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Urban Hunters #1
Four Small Stones: Billy's Gotta Find Some Girls
Billy's gotta find some girls. The problem is he's an Aborigine from the Australian bush and all he's got to wear is a loincloth. Not a good look in the city. And what's worse, he's never even seen a girl before. Could life get anymore difficult? Why yes it could. Billy could fall in love ...
But first he has to survive two devious older brothers and a couple of initiations to prove his manhood. Great.
"AWESOME!!!" Andrew, UK
"I was cracking up laughing. It's really good." Kris, Australia
"So fun guys I highly recommend it." Nancy, USA
URBAN HUNTERS is laugh-out-loud, gut-churning, heart-wrenching storytelling at its best. Unlike anything you've ever read, in typical Taaffe fashion. Hilarious as usual. Always surprising. Wonderful!
But first he has to survive two devious older brothers and a couple of initiations to prove his manhood. Great.
"AWESOME!!!" Andrew, UK
"I was cracking up laughing. It's really good." Kris, Australia
"So fun guys I highly recommend it." Nancy, USA
URBAN HUNTERS is laugh-out-loud, gut-churning, heart-wrenching storytelling at its best. Unlike anything you've ever read, in typical Taaffe fashion. Hilarious as usual. Always surprising. Wonderful!
124 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2011
About the author
Gary Taaffe
17 books10 followersGary Taaffe is the No.1 Amazon Bestselling Author of 9 fiction and 2 non-fiction books, including the Urban Hunters series for Young Adults and his Stampede series, a no-nonsense guide to book marketing for authors. New York Book Review, W.D La Rue said, “I would read ANYTHING this man wrote.” Gary lives in Forster-Tuncurry, Australia, where he’s surrounded by waterways for fishing and bushland for hunting. He writes fulltime with new books coming out in quick succession.
If you want to be the first to hear of his latest release, sign up to his newsletter, and if you want to find Gary socially, head on over to his website at BunyaPublishing.com.
Connect with Gary here:
BunyaPublishing.com
Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram - Gary Taaffe
Twitter - @Urban_Hunters
If you want to be the first to hear of his latest release, sign up to his newsletter, and if you want to find Gary socially, head on over to his website at BunyaPublishing.com.
Connect with Gary here:
BunyaPublishing.com
Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram - Gary Taaffe
Twitter - @Urban_Hunters
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 14, 2011
Four Small Stones was like The Jungle Book set in Aboriginal Australia. When I saw the subtitle, “Billy’s Gotta Find Some Girls,” I knew I had to read it. I was pulled in from the first page by how vivid and visual the writing was. I was immersed in an entirely new and fascinating culture that was shocking, sad, beautiful and amazing. He dedicates this book to his nieces and nephews who “stared wide-eyed as I told them about Billy and Amber’s adventures” and I felt exactly the same way. I’ve never read anything like it. I was grossed out one minute, laughing out loud the next, and completely shocked by the sad and heart-breaking things that can happen to the Aboriginal people. I was a little stunned by how graphic some of it was (think rotting, maggott filled kangaroo type stuff), but I loved this book. Gary Taaffe did an excellent job of entertaining me and at the same time educating me on a different people and their way of life. I can’t wait for the next one.
This book is also reviewed on my blog Books: A true story
This book is also reviewed on my blog Books: A true story
August 7, 2012
Billy is a young Aborigines whose mother wants him to go on his walkabout with his great grandfather, Cobar. Bill is only thirteen and wants more time to grow into a man. Billy has two older brothers, Mallee and Pindaari. They are rambunctious and like to play tricks on each other. What they hadn't realized is that four small stones would take them on a journey towards respect and manhood.
Taaffe brings young readers into the world of the Aborigines. Their way of life, culture, foods and a young boys adventure will peak the curiosity of young readers, especially boys. The shenanigans of these brothers are easily excepted and absolutely hilarious. This coming of age story is a quick read that parents and teachers will approve.
Taaffe brings young readers into the world of the Aborigines. Their way of life, culture, foods and a young boys adventure will peak the curiosity of young readers, especially boys. The shenanigans of these brothers are easily excepted and absolutely hilarious. This coming of age story is a quick read that parents and teachers will approve.
September 29, 2011
This was a very interesting short story!! I loved what Billy did to his brothers...that was epic!
September 25, 2018
At the time of reading this book it was around about Naidoc week and I borrowed this and a number of others from the series to see well what it was like and if I could learn nothing about the indigenous cultures of our land.
