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 Chronicles of Jack McCool continues with the third and fourth books in the series, The Crown of Burning Ice and The Lost Well of Wisdom published mid-November 2018. Click on either of these titles to pre-order. The fifth and sixth installments, The Curse of the Golden Idol and The Orb of Eternal Fire will hit the shelves in 2018. Pre-order links for these final two titles coming soon!