A fascinating new fantasy for young readers about the creatures we don’t see.
Nean McKenzie is an optometrist and children’s author who was born in Bendigo but now lives in Melbourne. This is her first published novel.
Cryptosight is about 13-year-old Rafferty (Raff) and his younger sister Zara.They are taken on a trekking holiday to the Flinders Ranges with their cryptozoologist dad, Max. He wants them to become self-sufficient in the Australian bush. Zara is excited about the trip, but Raff is embarrassed by a dad who believes in things no one has ever seen. Dad belongs to a group called ICEPA – Investigators of Creatures at the Edge of People’s Awareness.
Cryptozoology is the study of animals which nobody has ever seen: those creatures we see from the corner of our eyes at dusk or those found in folklore. Bunyips and yowies. A cryptozoologist spends their life chasing supposed sightings by the public and stories which may have been passed down from family member to family member. Cryptosight is the ability to communicate with such creatures.
Unfortunately, Raff has a scientific brain and if it can’t be proved without reasonable doubt, then he is not interested. Why would you want to believe in something that simply doesn’t exist? Raff is also inexplicably afraid of ants. All ants. He has even been known to faint when faced with one of these scary creatures.
Soon, Raff starts to have strange dreams, their dad disappears, their mother is acting strangely and there seems to be people who are intent on kidnapping them! And then Zara starts talking to birds and seeing strange lights in a piece of rock. What on earth is happening to Raff’s simple, scientifically explainable world, and how can two kids save their dad while keeping themselves safe?
Cryptosight is a rollicking, fast paced adventure, written in the 3rd person, for 8-12 year olds. It is easy to read and the unusual new cryptozoologist words are thankfully constantly explained. The slightly eerie front cover by artist Jenna Vincent gives us some idea of what is to come. There is adventure, danger, suspense, excitement and family love.
McKenzie has woven a tale which leaves us wondering what we might actually be missing when we don’t have an open mind. It is also about looking after those we love and being prepared to face our greatest fears. This is a well-written first novel which children can read themselves, but could also be used as a class novel. I for one am looking forward to McKenzie’s next foray into the world of literature.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
Distributed by: Midnight Sun Publishing
Released: October 2019
RRP: $17.99
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