The story was ok it wasn't brilliant, it wasn't terrible, but I'm not are how much I learnt from it that expanded my knowledge and experience of our indigenous nations. An OK read. How will the series go from here?
The story was ok it wasn't brilliant, it wasn't terrible, but I'm not are how much I learnt from it that expanded my knowledge and experience of our indigenous nations. An OK read. How will the series go from here?
August 7, 2020
Have read the series and ordered the set for school. I enjoyed the whole series and have even started reading them again, they give me such a laugh, and if you're Aboriginal and from the bush you can relate.
November 2, 2021
Racist as fuck. Not a fan of book burnings, but this one definitely needs to go
December 2, 2013
*I was generously provided a copy of this book to read and review*
A short story about a boy named Billy, and his (mis)adventures in the bush.
Now, I have to be honest to say that this is not usually a genre that I read. My favourite genres are fantasy, scifi, true crime, thriller, and biography.
Having said that, it did not distract me from enjoying the story for what I loved the most about it, Gary's obvious talent for storytelling and a rich world that he has created. Take this from another writer, that is not an easy thing to do. He must have done a lot of research and it shows. Amazingly detailed.
The character building is strongest here, although I have to be honest and say that there was a wee bit too much exposition for my liking, where I got very much lost with the number of names being talked about, but I kept reading as it focused back on Billy and the kids he competes with.
Gary has a great way of hooking the reader into the scenes, which is where I have a gentle bone to pick with him in what is otherwise a very lighthearted and funny book.
One scene in this book, and given that I am a highly visual person, made me literally sick to my stomach. It was incredibly well described, but that was part of the problem for me. The book wasn't my cup of tea per se, but I loved Gary's writing voice, and reading his intricate details about the world he described.
Gary, well done on a fabulously written story, even if it isn't my cup of tea. There were a few tiny things I would suggest to improve on in writing, but this was one of the smoothest manuscripts I have read in a long time.
This is aimed at young kids, and the language gets a bit strong in some places for me to feel comfortable giving this to young kids to read.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! I wouldn't say to let too young kids read it though, but it is a cute read... If your stomach can take some of the content.
A short story about a boy named Billy, and his (mis)adventures in the bush.
Now, I have to be honest to say that this is not usually a genre that I read. My favourite genres are fantasy, scifi, true crime, thriller, and biography.
Having said that, it did not distract me from enjoying the story for what I loved the most about it, Gary's obvious talent for storytelling and a rich world that he has created. Take this from another writer, that is not an easy thing to do. He must have done a lot of research and it shows. Amazingly detailed.
The character building is strongest here, although I have to be honest and say that there was a wee bit too much exposition for my liking, where I got very much lost with the number of names being talked about, but I kept reading as it focused back on Billy and the kids he competes with.
Gary has a great way of hooking the reader into the scenes, which is where I have a gentle bone to pick with him in what is otherwise a very lighthearted and funny book.
One scene in this book, and given that I am a highly visual person, made me literally sick to my stomach. It was incredibly well described, but that was part of the problem for me. The book wasn't my cup of tea per se, but I loved Gary's writing voice, and reading his intricate details about the world he described.
Gary, well done on a fabulously written story, even if it isn't my cup of tea. There were a few tiny things I would suggest to improve on in writing, but this was one of the smoothest manuscripts I have read in a long time.
This is aimed at young kids, and the language gets a bit strong in some places for me to feel comfortable giving this to young kids to read.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! I wouldn't say to let too young kids read it though, but it is a cute read... If your stomach can take some of the content.
September 24, 2011
Four Small Stones (Urban Hunters 1)
By: Gary Taaffe
ISBN: 9780987176004
Published August 3, 2011 by Bunya Publishing
Available Format: ebook
My Rating: ★★★★★
Billy is a thirteen-year-old Aboriginal boy from the bush. The spirit of his mother has chosen him to travel where the whites live. His clan is facing extinction, and it is up to young Billy to find some girls and a future for them. Billy really doesn’t want to go, but he has more imminent problems to deal with. Billy’s brothers are constantly pulling pranks on each other, and this time Billy is their target. He cooks up a plan to get back at them big time. His plan involves a rotten Roo, some stimulating biscuits, a blanket of bat poop, and a trip to the crystal cave.
I originally thought, with a thirteen-year-old protagonist and low word count, this would be good to read with my son. We did start it together, but I read ahead and decided it was a bit more mature than he is ready for at the moment. We did have an interesting conversation about the Aborigines and Australian animals and culture. It is more toward the end of the story that the plot takes a little turn and the language gets a bit harsh. If he were in his early teens, I would have been more comfortable with him finishing the story.
