"Great teen fantasy novel"

Rowena Maven isn't too sure what to expect from her year in Australia. Her mom has a job there and Ro begrudgingly agrees to go along. She's not too enthused about their circumstances once there -- their first apartment she dubs the Roach Hotel -- until Patrick Carroll drops in (literally!).

With a boyfriend, Ro adjusts much more quickly to life in the Outback. It helps that they move to a small house, leaving the roaches behind. But there's something strange about Patrick and, drawn as she is to him and their exciting, adventurous dates, Ro knows something isn't right. He takes her walking on clouds and to St. Valentine's Garden, a beautiful oasis that she knows isn't real. And why won't he meet her best friend who comes to visit or her mom?

Just who is this guy who has stolen her heart with his special smile? Ro needs to know, but when she pushes the issue, he vanishes. Is he lost to her forever?

Teen books just ain't what they used to be! This fantasy book holds its own in storyline against most adult books I've read. The characters are fascinating and you spend the whole book wondering what the truth is about Patrick. I was let down by only a couple of things, one very minor. The small one is Ro's reference to dieting and watching her weight -- I hate seeing those kinds of messages go out to teenage girls. That's, of course, relatively minor in the grand scheme of things. The other problem is a little more major -- the ending comes much too abruptly for me. When you find out who Patrick is and then get a glimpse of Ro's future, it is done in 14 pages. I had come to expect a certain depth from the book that I felt was missing in the ending.

That said -- and I know that sounds negative -- I really enjoyed this book. I was desperate to know what's up with Patrick and I wanted Ro to find happiness. It's a great teen book and it makes me want to read more from Ms. Odgers.

Reviewed by Morgan Chilson
Posted September 20, 2004