New Releases by Paul Collins

The dramatic events leading up to the appearance of white smoke over the Vatican and the public declaration from the balcony of St Peters- Habemus Papam- has been the most remarkable yet in the election of any Pontiff. The demise of Pope John Paul II was anticipated ever since he was rushed to Gemelli hospital on February 1st. Now he has died the legacy of this outstanding Pontiff is already the matter of fierce debate. A number of his closest advisers like Cardinals Ratzinger and Sodano are already fairly powerless as the Conclave has chosen a Pontiff more interested in the North South axis than that of East West. The final part of this important new book is an in-depth profile of the new Pope, His Holines Pope XXX. The middle part of the book is an account of the Conclave, the poiliticing and the jockeying for position. But it also contains character sketches of those who have been serious contenders for the See of Peter- Cardinal Walter Kasper, Cardinal Tettramanga of Florence, Cardinal Christoph von Schonborn of Vienna, Cardinal Arinze of Nigeria , Cardinal Claudio Hummes of Sao Paolo and Cardinal Rodriguez Madariaga of Honduras. There is also a sketch of some of the complete outsiders. Nobody could be more suited that Paul Collins to werite this incisive and informative account. he has already published books on the History of the Papacy.

The long-awaited sequel to Dragonfang Three mercenaries Poison coursing through their veins And only six weeks to find a stolen dragon relic ... “The action never stops in Dragonsight. Countess Jelindel dek Mediesar, Daretor and Zimak are sent on a desperate quest to recover a stolen jade talisman called the dragonsight. With a slow-acting poison ticking through their veins, they have only six weeks to find the talisman and take the antidote. There’s magic and mayhem aplenty as they’re hunted through the paraworlds, before the final violent confrontation at the Tower Inviolate. And them in sight of their goal, the ultimate treachery. A terrific page-turner, crammed full of action, intrigue and lashings of magic.” IAN IRVINE

?But on the last night of that Three Day Dark, some said they saw a shape in the starry sky. A black void, where no star shone. A void in the shape of a rat ?? Is this sign a foreboding of fantastical events to befall Quentaris? What part do the rat children, Lucien and Zoe, play in this horror? Is this the final calamity that will destroy the mighty city?

When the spaceship Colony crash lands on Earth, the Skyborn elders aboard decide to exterminate the Earthborn, whom they believe to be no better than animals, before recolonizing the planet. On a reconnaisance mission, however, fourteen-year-old Welkin Quinn discovers that the "barbarians" possess skills essential to the space travelers'' survival. Includes Reader''s guide.

Josh has always dreamed of finding a lamp with a genie in it. His three wishes are simple enough to receive an endless supply of lollies, to be the most popular kid in school and to be the toughest. So what goes wrong when his wishes are granted? Suggested level: primary.

Ted moves to a new town and tries to be friendly with the bully next door, but mean Jim Green has a big surprise coming his way.

When Jaq Colbin befriends an earth magician he ends up in an adventure he couldn''t have imagine.

Novel for young readers in the Takeaway series. While preparing for the ferret race, Kazuo''s beloved ferret Ferbie meets his end. His worried parents give him two new ferrets, Ruff and Tumble, and Kazuo begins training them for the race. Kazuo has always been the nerd of the school and now he is under pressure to cheat on the day of the race. Author is a prolific children''s writer of fantasy and science fiction. Previous books include ''The Dog King''.

Daniel is jealous of his sister Katrina''s slumber party, so he decides to scare them.

Story in the Supa Dazzler series of readers for middle and late primary school students. The series consists of 21 books, written as seven separate trilogies. A Teacher''s Book is also available. This story is the second in the Cyberkids trilogy. Dominic steals his sister''s virtualgram playstation on the night of her science project presentation so he can challenge the Chinese Dragon to a bout of kung fu.

Winston is in trouble. He has incurred the wrath of the Magic Guild and his master the Wizard. Only the dragon can help him find the missing dish he needs on his quest for the lost spell of Yoal.

Collection of 17 science fiction short stories, by the editor of ''Metaworlds'' and ''Metafantasy'', and author of the ''Void'' series of magazines and books. Ten of the stories have previously been published in other anthologies and magazines such as ''Omega'' and ''PC User''.