For me, though, it was truly enjoyable! The young brothers have such a fun rapport, even though they are trying to one up each other all the time. They certainly can pull some disgusting pranks, and Billy’s was elaborate and hilarious!
All throughout the story, I marveled at how authentic everything felt. Heartwarming and fun! I can’t wait to check out the next in the series…
By: Gary Taaffe
ISBN: 9780987176004
Published August 3, 2011 by Bunya Publishing
Available Format: ebook
My Rating: ★★★★★
Billy is a thirteen-year-old Aboriginal boy from the bush. The spirit of his mother has chosen him to travel where the whites live. His clan is facing extinction, and it is up to young Billy to find some girls and a future for them. Billy really doesn’t want to go, but he has more imminent problems to deal with. Billy’s brothers are constantly pulling pranks on each other, and this time Billy is their target. He cooks up a plan to get back at them big time. His plan involves a rotten Roo, some stimulating biscuits, a blanket of bat poop, and a trip to the crystal cave.
I originally thought, with a thirteen-year-old protagonist and low word count, this would be good to read with my son. We did start it together, but I read ahead and decided it was a bit more mature than he is ready for at the moment. We did have an interesting conversation about the Aborigines and Australian animals and culture. It is more toward the end of the story that the plot takes a little turn and the language gets a bit harsh. If he were in his early teens, I would have been more comfortable with him finishing the story.
For me, though, it was truly enjoyable! The young brothers have such a fun rapport, even though they are trying to one up each other all the time. They certainly can pull some disgusting pranks, and Billy’s was elaborate and hilarious!
All throughout the story, I marveled at how authentic everything felt. Heartwarming and fun! I can’t wait to check out the next in the series…
July 29, 2013
This is a sweet story of an Aboriginal boy in Outback Australia and his relationship with his family. It explores their love and closeness and the main character Billy's attempts to outwit his older brothers. I felt the author did an excellent job of describing Aboriginal culture and their daily lives. Although I have lived a short time in Australia, I did not come into much contact with Aboriginal culture - my main experience was as a tourist in Alice Springs. This, of course, is hardly an accurate insight into the culture. I also came into contact with Aborigines during an overnight stop in a small town the back of beyond called Tennant Creek - the type of town where people asked "why the heck are you stopping there?" Sadly, what I saw of the Aborigines there was very saddening. Most of them seemed to have no money, no job and no hope. I was delighted then to read this book which gave a much more positive (to my mind at least) view of these fascinating people.
I also enjoyed the character of Billy and how this young underdog managed to get the best of his brothers using his wits. it was fun to see his preparations come together, and also how he gained more respect in his family through this. The strong family relationships shown in the book also made this a very heartwarming story. I will probably pick up the other books in this series at some point once I've got through my current TBR list.
I also enjoyed the character of Billy and how this young underdog managed to get the best of his brothers using his wits. it was fun to see his preparations come together, and also how he gained more respect in his family through this. The strong family relationships shown in the book also made this a very heartwarming story. I will probably pick up the other books in this series at some point once I've got through my current TBR list.
August 17, 2013
I loved this novel. It was vividly written with the feeling of education on Aboriginal history as well as life in the Outback. I once heard Peter Jackson say that the success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was born from the sense that it is accessible foreign world with language and routine to which the reader can relate. This concept holds true for Taaffe’s work. Kids will not have lived in Billy’s world but the way that Taaffe sets the story, young readers will think and likely relate their own lives with that of Billy. Billy has mischievous and sometimes bothersome older brothers looking to one-up each other and him. He has a Grandfather who loves him an shares an oral history. He has a family who has had to do what it has to do to survive and Billy will do anything to help them.
The first novel doesn’t send Billy into the wide world instead keeping him at home an providing the reader with a clear view of what a culture shock Billy will face. There are no corner shops in the Australian bush. If you want to get somewhere you go by feet. This first instalment of the series is simply fun and instructive. After reading this novel, my 11-year-old Canadian Alex expressed sympathy for the Aborigines in the story and an interest in learning more about the history of the people.
The first novel doesn’t send Billy into the wide world instead keeping him at home an providing the reader with a clear view of what a culture shock Billy will face. There are no corner shops in the Australian bush. If you want to get somewhere you go by feet. This first instalment of the series is simply fun and instructive. After reading this novel, my 11-year-old Canadian Alex expressed sympathy for the Aborigines in the story and an interest in learning more about the history of the people.
June 19, 2014
Four Small Stones is a hilarious adventure about Billy and his brothers's quest to ensure their family's continued existence by seeking out a mates.
