Salt NZ Edition

'Gee plus fantasy equals awesome.' Real Groove

PRH, PRH

'It is a marvellous moment when you read the first page of a new book and realise that you are holding a classic of the future.' Trevor Agnew, Weekend Press

PRH, PRH

'This offering from one of the country's top novelists puts new meaning into the term being sent to the salt mines . . . a superbly written and realised fantasy for those who demand a thought-provoking read.' Weekend Herald

PRH, PRH

'What starts out as a dystopian adventure romance quickly leads us into meditations on nuclear power and the ultimate nature of humanity. The strength and clarity of the prose, the simple, compelling story woven through with ideas of fundamental importance - Gee has done remarkable work in this genre, but this is in my view the best children's book of his long career.' David Larsen, NZ Listener

PRH, PRH

'Salt, Gee's grim but brilliant fable of a future dystopia, can been seen as a caustic response to the trickle-down economy, the Company's slave system reflecting the colonial exploitation of the Congo and the Amazon, but it can also be read as an exciting adventure. In fact, all of Gee's novels are multi-levelled, offering both an exciting story and what Gee describes as 'something to chew on'.' Magpies

PRH, PRH

'A superb crossover fantasy, a skilfully told story, taut and fast-moving. It uses sympathetic and intriguing characters to creat a powerful parable, which some may choose to interpret as a logical extension of the dehumanising effect of the market economy. It also works brilliantly as a hard-edged novel of action. Above all it is Maurice Gee's fantasy masterpiece.' Trevor Agnew, Magpies

PRH, PRH

'The ruined city of Belong and the Salt mines are brilliantly realised, with each location filled with its own sense of menace and dread . . . Salt [is] an exciting read for young fans of fantasy.' Nelson Mail'

PRH, PRH

'A new children's novel by (possibly) New Zealand's best writer is sure to raise expectations. Salt is a sophisticated fantasy that delivers the goods.' Raymond Huber, Otago Daily Times

PRH, PRH

'A fantasy without destined heroes redeeming the entire world from the forces of ultimate evil is refreshing... Admirable characters confronting human realities make for compelling reading.' Kirkus Reviews - September 15, 2009

PRH, PRH

'A compelling tale of anger and moral development that also powerfully explores the evils of colonialism and racism.' Publishers Weekly - September 15, 2009

PRH, PRH

'Gee demonstrates his originality by spinning the adventure around ideas of colonialism and radioactive weaponry. These ethically compelling issues are refreshing in a fantasy novel.' VOYA - October 1, 2009

PRH, PRH

'In spare yet vivid prose, Gee creates a world of oppressive caste systems and endless violence in which our heroes work to save people from their own dark nature. This is a suspenseful, somber fantasy that combines exciting action with a subtle spiritual element.' Booklist - October 15, 2009

PRH, PRH

'Salt is more fantastical than the Twilight books and darker than the Harry Potter ones... Salt creates a wholly unique and timeless universe of weapons like fizzing rings and fingertip bolts while keeping character motivations firmly grounded in that's-what-I'd-do territory. It's certainly an adventure of a read.' CD Syndicated - October 16, 2009

PRH, PRH

'Salt succeeds in being not only plot driven and fast paced, but also character oriented… The dominant themes of prejudice and governmental oppression are subtly presented and do not overpower the action-filled plot. Salt will delight lovers of dystopic fantasies and leave them anxious for the second installment.' School Library Journal - November 1, 2009 [Starred review]

PRH, PRH