I have a confession, I wasn’t wholly convinced with the strength of the first book, Victor’s Quest, which I reviewed for a previous issue of Bookseller+Publisher. However I was prepared to give the series a second chance, so offered to review Victor’s Challenge. The plot sees Victor sent on a series of tasks by his father-in-law to-be, who remains unconvinced (like most fathers probably) that our young hero Victor is worthy of his daughter’s hand in marriage. To prove his mettle, Victor sets off accompanied by his faithful horse Quince. The challenges see his endurance, bravery and cleverness tested. His self-effacing manner easily disarms the tempestuous dragon, who is as easily put out by Victor’s unwillingness to confront the dragon with a sword, in the usual gung-ho manner of other knights. I soon warmed to this book and its characters. Being a bit of a political junkie, I did find Valerian’s republican father’s explanation to Victor of a constitutional monarchy most amusing! I especially liked the frustration expressed in the dragon’s face. Once again Kim Gamble’s delightful illustrations adorn the pages, a fun read.

Julia Jackson is a bookseller at Readings, Carlton

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