho’
John Heffernan author of “Charlie Carter” series
Deborah Abela,of Max Remy Super Spy fame
Richard Newsome, journalist and author of ‘the Billionaire’s Curse’
John Flanagan of Ranger’s Apprentice series.
It was a feast of authors and illustrators – Oliver Phommavanh, Moya Simons, Anna Feinberg, Belinda Murrell, William Kostakis, Sadami konchi, Jacqueline Harvey, Gabrielle Lord of Conspiracy 365 success and more, more, more …..
With more than 30 schools Villawood North to Haberfield – and the kids were fantastic. 
The Emerald Casket by Richard Newsome
Review by Chris Singer
About the author:
Richard Newsome traveled all over Asia and Europe in researching The Emerald Casket, and makes hi home in Sherwood, Australia, with his wife and three children. You can find out more about Richard, and the mysteries yet to unfold in the final book in the Archer Legacy.
About the book:
(Ages 8-12) It has only been a month since Gerald Wilkins became the richest kid on earth. One month since he found out his great-aunt Geraldine had left him all her fortune and, with it, a murder mystery, clues to a diamond heist, and a target on his back. One month since a villain made off with the contents of the diamond casket, an object of unspeakable power. And you thought your school vacation was eventful.
As book two of the Archer Legacy opens, Gerald, Ruby, and Sam come upon papers, drawings, and reams of research, all indicating that Gerald’s family has been protecting a secret concerning nothing less than the fate of the world. Now Gerald and his friends are off to India to try to find out the truth. Friendships will be forged and broken. A city buried under the sea will be rediscovered. A whole mess of pigeons will be involved. And Gerald is going to have to make a choice between his love for his friends and the darkest desires of his heart.
It’s entirely possible that this month might be even more eventful than the last.
My take on the book:
The Emerald Casket is the second book in The Archer Legacy (check out our review of the first book, The Billionaire’s Curse). The Emerald Casket begins right where the first book left off, and provides readers with a fast-paced, adventurous thriller far more exciting and enthralling than any of this summer’s supposed blockbuster movies.
This book makes great summer reading for both boys and girls, who will definitely enjoy the Indiana Jones-like action. They will likely develop a strong affinity with Newsome’s trio of charismatic heroes (Gerald, Ruby and Sam) as well. Throw in the many twists and turns in the story and you have the makings of a classic series.
Parents will enjoy reading along as well. I found myself not wanting to put this one down and am already looking forward to the final book in the series.
Duncan Ball was a fabulous MC with hundreds of kids, 40 schools, the best of Australian kids and young adult authors and illustrators at the annual Bookfeast in Sydney’s West.
