Colin O'Sullivan Knihy

Every so often a book comes along that is sure to wow both the young and the... ahem... not-so-much-anymore. What you hold in your hands is that rarity! Gathered here are three topsy-turvy tales for a topsy-turvy world, tales with tongues placed firmly in cheeks. These fairytales are given excitingly fresh varnishes as we are presented with a host of new (yes, new!) unforgettable, delightful characters who are destined to win your hearts as they wrestle with the ways of our chaotic days. Meet Cinderella's sister who lives in a dustbin (reading philosophy), who must abandon her fiefdom of filth in order to venture out and save the famous princess! Meet Little Red Riding Hoods' little brother, Little Black Hoodie, the computer geek (and sometime hacker); a reluctant hero who must be persuaded to save the environment! And, finally, in The Secret Siblings Support Group we encounter a horde of comic others you wish you'd always known and will surely cherish for years to come. Who thought age-old stories could be pushed into shiny (and very funny) new territories? Colin O'Sullivan, that's who! Here the acclaimed Irish writer provides entertainment for all the family with spoofs that will tickle as well as provoke.

The narrative explores the limits of endurance and resilience as it delves into the struggles faced by a piece of land over time. Through vivid imagery and poignant storytelling, it examines the impact of human actions, environmental changes, and the quest for sustainability. The characters are intricately connected to the land, revealing their personal stories and the broader implications of their choices. Themes of connection, responsibility, and the balance between nature and humanity are woven throughout, prompting readers to reflect on their own relationship with the environment.

A woman whose life is upended when her husband and son disappear in a mysterious plane crash is left alone with an unnerving home robot.  In near-future Japan, Susie Sakamoto is mourning the loss of her husband and son to a plane crash. Alone in her big modern house, which feels like more of a prison, she spends her days drinking heavily and taking her anger out at the only “sentient” thing left in her life: Sunny, the annoying home robot her husband designed. She despises Sunny, and sometimes even gets a sinking feeling that Sunny is out to hurt her. To escape her paranoia and depression, Susie frequents the city's seedy, drug-fueled bars, where she hears rumors of "The Dark Manual," a set of guidelines that allows owners to reprogram their robot for nefarious purposes. In hopes of finding a way to turn off Sunny for good, Susie begins to search for the manual, only to learn it’s too late: The machines are becoming more sentient and dangerous.