Midnighters: The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfeld is a book that will have you hooked all the way through. The different plot changes that are introduced throughout the book are intriguing and will have you reading way past midnight. This is definitely a book worth reading.

The story begins when Jessica Day moves to a new town with people who are difficult to get along with. One night she wakes up to discover that time itself has stopped. This happens over several nights before she discovers that she is not the only one who can access this ‘Secret Hour’. There are other people who call themselves the ‘Midnighters’, people who were born on the minute of midnight. The Midnighters’ names are Rex, Dess, and Melissa.

Jessica begins to enjoy the extra hour that she is being given. But she soon discovers that there are other creatures in the town awake at that hour. Creatures that are not human. These creatures are called ‘Darklings’, and ‘Slithers’. The Midnighters’ mission is to fight aagainst the creatures to protect the town. But can they hold it out?

Reading the Midnighters I did not know what to expect. But this book easily rates an 8 out of 10. The incredible plot combined with the witty personality of the characters creates a great story. This book would best suit readers aged 10+. You might enjoy this book if you also enjoyed The Book of Lies, or The Black Tattoo.

Joe, Year 9