Books with author Christian Lain

A creature from an alien land crosses a presumably impenetrable boundary and enters the land of Fenmarsh - a humid place overspread with bogs and mires and filled with diverse and wonderful beasts. This creature has a plan. It intends to steal an artefact; a talisman that it has hunted down and yearns to possess. But, to achieve its goal, it needs some assistance. The creature is in luck! … Close at hand are some rather unsavoury neighbours most willing, at a price, to do its bidding. So, a plan is set and so too is the next great fight for survival in Evolution. Now, the dominant denizens of Fenmarsh thus far, known as marsh’ns, must contend with this newcomer and its ‘hired-help’. However, they don’t seem to be up to the task! … Until now, their favourable position in the food chain has been a little artificial; it has been manipulated by a mysterious old marsh’n by the name of Magnus Meantime. This ‘old one’ has been coming up with subtle tricks to keep the marsh’n race one step ahead of the next snap-mouthed predator in the swamp. This may not be enough this time. It is a good job that he has a plan as well. This plan involves Chek, a particularly gifted young marsh’n, who has been trying to find his place in the big wide mire. He is drawn into a not-so-chance meeting with the ‘old one’ and soon realises that not everything in the swamp is as it appears – for a start, there is a very fine line between skill and trickery! … Magnus reveals a part of his plan to the young wanderer through a series of liaisons and the pair, along with some rather oddball characters, set out to save not only a way of life, but an entire species.

‘This is a strong, character-driven story from a talented playwright and novelist, which tackles some hefty issues with lightness and humour. It is an impressive debut.’ Books + Publishing Since Ava lost Kelly, things haven’t been going so well. Even before she gets thrown out of school for shouting at the principal, there’s the simmering rage and all the weird destructive choices. The only thing going right for Ava is her job at Magic Kebab. Which is where she meets Gideon. Skinny, shy, anxious Gideon. A mad poet and collector of vinyl records with an aversion to social media. He lives in his head. She lives in her grief. The only people who can help them move on with their lives are each other. The winner of the 2016 Text Prize, Beautiful Mess is funny and sad and a bit screwed up and romantic and absolutely real. In other words, a lot like life. Claire Christian is a novelist and playwright who lives in Brisbane. She has had three plays published by Playlab, and her play Bloom was shortlisted for the Griffin Award in 2009. She was one of YWCA Queensland’s 125 leading women of 2013. ‘A raw, affecting coming-of-age story that starts a conversation about mental health.' Readings ‘Beautiful Mess is a powerful, poignant novel about love, loss, and learning that even though we might feel cracked or broke at times, we are still beautiful…Claire Christian must be commended for tackling some of the most confronting themes in YA with sincerity and heart.’ Written Word Worlds ‘An engrossing read that brings together Ava and Gideon, two emotionally flawed and troubled characters not unlike Libby and Jack in Jennifer Niven’s Holding Up the Universe or Eleanor and Park of Rainbow Rowell’s book of the same title.’ Readings ‘Beautiful Mess tackles young adult issues head on, but with a lightness of touch that lifts it from the dark topics it explores. A debut novel with memorable, authentic characters that touch your heart, float into your life and leave you wanting more.’ Magpies ‘A truly touching story of young people trying to navigate their way through real problems. I highly recommend this novel and congratulate Claire on a great debut.’ Lamont Books ‘Claire is such a lovely bubble of positivity. I'm excited to see what she brings to Aussie YA.' Danielle Binks, Alpha Reader Beautiful Mess is a stunning read. Claire Christian has delivered a raw and moving debut with beautifully flawed, well-drawn characters who you can’t help but fall in love with.’ Gabrielle Tozer ‘Claire Christian delivers an honest and searing depiction of the flow-on effects of grief…A book with a lot of heart and hope and a useful compass for teens facing similar issues.’ Kids’ Book Review ‘Bittersweet and funny…A beautiful book with important words to say about mental health, love and brokenness.’ Paper Fury

Kedric is the third youngest son of Emperor Sedric Lorestone. Despite his sharp mind, Kedric is shy and reclusive by nature, happy to live out his peaceful life behind his desk, overseeing the empire's economy. His peaceful life is threatened when his father announces all of his sons will march into battle alongside the Legions against a new threat approaching from the west.Revellon has fallen and Marix, the self-proclaimed God, stalks its streets with his Right Hand. The two men enter the Bank of Varsodi, but there have no interest in money or jewels. Deep in the bank's vaults is an ancient relic, believed to have once been the possession of one of the gods themselves. The two men have set their sights on this relic, and nothing will stop them from getting it.

Charlotte is a two year old Shih Tzu, loved and adored by her "parents". As with all doggies, she is terrified of thunderstorms and fireworks. Go on this journey with Charlotte and she will tell you how doggies find refuge in The Magical Garden from their worldly fears.Read about how Charlotte takes her Daddy to The Magical Garden and how he is reunited with all his pups.A touching tale of a couple's love for their pups, their tragic experiences and the joy of reunion.

Charlotte meets Tango and falls in love!Later, after Tango and Charlotte are married in an elaborate ceremony, the whole family leave for their honeymoon. Months later, Charlotte experiences both joy and sorrow while delivering her pups.Charlotte’s Daddy, inspired by his family of doggies, creates the Doggie Bears, which are functional replicas of Charlotte’s canine family, for the benefit of those who cannot have real dogs. The launch of Doggie Bears takes Charlotte and her family on a whirlwind worldwide trip. Truly, this is a magical tale of the magic of doggies.

Bindi had never had a family before. She had always been alone, except for the kind folk who fed her and others who patted her head on the street. Now, as winter descended on her small town, Bindi knew that it was going to be difficult to find enough food for a decent meal. What she didn't know was that she was in very real danger and that she would receive the surprise of her life within a day.

Charlotte hears and sees things that are very suspicious.To find out what the problem is and how to solve it, Charlotte and her family are sent by Father Wisdom to a hitherto unknown part of The Magical Garden.When they arrive, they meet many illustrious canines from historic and magical times. It is there that they discover the extent of the threat and are given the solution to protect Man and Caninekind.Truly, this is a magical tale of the magic of doggies.

Charlotte, the adorable Shih Tzu, has a new grooming experience and makes new friends.They go to The Magical Garden to enjoy The Lollipop Tree, The Sea of Chocolates and The Ice Cream Igloo. A new game is also born, with Wally the Wannabe Wallaby being the inspiration for it.When she is back, Charlotte and her Mommy are saved from marauding canines by her four faithful “buddyguards”, Chandler, Dobby, Chip and Bully. Charlotte’s Mommy then starts caring for them.While Charlotte and her new friends are on a play date at Joe’s, he is attacked by Stinky and The Stench, who are duly dealt with by the buddyguards, too.Truly, this is a magical tale of the magic of doggies.