From
The Critics
G
Force
"A
deftly written novel, G Force is highly recommended
reading and a popular addition to both school and community
library collections." 5/5 Stars, Midwest
Book Review, Oregon, WI USA
"Hampshire provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes view of this sport from the technicalities of rules that specify the number of stops and the richness of the fuel mixture to the physics of racing, and life on the race circuit when money is no object. I was pleasantly surprised to learn, and enjoy learning, as much as I did about this sport. Even with this substantial amount of informative content, the action and tension of the race and the intrigue of the plot as a whole was absolutely engaging. This was all enhanced by Hampshire’s exotic cast of characters. . . I definitely recommend this novel. Hampshire brings together mystery, intrigue, danger and a touch of romance to provide an excellent story not only for reluctant readers but also for race car buffs. The story is well written and proceeds at a suitable pace with frequent chapter breaks for readers who need them. Rating: Excellent" Resource Links Magazine Best of 2009 (1/30/10)
"G Force is the fifth entry in Anthony Hampshire’s “Red Line Racing” series, and it’s a must-read for any race fan. With Hampshire’s background as a racer, he’s able to include all that behind-the-scenes info that fans crave – how drivers train for the exhausting race season, why computers are so important in building a strong race car, and why teamwork matters more than anything. A glossary at the end makes it even easier to follow along with the book (as well as with television commentators on race day). Hampshire deserves to take a victory lap for G Force. It’s a thrilling mystery with a colorful and exciting setting that moves faster than Helio Castroneves." 5 Stars. Deborah Adams, www.curledupkids.com
"G-Force by Anthony Hampshire is a great little book and I thought it
was extremely well done. Mainly geared towards boys, this book
takes an up close look at the world of racing and Indy 500.
Intriguing and fun and I like the subject matter - one that
is sure to interest many young boys and hopefully get them to
read more." 4/5 Stars, www.bookshipper.blogspot.com, Montreal, Quebec
"A
great book for reluctant readers and racing fans."
Christina Lewis, www.kidsbookshelf.com
"G Force would be an excellent book for school and public libraries. The fifth book, although following the adventures of the same characters, can be enjoyed alone as well as part of the series. Recommended. 3 of 4 stars", Deborah Mervold, CM Magazine, University of Manitoba, Vol. XVI, no. 5, 9/25/2009
"Fast Track, the first
in the four-book Redline Racing series, introduces mechanic
extraordinaire Herb, computer wiz Rick, and talented race-car
driver Eddie, who enter their specially designed Ford Mustang
in the Trans American Championship race for modified sports
cars. The book follows them through qualifying laps and the
actual race, complete with car wreck and miraculous finish.
Eddie's Aunt Sophie and Caroline, Eddie's love interest and
Rick's sister, unexpectedly show up and ultimately friends and
family form a racing team. The team heroically rescues an unconscious
rookie driver, Bill Baker, from a wreck that was intentionally
caused by Raul DaSilva, a self-absorbed, unsportsmanlike driver.
Full Throttle,
the second book, follows the team plus engineer Allan
as they move up to Formula 3 Indy-type (single seat and open
tire) car racing. The team leases Baker's wreck, fixes it up,
and with a new paint design for the car and new uniforms for
the team, they travel from Anaheim, California, to race in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. Eddie, in his first Formula 3 race, competes with
the obnoxious DeSilva. Eddie's performance does not fail, nor
does the book. The remaining books, On
the Limit and Title Run, contain more good racing sequences as well as humor, intrigue,
and romance. This series is ideal for reluctant readers. The
short books are enjoyable, and the characters are fun to read
about. Although the stories are not action packed, they provide
the right level of humor, romance, action, and suspense to keep
readers interested. The writing is simple and descriptive. The
story is predictable yet absorbing. The pacing is quick, as
a racing story should be, with funny, idiosyncratic, and heroic
characters. They could be the boys next door, so readers will
identify with them and root for them. A useful glossary is included,
and photos, although some of very poor quality, are sprinkled
throughout the books. This short series is a worthwhile purchase
for young racing fans." - Voice of Youth
Advocates (VOYA)
"A group
of friends dream of success on the professional auto-racing circuit.
Eddie, the driver; Rick, the engineer; and Herb, the mechanic,
are joined in their quest by Eddie's Aunt Sophie, team owner;
and Rick's sister Caroline, team manager and possible romantic
interest for Eddie. The young men start racing in the Trans Am
series and then have the opportunity to lease a damaged Formula
Atlantic car for one race, enlist professional help, land a sponsor,
and make friends and enemies on the track and off as they emerge
as contenders for the Formula Atlantic championship. Along the
way, they cope with endless travel, the theft of their equipment,
and even a hilarious TV interview. Racing scenes are limited in
number and length, but are very well done and accurately use racing
terminology to describe events. The series' focus is on the team's
struggles, such as personality issues, long hours, crashes, and
money, and while the characters aren't developed, the stories
are engaging and fast paced, and carry a good sense of anticipation.
Occasional black-and-white photos depict racing scenes. Eddie's
team's early success is somewhat implausible, but Hampshire's
stories will appeal to racing fans and anyone who roots for underdogs."
- Jeffrey
A. French, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier
Inc. All rights reserved.
"In
Title Run, Hampshire draws the reader into the exciting
and dangerous world of auto racing. His humour, racing knowledge
and snappy narrative voice zip the reader along in this predictable,
yet enjoyable plot. The racing jargon and action scenes are detailed
enough for racing fanatics but remain accessible and interesting
to laypersons. Despite the lack of racing action in the first
few chapters, as well as a great deal of 'telling', Hampshire’s
first-person narrative, quick pace and wit speed this novel along.
Though short chapters and simple vocabulary make Title Run
suitable for younger grades, racing scenes and intrigue will maintain
the attention of older readers. Recommended. 3*/4" -
Reviewer Marina Cohen has a Master’s Degree in literature
from the University of Toronto and has been teaching in the York
Region District School Board for 10 years.
"On
the Limit is a thoroughly enjoyable read, especially for those
racing fans, both boy and girl alike. Anthony Hampshire reveals
a bit more about the characters, their personalities and relationships
to each other in this second instalment to the series and includes
some humour as well. In particular, the opening scene is quite
funny. Once again, the author provides a glossary of race terms
at the end of the novel."
- CM Magazine
"On
the Limit is a good addition to library collections for middle
grade and high school libraries. . . Humour is one of the strengths
of this novel."
- Resource Links
"Hampshire's stories
will appeal to racing fans and anyone who roots for underdogs."
- School Library Journal
