New Zealand Writers

JONES, V M

‘to touch on deep emotions without appearing soppy’

JONES V M (Vicky) (1958-) is a novelist who writes junior fiction.

V M Jones was born in Zambia and educated in Zimbabwe. She completed a BA in English, Archaeology and Social Anthropology from the University of Cape Town and is a qualified gemmologist. Jones has lived in Christchurch with her husband and two children since 1997.

About her first novel, Buddy (2002), Ian Sharp wrote in theSunday Star Times that it is ‘a remarkably assured first novel exploring difficult issues (puberty, jealousy, sexual stirrings, broken families, fear of failure), Buddy marks the arrival of an impressive new talent.’

(LK)

Updated Information

Buddy won the junior fiction section and the Best First Book Award at the 2003 New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. 'Funny and moving, extremely well written and a real page-turner,' said the judges of this debut novel. 'In Josh Crawford, Jones has created a tremendously likeable character, on the cusp of adulthood.'

Buddy (2002) was also shortlisted for the 2003 LIANZA Esther Glen Medal.

Juggling with Mandarins (2003) tells the story of a pivotal time in the life of a young boy. Pip feels he is being called on to fulfil sporting ambitions his father can no longer achieve. He is also struggling with his changing feelings for the girl next door. As well as learning to juggle mandarins, he learns how to juggle new feelings and relationships.

The Serpents of Arakesh (2003). When Adam Equinox stumbles across the entry form for a chance to work with software genius Quentin Quested test-driving a top-secret breakthrough in computer-game technology, Adam enters a world he never dreamed existed. The boundaries between fantasy and reality begin to break down in Book One of the Karazan Quartet.

Juggling with Mandarins and The Serpents of Arakesh were both finalists in the junior fiction section of the New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children & Young Adults 2004. Juggling with Mandarins went on to win the award.

Beyond the Shroud (HarperCollins, 2004) is Book Two of the Karazan Quartet. Adam Equinox and his friends believe they've said farewell to the fantasy world of Karazan but they couldn't be more wrong. To rescue Hannah, Q's precious daughter, the five friends must undertake the most hazardous journey of all: beyond the shroud to Shakesh and into the stronghold of the evil King Karazeel.

Beyond the Shroud was a finalist in the Junior Fiction Category of the New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2005.

Prince of the Wind (HarperCollins, 2004) is the third book in the Karazan Quartet. There's someone new behind the closed door of Matron's office. And he has plans for Highgate . . . plans that will bring Adam's world crashing down around his ears. Face to face with harsh reality, Adam feels as if his adventures in the fantasy world of Karazan happened a lifetime ago.

Quest for the Sun is the final instalment in the Karazan Quartet (HarperCollins, 2005). Adam Equinox has discovered his true identity, heritage and destiny. And at last, he has found somewhere he belongs. But Adam turns the final page of Zaronel's diary, and discovers a secret ... there was not one baby prince, but two ...