Browse Reviews from Readers
Discover what reader’s are saying
What Jason Chatfield, famous Ginger Meggs cartoonist had to say about Dark Angels.
Any red-headed scallywag has been dubbed Ginger or Meggsie for 100years now. That's some achievement, and I'm proud to be the fifth cartoonist in a hundred years responsible for keeping his story rolling.
In his book Dark Angels, Ron Thomas has truly captured the spirit and character of the cartoon that has inspired a nation for a hundred years.
What David Goodwin had to say about Solly’s Way
Not since Albert Facey’s book A Fortunate Life have I experienced such a riveting read.
What Wayne Collins had to say about The Last Chrysanthemum
The Last Chrysanthemum skillfully addresses the role of Emperor Hirohito, the Last Chrysanthemum Emperor & his dilemma as his reign came to a violent end. Ron has woven the stories of real, historical players and fictionalized characters into a fascinating narrative.
What Penny B had to say about Dark Angels
Amazing. My favourite book of all time has been The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - I now have an equal favourite - Dark Angels by Ron Thomas.
Dark Angels is set in Sydney Australia in the 1930s with characters that have been described so wonderfully that they become vividly real. The story is so engaging that I read it in one day. I had to find out what happens as I felt that I knew the people. This book is one that I could not put down until I finished it.
What Wendy O’Hanlon had to say about Solly’s Way
A remarkable book- a whimsical, heart-warming story. Anyone who reads Solly’s Way will be left with a feeling of Joy
What Professor Paul Fagan OA had to say about Souvenirs
Souvenirs is a gripping, beautifully-told tale set against a meticulously-created backdrop of unfolding tragedy. Ron Thomas’ engrossing story captures the atmosphere and harrowing detail of wartime. I loved the characters and was swept into their emotional journey as their compelling narrative unfolded. It is an absolutely gripping, emotional WW2 historical adventure story. If you love historical fiction, Souvenirs is a must-read.
What Edwina O’Donnell say about Dark Angels
I enjoyed this book, getting to the life of Sydney in the 1930's was extremely interesting to me since I grew up very close to Darlinghurst. I enjoyed the characters, Ron Thomas brought them to life for me. I recommend this book.
What Simon O’Connor had to say about Solly’s Way
I recently had the pleasure of recording an audiobook of Ron Thomas’ forthcoming book Souvenirs. It was an unexpectedly emotional three-day ride through war-torn Belgium, France and England, and I found myself living every scene. I caught tears welling during the emotional scenes between Jacques and Grace and during the blitz. The final chapter knocked me out. Souvenirs is much more than a book. It’s a work of art!
What Marie-Louise Taylor had to say about Souvenirs
It was a great pleasure to read Souvenirs. What an amazing story and beautifully told. It is definitely a page-turner. I immediately connected with the characters and cared about what happened to them. I particularly appreciated the way you described the battle scenes. So often writers make them cold and clinical and I find myself tuning out but you’ve related those incidents with such warmth and humanity that they are terribly moving.
What Shirley Barrett-Browning had to say about The Solly Trilogy
Got the set of 3 books as a gift from my son & daughter in law yesterday for mothers day, and I'm already up to page 125 can't put Solly down , love it. Xx!
What Marie-Louise Taylor had to say about Souvenirs
It was a great pleasure to read Souvenirs. What an amazing story and beautifully told. It is definitely a page-turner. I immediately connected with the characters and cared about what happened to them. I particularly appreciated the way you described the battle scenes. So often writers make them cold and clinical and I find myself tuning out but you’ve related those incidents with such warmth and humanity that they are terribly moving.
What David Goodwin had to say about Souvenirs
What an enjoyable and uplifting read. I must admit that when I reached the Epilogue and read Grace’s Letter to Jacques that it made me feel like I wanted to shed a tear. Congratulations on bringing this wonderful story to life.
It does make one wonder how many untold stories there actually are of tremendous human endeavour, bravery and dedication to the cause of freedom and the love of country.
What John Morrow had to say about Solly’s Way
This is a well written Australia true-blue story, based on the author’s recollections of old timer’s memories from the good old days.
A rare find – a well-written, Australian story set in the bush during the 1890s. The author has brought an authentic bush feel to this story based on hardship, bravery and the Australian bush pioneers.
What Robert Heffernan had to say about Souvenirs
A riveting novel providing a varied, fast paced read based on the true story of a Belgian soldier's long hidden memoir.
Now for the movie!!
What Jocelyn had to say about Dark Angels
Dark Angels is written about the inner Sydney area in the 1930s when life could be hard and dangerous. Ron Thomas has written a wonderful story describing the relationships between street kids, thugs, hard working people, police and a myriad of community members. He has focused on the people and their lives not necessarily the violence. I would recommend this book as a really good read and great Bookclub pick.
What Julie Taylor had to say about Dark Angels
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Nice to have a book which goes from the dark side of life to hope for the future. Descriptive of the time and the area - really took you there. Characters, real and fictional, easy to relate to and involving.
What Debra Gardner had to say about Solly’s Way
What a great book. It takes you back and puts you in those dangerous times. I wanted my bus trip to last longer so I could read another chapter! Love this author.
What Ken Harris had to say about Solly’s Way
Solly’s Way is essential reading for anyone looking for an answer to the question: Ho were the foundations laid for the tolerant, happy, prosperous Australia we are privileged to live in?
What Carol Diependaal had to say about Dark Angels
Loved the characters, insight to early Sydney. would recommend to friends
What Ross & Deb Crawford had to say about Solly’s Legacy
We read Solly’s Legacy and loved it so much
Our local library only has Sollys Legacy so that is why we bought the first one. Looking forward to reading another great story
We saw a horse racing in Victoria called Lady Solly and agreed we should back it., It won and paid $31 for a $1! Go Solly!
What John Wareham had say about Dark Angels
Dark Angels is a superb melding of the lives of lovable characters into the authentic facts of the turbulent times of the razor gang wars of the 1930s. Great read!
What Loretta Rodger had say about Dark Angels
What a page turner. I loved it and will be recommending to friends. Loved the history of a bygone era. Reading about people and places I remember from discussions with parents and grandparents around the dinner table as a child. Your descriptive text is great and the storyline certainly keeps the pages turning. A great read. I will be looking up your other books.
What Ted Faulds had to say about The Solly Trilogy
It has been the best part of two years since I was searching through Dymocks book store in Canberra looking for one I didn’t know, when I picked up a book called Solly’s Legacy and thought that it was pretty good. It took long time for me to find Solly’s Way and it was pretty good also. Sadly I have just finished Solly’s Journey and all that I can say about the trilogy is “ Bloody Great Ron, just Bloody Great”. Congratulations Ron they are wonderful.