Queen Millie visits Dorie school.

Queen Millie and I visited Dorie school today with Battle For Arohanui and Little Bridie Boo The Puppy Who Grew. I read to the children while Millie bestowed cuddles upon them. The children were enthralled by the hounds adventures with the shedragon. Thank you Dorie school for allowing us to share our day and our stories with you.

Review of Battle For Arohanui by Chris Ballantine

BATTLE FOR AROHANUI REVIEW

As a bit of a Tolkien snob, I have to admit I approached ‘Battle for Arohanui’ with a little trepidation. However, I need not have worried. Amanda Van Vliet has assembled a highly appealing cast of characters. She manages to combine human traits and typical Wolfhound behaviour in a way that is very engaging and doesn’t jar in the least, as it so easily could. Each of the characters has their own individual quirks and foibles which makes them fun to follow.

The storyline is a classic tale of good versus evil, but it’s told with warmth and humour. Even in the darkest moments, of which there are a few, there’s a touch of humour to lighten the mood. It’s an engaging tale, warm and full of humanity (surprisingly, given that the protagonists are Wolfhounds) and a very pleasant and easy weekend read.

- Chris Ballantine

Battle For Arohanui update

Hello everyone,
 Sorry it's been a while since I made an update. As it is for everyone it has been a busy time here over the holiday season. One of the things keeping me busy for a couple of days was the international effort within the wolfhound community to fund-raise for a life saving operation for a wee 7 month old pup in the States. I am happy to say that the money was raised and little Sabine underwent her surgery today. She has come through the surgery well and will soon be living life with her brother to the fullest.
I am very humbled to have been able to contribute to the fund by auctioning 2 signed copies of Battle For Arohanui. I say humbled as I never expected them to raise the money they did US$120 for the first copy and US$115 for the second copy. This has been a fantastic way to start the New Year for me. My main goal when I wrote Battle For Arohanui was to give me a means to help others. Be it by bringing joy into their lives or in a more tangible way. Four days into the New Year and I have achieved in a small way one of my goals already. 
Thank you so very much to those of you who helped me to achieve this goal. I am honoured and humbled to have you among my friends.
Namaste

Merry Christmas from Arohanui

Battle For Arohanui: Favourite Characters

Yesterday I asked the question who are your favourite characters. I spoke of one of my favourite characters which is of course Mad Maisey Mayhem. Another of my favourites is Sir Ocho! He is self effacing, unlike many of the other knights he doesn't have great self belief but when called upon to save others he is able to tap into a well, deep inside of himself and find the the strength he needs to set aside his self doubts and be truly great. It is something we all need to strive to and achieve if we are to live up to our potential and fulfill  our true purpose on this earth, just as Ocho did.

I think Sir Finn says it best and here I will let him speak in his own words;

“Ocho!” Finn’s stern voice chastised. “You do not believe in yourself. You will never achieve greatness if you do not believe in yourself. It is not to others you need to prove yourself. It is to yourself.”
“And it is not you Finn who must try to do the impossible,” Ocho said looking at Finn sulkily.
“No it is not I. But nor is it impossible as Talisan has proven,” Finn countered. “Your battle is with your mind, not me young wizard. Put your efforts there. Remember what it felt like to be flying with Talisan. Through the air above the treetops. Remember also why it is so very important for you to let go of your ego and just be. Many lives depend upon you and you would do well to focus on them and not your own frustration. “

Battle For Arohanui - Who's your favourite character?

With many folk out there now enjoying the tale of the hounds of Kuri Te Aroha, I a got to wondering who your favourite characters are? I have a few favourites one who always captures my heart is Mad Maisey Mayhem. Like Bridie I have a real soft spot for Maisey. She is vulnerable and broken but she is fiercely loyal to those she befriends. None shall lay harm on the princess while Maisey is around.

Battle For Arohanui

Well finally I am up with the rest of the world and am on twitter. Follow me now @AmandavanVliet2 . Absolutely love a new challenge :)