Ruth Devine

The Amulet of Athlone

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“A marvellous read … will have kids turning the pages!” Virginia Trioli, ABC TV

Who is Jack McCool? He’s a regular wise-cracking school boy, expert multiple biscuit eater and dodger of homework who likes nothing better than chilling out on his bed with his dog, Fergus. It’s no wonder Jack’s bedroom is his refuge, considering his crazy family and the daily onslaught he faces at school from his arch enemies: Miss Medusa, his lip-curling teacher, and Oscar the sneaky school bully. And oh yeah, Jack’s just discovered he holds the key to breaking an ancient curse. What’s more, the clock’s ticking and all eyes are on him.

“Ever wondered, ‘What’s special about me?’. Jack did and soon discovered that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, even ones with sticky-up hair and an unending supply of dodgy one-liners.”

– R.E.DEVINE

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Ruth Devine writes fiction and non-fiction for adults and children alike. The author’s father delighted in spinning bedtime stories featuring the legendary Irish folk hero Finn McCool; stories that mesmerised the young listener – but didn’t do much in getting Ruth to sleep. From those childhood tales, grew this exciting adventure series about Jack McCool, a colourful and quirky modern-day Finn.

As a journalist for 25 years in the UK and Australia, specialising in writing about parenting and health, and with three sons of her own diagnosed with ADHD, one of Ruth’s main reasons for creating the character of Jack McCool was to have a hero with whom her sons could identify but who would prove equally popular with all children, including reluctant readers.

The author lives in Sydney with three boys who each swear Jack is based on them. But only Ruth and the family kelpie know the truth.

“A fabulous series of books! So good we have such a unique hero.”

Sandy Aloisi, ABC News Radio

“Lively combination of traditional elements and modern fantasy. This is a fast-paced novel for middle-school readers, suited to fans of ‘Deltora Quest’ and other fantasy adventures.”

Books + Publishing

“A fabulous holiday read.”

Children’s Books Daily

“An epic story…I enjoy reading books about ordinary boys or girls thrown into extraordinary situations and seeing how they react. This is the perfect example.”

Jazzy’s Bookshelf

“You’ll be amazed by the magical spells and tricks played by evil banshees and mesmerised by the description of the places Jack visits.”

Educate.Empower

The Tomb of the Emerald Scarab

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When a priceless artifact is stolen from an ancient Egyptian tomb, all fingers point to Jack’s best mate Rory, as the thief. Determined to clear his pal’s name and continue his quest to break a wicked curse, Jack turns to fearsome warrior Finn McCool, for help. A desperate race through time sees the unlikely duo battle shipwrecks, slave traders and an evil sorcerer to find the missing gems – and save Rory’s life!

“Jack must live by his wits and show more courage and confidence than he ever thought he possessed in order to continue his quest and break an evil curse. How quickly the ordinary becomes extraordinary.“

– R.E.DEVINE

The Crown of Burning Ice

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At a tense gathering of the clans in the distant mountain kingdom of Kazakh, Jack discovers a magical clue he hopes will help him in his quest to find the next missing gemstone he needs to break an ancient curse. But after overhearing a chance remark, his life is suddenly in danger and he must continue his perilous mission alone. Battling vicious mountain beasts, ruthless bandits, and a water nymph intent on stealing the very breath from his lungs, the schoolboy prince is forced to live by his wits to ensure his survival. Will he succeed? Only time will tell…

“When he’s not battling a monster from the deep or rescuing Finn from the clutches of a mysterious stranger, Jack discovers that it’s not always easy to tell friend from foe.”

– R. E. DEVINE

The Lost Well of Wisdom

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When a malevolent creature curses the clan, Jack risks his life to confront it. Events take a sinister turn and the young prince soon realises he has jeopardised his entire mission. Caught up in a struggle between two ruthless war lords, the schoolboy warrior must battle a scheming banshee, outwit an entire army and race against time to find the next gemstone in his quest to save an ancient kingdom.

“Jack faces a shadowy banshee who, not only tries every trick in the book to stop him fulfilling his quest, but prevents him from seeing that sometimes what you need most is right under your nose.”

– R. E. DEVINE

The Curse of the Golden Idol

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Finn McCool has mysteriously disappeared and as Prince of Tara, Jack must find his friend and protect the clan. But his rescue mission goes badly wrong when he travels back in time to a strange land full of danger and secrets. A traitor, a wicked banshee, a cursed idol; Jack must battle these and more if he is to save Finn and find the next enchanted gemstone to fulfil his destiny and break an evil curse.

“Jack has the tricky job of using all his cunning to unravel a riddle and discover the key that will unlock his way to safety, accept help from the most unlikely of sources and look deep inside himself if he is to succeed, all while staying faithful to his destiny.”

– R. E. DEVINE

the-chronicles-of-jack-mccool-the-orb-of-eternal-fire

The Curse of the Golden Idol

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With the clan’s encampment destroyed by the High King Goll, Jack and Finn take to the Forest of Roann. There they plan to rid Eireann of its wicked king forever and retrieve the last enchanted gemstone needed to break an ancient curse. But when Jack receives word that an old friend is in terrible danger, he is forced to choose between duty and destiny in this, his final exciting adventure.

“Jack’s trademark humour and the growing wisdom he’s gained from his adventures help him in his efforts but will all his hard work and bravery pay off or will Jack have to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to succeed?”

– R. E. DEVINE