Billy and his family are Aboriginals living in the Outback. They believe in the old ways and work hard to preserve their family traditions. But, as their tribe reaches near extinction they decide they must take action. Now it is up to Billy to venture out into the world and see what he can find in the city. The only problem, Billy doesn't quite fit in and the loincloth he wears is a dead giveaway. Will Billy be able to overcome the challenges of the city or will his way of life come to an end?
Four Small Stones is an incredibly enjoyable read. I love the scene with the kangaroo and feel for Billy when his plan to outwit his prank playing brothers goes awry. Gary Taaffe has a knack for storytelling and creates a vivid world through his use of exquisite detail and identifiable characters. Although there is a lot of goofing around and many comedic events, the bond the Aboriginals share is evident and I found myself being drawn into their world.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of Four Small Stones.
Billy and his family are Aboriginals living in the Outback. They believe in the old ways and work hard to preserve their family traditions. But, as their tribe reaches near extinction they decide they must take action. Now it is up to Billy to venture out into the world and see what he can find in the city. The only problem, Billy doesn't quite fit in and the loincloth he wears is a dead giveaway. Will Billy be able to overcome the challenges of the city or will his way of life come to an end?
Four Small Stones is an incredibly enjoyable read. I love the scene with the kangaroo and feel for Billy when his plan to outwit his prank playing brothers goes awry. Gary Taaffe has a knack for storytelling and creates a vivid world through his use of exquisite detail and identifiable characters. Although there is a lot of goofing around and many comedic events, the bond the Aboriginals share is evident and I found myself being drawn into their world.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of Four Small Stones.
January 31, 2012
I won t his book and the second one and t hen this book is a great book to read for adult
and kid.The book is in Australia and life the tribe of aborigines. There is billy and his family and then the clan is not getting bigger. So Billy has to prove him self to the tribe and they need women but the boys of the tribe are all ways playing joke on each other. well Billy get his brother back bu cooking the biscuit they love but what happen next is the funny part of the book.Billy put something in the biscuit and then it make the brothers to have the runs and then you will love to see what he did to them in the cave .
Like i said i got the book form the author on a blog and i read one and two and hope to be able to do the rest of the series
and kid.The book is in Australia and life the tribe of aborigines. There is billy and his family and then the clan is not getting bigger. So Billy has to prove him self to the tribe and they need women but the boys of the tribe are all ways playing joke on each other. well Billy get his brother back bu cooking the biscuit they love but what happen next is the funny part of the book.Billy put something in the biscuit and then it make the brothers to have the runs and then you will love to see what he did to them in the cave .
Like i said i got the book form the author on a blog and i read one and two and hope to be able to do the rest of the series
August 31, 2011
I'm constantly getting reviews from people who don't review on Goodreads, so I thought I'd add them here for you all to benefit from:
A Wonderful Beginning to a Fascinating Story..., by W. D La Rue. 5 stars on Amazon
The best stories transport you and teach you something you did not now. This book took me out of NYC to the outback of Australia and in to the life of a young Aborigines boy. This book is full of a wonderful humanity and has a terrific sense of humor. I laughed out loud at least once.
Ever more endearing to me, though, is that I care about these people and the lives they live. Great start to the series.
A Wonderful Beginning to a Fascinating Story..., by W. D La Rue. 5 stars on Amazon
The best stories transport you and teach you something you did not now. This book took me out of NYC to the outback of Australia and in to the life of a young Aborigines boy. This book is full of a wonderful humanity and has a terrific sense of humor. I laughed out loud at least once.
Ever more endearing to me, though, is that I care about these people and the lives they live. Great start to the series.
June 27, 2015
Great read about an Aboriginal family. Billy is the youngest of three boys and when he was born his mother unfortunately passed away. Billy's great grandfather brought Billy into this world and watched over him. Billy and his brothers Malee and Pindaari are typical of young boys and in this book have a few adventures that readers will find fun and interesting, The author did a great job with the feel of the location and in knowing what young boys get up to when it comes to fun, trouble and adventure.
February 18, 2015
Four Small Stones is the first book in what is planned to be a 12 book series. Obviously by my one star rating I didn't like it, but that doesn't mean you won't. The humor in it didn't appeal to me, and with humor being a basis for the book and probably the rest of the series, I think it's going to be pretty hit-or-miss for people.
August 15, 2013
From the first page to last, you'll be hooked. Its wonderful plot will make you want for more. From the time you pick it up and start reading, you'll find it hard to put it down. This story is probably one of the best new young adult books out there. It's a great start to a great series!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews