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The Scott Morrow Adventure trilogy The Afterlife series Non-fiction Reviews Contact
Very Enjoyable And Uplifting
I found One Last Concert a pleasure to read and a book that makes you really think about the afterlife.
It was quite intriguing how the new owner of the old church brought a whole community together to help realise his dream.
The book is an easy read and one that will make the reader think about life after death and what heaven could be like.
I found One Last Concert a joy to read and highly recommend it.
Betty Sullivan
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On the Edge Of
My Seat!
So I finished your book last week and you asked for my opinion ... well I think you did a fantastic job!!!!
At first I had to get your voice out of my head when I was reading and there are a few times that I was reminded it was a teen fiction book and not for adults.
There was only one part I didn't like, and that was when they were all at the barbecue. I thought what happened was repeated too much in that chapter, but that's just my opinion.
And the ending ... well you had me on the edge of my seat!!
All round a fantastic read and I will recommend it to all I know who like a good read.
Allanna-May Cunneen
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Genre:
Fiction/Young adult
Title:
Finding Thomas
Author: Christopher J. Holcroft
Thriller Finding Thomas Sheds Light On Death
Christopher J. Holcroft’s fourth written novel Finding Thomas is a well-tied package of murder, suspense, rescue, and adventure. I strongly recommend this book for teenage boys (around ages 14-15) because of the alluring sense of crime that is woven throughout the entire plot. Girls who enjoy books with danger are also encouraged to try this read.
Right from the prologue of this book, Finding Thomas grabs your attention. It begins with a phone call, a sobbing mother on one end and her comforting husband who works for a politician on the other. Her shattering cry of her son being dead will immediately bring forward questions. From there on, the story only gets more captivating. The son and also protagonist, Kit Green, is miraculously brought back to life but after his revival, he is not the average teenager that he was before. He now possesses the ability to see and talk to spirits that have passed away. Finding Thomas now diverts the plot so that it has more of a supernatural feel. The deceased son of the politician (that Kit’s father works for) befriends Kit in order to stop their fathers from being killed by a shady police officer. And thus, their thrilling crime adventure begins. There are many twists and turns during plotline and will always keep you wondering what will happen next.
This book is written in third person and therefore you can understand and read situations from the eyes of different characters, although it mainly is from Kit’s point of view. As you dwell further into the book, you will start to love Kit Green and his wistful character. Holcroft has added many characters that you may be attached to and will cheer on as the plot progresses. Finding Thomas is one of those intense books that will never bore you. Although it may not be the type of book that you will be forever glued to but you will definitely finish it enjoyably. As mentioned before, typical teenage boys will take a great liking to this book but not all girls will enjoy it as much as I did.
Christopher J. Holcroft has much experience with journalism, communications, media training, and complex public information planning and implementation. After serving 35 years as Venturer Scout Leader and member of the Australian Army Reserve, he decided to write adventuring boy-like novels, encouraging young men to read more. Finding Thomas is his fourth book, greatly inspired by the passing of his brothers and his belief that there is life after death. He is now married to Yvonne and has three sons. The family enjoys outdoor recreational activities such as camping and scuba diving.
Highly recommended by Reviewer: Iris Park, Allbooks Review Int. www.allbooksreviewint.com
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Book shines light on death
BY KATE CARR
03 May, 2011 01:28 PM
THE tragic death of his two brothers just eight weeks apart in 2009 led Christopher Holcroft, of Banksia, to reassess his beliefs about life and death.
One of the results of this difficult time is Mr Holcroft's novel Finding Thomas.
The book is about life, death and everything in between, as seen through the eyes of a teenage boy who had his own near-death experience.
Mr Holcroft had begun researching the novel before his brothers died, but the process took on a far more personal edge following their deaths.
"It has been a very cathartic experience," Mr Holcroft said.
He said his belief in an afterlife was confirmed by a dream he had before his brothers' deaths, along with visits to mediums and conversations with people who had had a near-death experience.
"People with near-death experiences told me about the white light they had experienced when they died," he said.
"They all described it as a place of great joy."
The main character in Finding Thomas is teenager Kit Green, who finds he can see and talk to spirits after dying and coming back to life on the operating table.
Kit teams up with the spirit of another teenager who has died to help uncover government corruption and thwart the murderous plans of a crooked police officer.
Finding Thomas is Mr Holcroft's fourth book, following three novels aimed at Scouts.
The book will be launched at 7pm at St Francis Xavier Church, Arncliffe, on May 5.
Details: christopherholcroft.net
Photo Caption: Crusading spirit: Christopher Holcroft, of Banksia, will launch his new book Finding Thomas, which looks at what happens when you die, on May 11. Picture: Chris Lane
http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/book-shines-light-on-death/2151183.aspx
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A Rite Of Passage - A quick review
Review by Venturer Scout James Brown
Georges River Unit
Sydney, Australia
Review by Venturer Scout Alex Baehnisch
Georges River Unit
17 November 2010
A Rite of Passage is the final novel in Christopher Holcroft's trilogy about the adventures of Scott Morrow and his Venturer Unit. It is set in the harsh realities of the modern world with the story of Scott Morrow interwoven with that of a biker gang turf war which conclude with a gripping and heroic ending.
The novel follows on from Scott Morrow’s other adventures and focuses on him learning to dive and the ensuing dives. Scott is in the last months of his time as a Venturer and the task of courage exhibited by Scott in the climax of the novel can only be described as his rite of passage to rovers.
A Rite of Passage also incorporates the parallel movement of the Girl Guides, specifically the Ranger Guides as they socialise and interact with the Venturer Scouts. The two groups of teenagers are realistically represented participating in activities such as scuba diving and a formal dinner at McDonald’s. These interactions show the blurred lines between the two movements in the 21st century which is highlighted by the Rangers requests for more adventurous activities.
A Rite of Passage has an excellent story relevant to modern society and the challenges which await us, both morally and physically. It, as with the other two books in the trilogy are must reads for anyone interested Venturer Scouting. It has a suspenseful plot which will engross the reader till the very end.
Alex Baehnisch
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Rite way to help boys feel good
BY MARIA GALINOVIC
25 Jun, 2010 12:00 AM
KINGS Cross biker gangs are having a turf war and decamp to La Perouse to fight it out in the relative privacy of Botany Bay.
But, the storyline goes, local kids including our hero Scott Morrow witness the violence and a "situation'' develops.
A Rite of Passage is the third book in the Scott Morrow trilogy by Banksia author Christopher J. Holcroft.
Holcroft asks age-old questions about heroism and how it emerges.
Teenage boys are asked if they would stand up and be counted when the chips are down and lives are on the line.
Holcroft, father of three adult sons, a former journalist, an Army reservist, and a long-time Venturer and Scout, understands boys and is perhaps sorry for them.
"We don't praise male teenagers enough,'' he said.
"We are quick to say how terrible they are, when we need to tell them they can be role models.''
Passionate about outdoor adventures as promoted by Scouts and Guides, Holcroft started writing the books because ``nothing was available about Australian Scouts doing Australian things''.
The first, Only the Brave Dare, was published in 2008, the Year of the Scout, introducing Scott Morrow.
Holcroft stresses that the books, aimed at boys aged 11-18, encourages them to read more, become positive and to feel good.
"Boys will stand up and be counted if they feel confident that they have the right training, and that they are supported by adults,'' he said.
The book will be launched at 7pm on Wednesday, June 30, at St Francis Xavier Church hall, Arncliffe.
http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/boost-for-teens/1868875.aspx
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A Rite Of Passage
Review by Jordan Aitken
1st Engadine Venturer Unit
A Rite of Passage details the latest exploits of Venturer Scott
Morrow and his unit, his latest endeavour; learning to dive. Scott is already
famous for his escapades with the Russian Mafia after they captured his unit,
and furthermore from his daring and brave rescue of a fellow Venturer and then a
Rover during a canyoning accident.
A Rite of Passage is aimed at teenage boys to encourage them to read and experience more of life by getting outdoors and living the adventure. It should surely achieve this, because it is easy and pleasant to read and provides a simple to understand, yet highly insightful look into perspectives we wouldn’t usually see which could only be formulated by someone with great experience and knowledge.
We are allowed to see into the lives of gang members, which we are not usually exposed to through the media – we get to contrast our existing perceptions, challenging us to think more broadly about what we really know about people who are so often stereotypically portrayed. We gain a better understanding of what goes on behind the badges in the investigations of police
A Rite of Passage
promotes Venturing and Guiding movements
in an accurate and positive light (although potential members shouldn’t expect
to help fight the Mafia or dispel bike gang wars) by highlighting the different
opportunities available through the movements. Not only outdoors activities like
scuba diving, but social activities like the formal McDonald’s which appeal to
the target audience as growing, socialising people are featured, exploring the
dynamic of the movement and the variety of experiences to be had. The novel also
touches on the various formalities within the movements, adding to the accuracy
of their representation.
A Rite of Passage touches on issues common to the targeted responder: balance of study and leisure (which Scott is forced to deal with), friendly and romantic relationships (such as those between Scott and his unit, and then that which develops between some of the Unit and the Guides) and growing up (taking on adult actions and responsibilities like leadership and bravery, and acting out of consciousness for others) and through the central character, Scott, we are shown that life can be hard, but manageable and there is no limit to what we can do if we set our minds to it.
Existing members of the Venturing and Guiding movement will enjoy examining this perspective on a part of their lives, Scouts and Guides can look to it as a taste of what they can (within reason) experience in the older sections and outsiders of the movement can see it as a written reason to look up their local group.
Most outstandingly however is the notion that ordinary individuals can, when placed in a situation that demands it, do extraordinary things. We, as responders, may not ever experience the crossfire of warring gangs, but we can, as average, everyday people, embark on our own extraordinary adventures by getting out into the world, challenging ourselves and trying something new – we place ourselves in the situation to achieve. It is within all our capabilities to try something new and it is through Scott Morrow that we can realise that.
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Review Blog
25 May 2009
Poseidon Books, 2008 ( www.poseidonbooks.com )
Poseidon
Books, Burleigh, Qld. 2008
(Ages 12+) Told by an expert in the field of real life adventuring,
orienteering, outdoor education and Venturer Scouts, this story proves
the worth of team work in times of trouble, the importance of training
and organisational skills, and the national significance of rescue
management.
