Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/224217
35 maltatoday, THIS WEEK SUNDAY, 8 DECEMBER 2013 Merlin back on the scene with a time-hopping epic SCIFI and fantasy must be among the least represented in Maltese literature, and excuses for this have ranged from the Maltese language not having the vocabulary to cope with the technical requirements of the genre, to the fact that Maltese authors cannot or simply will not write in this direction. John A. Bonello has been proving both theories wrong since 2008, when his self-published debut novel It-Tielet Qamar attracted the attention of curious readers, and of Merlin Publishers – who went on to publish the second and third books in the trilogy: L-Aħħar Ħolma and Is-Sitt Aħwa. Download the MaltaToday App now The second and third books in that trilogy went on to win the National Book Prize for Best Young Adult Fiction in Maltese, and Is-Sitt Aħwa has also just won its publisher the Best Designed Book of the Year. Bonello's return to the bookshelves after the conclusion of the trilogy is Fil-Mergħat tal-Impossibbli, launched by Merlin Publishers last month at the Malta Book Festival. First reactions have been excellent, praising it as Bonello's best work to date. Darting in time and space from present-day Valletta to a warravaged future Mdina, to a dark conspiratorial Vatican City, to a high-tech Malta and all the way to Trafalgar Square, London, in 2082, Mergħat follows Steve and his anointment as a Seraphim, destined to watch guard over mankind's future and set right the wrongs before these snowball into worldwide catastrophe. The path is never easy, as – in true butterfly effect – an action, omission or slip-up in one path of time has vast, sometimes devastating, consequences in another YOUR FIRST CLICK OF THE DAY www.maltatoday.com.mt 381. PINE BOLETUS future path. It is smoothing the creases in all these paths (mergħat in Maltese, hence the title) that makes Steve's task – and that of his fellow time-travelling Seraphims – complex and dangerous. In Fil-Mergħat tal-Impossibbli, Bonello has written a tightlywoven, fast-paced surreal thriller where the scenery changes constantly, as do Steve's challenges, obstacles and nemesis. No one is safe from Bonello's high-charged imagination, not even the dark Pope who features early on in the novel. Fans of Bonello's narratives and stories will be thrilled to learn that Fil-Mergħat tal-Impossibbli is the first in a new series of two: Unus Mundus. The second book in the series is currently in the final stages of writing. Merlin Publishers' art director Pierre Portelli wanted to reflect the other-worldliness and meandering-paths of the novel in the graphical treatment of the cover, which is why the book features possibly Malta's first use of the 'flurb' – or a front-cover blurb. From the word go, nothing is quite as is 'usual' in this book, setting the scene for the adventures and travels awaiting the reader. Fil-Mergħat tal-Impossibbli is available from all bookstores, and directly from the publisher's website www.merlinpublishers.com Aichi Biodiversity Targets Awareness increased Aichi Target 1 states that by 2020, at the latest, people are aware of the values of biodiversity and the steps they can take to conserve and use it sustainably. Mushrooms generally love shady, humid places. Due to lack of rain and topsoil, Maltese earth is rather dry and poor; we chopped down all our wild trees too, so shade is scarce as well - nice! Still, a few hundred species of mushrooms have been recorded, most appearing understandably - at this damp-earthed time of year. Many mushrooms are picky about where they grow and will only sprout under a particular tree. One such finicky type is the pine boletus (M: faqqiegh taz-znuber), so called because it grows in the leaf litter underneath pines. It's nice and big, with a glistening round saucer-sized cap and lovely yellow underparts. And before you ask, edibility is dicey. In fact, unless you're an expert you should avoid tasting wild mushrooms - it's Russian roulette! Have you signed the REFERENDUM PETITION to BAN SPRING HUNTING? Please download a form from www.birdlifemalta.org. Thanks. Text and photo Victor Falzon Addressing the direct and underlying drivers of biodiversity loss will ultimately require behavioral change by individuals, organizations and governments. Understanding, awareness and appreciation of the diverse values of biodiversity, underpin the willingness of individuals to make the necessary changes and actions and to create the "political will" for governments to act. Given this, actions taken towards this target will greatly facilitate the fulfillment of the other 19 Aichi Targets. As part of its national obligations Malta targets that by 2020, more than 55% of Maltese citizens are aware of the term "biodiversity", know what it means and also know what steps they can take to conserve and use biodiversity in a sustainable manner. Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us www.foemalta.org. You can also support us by sending a blank SMS donation on 50618070 (€4.66) or 50619223 (€11.65). GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 283 Christmas tree – Buying a potted tree with roots allows you to grow it outside and use it again next year, reducing its environmental impact and costing you less. But be warned - they require some looking after and you'll need a big pot.