A canyoning trip leads to near disaster but, because of the timely
formation of a Rover volunteer network, an amazing rescue effort saves
young Scott, who was initially instrumental in forming the groups, and
his injured friend.
Though the story lacks the imaginative interest of fictional adventures,
this true to life account will appeal to the young reader who prefers
'real' stories. Well researched and authoritative, Canyon, for
its instructional nature, reads well, providing a good text for outdoor
education groups and the like, and applauding the efforts of all
Emergency Rescue Services. Mike, the Venturer leader, in instructing the
young volunteers says, 'My aim is to ensure you can enjoy the challenges
of the activity you choose to do and that if anything happens to you,
you are self-reliant enough to get out of most problems or, you can get
your mate out'. (p. 7)
Such is the tone of this novel.
http://www.readplus.com.au/blog_detail.php?id=551
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The writing was on the wall
BY JIM GAINSFORD
11/12/2008 4:25:00 PM
BANKSIA author
Christopher Holcroft did not want to keep his loyal readers
hanging in mid-air.
Seven months after publishing Only The Brave Dare, his first adventure novel for young adult readers, he has finished a second book, Canyon.
Part one of the series told the story of a Venturer Scouts unit, led by the unassuming hero Scott Morrow, which encounters the Russian Mafia while diving in a submarine wreck.
In the second book, Scott Morrow and the Venturer Scouts have an abseiling accident while on a canyoning trip in the Blue Mountains. Morrow must hold together the unit members while army commandos and Rover Scouts race to save them.
Mr Holcroft describes his series as "pure escapism'' and draws on his experience as a lieutenant-colonel in the Army Reserve, serving in the Middle East, Timor and Papua New Guinea, and 30 years heading Venturer Scouts units.
He hopes the page-turning yarn will encourage those aged 17-26 to undertake emergency training with the SES.
"The message is that it does not take a hero but it takes training to be aware of the dangers of the wild, and how to overcome them,'' he said.
The third part of the series will be available next year.
Details: www.poseidonbooks.com
St George and Sutherland Shire Leader
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When the Brave Dare to Canyon
Review by Michael Lee, 18 of Hurstville,
New South Wales, Australia
CANYON by Christopher J Holcroft, is the second instalment in a series
that follows the adventures of Scott Morrow and his Venturer
Unit. The novel tells the story of a canyoning trip that places
the Venturer Unit against the elements and forces them to make a
life and death decision.
The book begins with the characters practicing their abseiling skills, as they learn to trust each other, in a controlled environment before they have to put these skills into practice in the most extreme weather conditions.
With meticulous detail the author impeccably describes the scene, painting a picture in the reader’s mind. As the story builds in intensity the author switches between characters at different locations keeping the reader’s intrigue.
The book shows the important connections between the different sections of the scouting family, particularly the bond between Venturers and Rovers.
Like Only the Brave Dare, the book is targeted towards teenage readers with a passion for adventure.
Throughout the adventures of the Venturer Unit the author highlights the importance of team work.
The novel is a suspenseful and entertaining read that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
CANYON is an adrenaline filled story that will be thoroughly enjoyed by all teenagers.
CANYON is available through Poseidon Books at www.poseidonbooks.com/
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Only The Brave Dare, by Christopher Holcroft, is a novel about Venturers on a camping trip who cross paths with the Russian Mafia.
The book begins with a Queens Scout presentation and then introduces the main character.
The world of Scouting and Venturing is described as the novel incorporates an emotional touch to the characters' interactions.
The novel switches between different characters in different locations with different roles in a fashion that is simple to understand.
Although there is the occasional violence, the author's description is acceptable for teenage readers.
Only
The Brave Dare portrays the Scouts as an organised,
independent unit with some of their feats and routines
seeming almost unbelievable.
However, their feats and routines are plausible with the Venturers' training and experience.
With the novel being set for a younger age, and using younger characters as the main role players, Only The Brave Dare is a gripping read for any teenager.
Although the novel has several corny pages at the start, overall, it is a suspenseful and entertaining read.
The novel is definitely a decent, educational experience for any teenager.
Venturer Christopher Gantert
Phtoto by Carlos Furtado
http://stgeorge.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/dare-to-be-brave/365738.aspx
Poseidon Books, 2008 ( www.poseidonbooks.com )
(Age 12+) Described by the author as a modern Biggles,
Only
the brave dare is the story of a group of Venturers who
uncover a drug deal by the Russian Mafia while exploring a
wrecked submarine. Taken captive by the gang, it is up to Scott,
an unassuming Venturer, to find a way to save his mates.
The action switches from the Venturers to the Russian Mafia in
alternate chapters or sections, helping to identify the
characters and what is happening. A more sophisticated reader
may find the italics for different speakers distracting and the
conversation rather heavy handed.
A fast paced adventure story, this will appeal to boys who are
in the Scouting movement and the descriptions of the advantages
of being a Venturer would perhaps encourage young boys to join
the group.
Pat Pledger