‘Midnighters: The Secret Hour’ by Scott Westerfeld

“Meet the Midnighters. By day, they’re outsiders. Teenagers with black coats and bad attitudes. By night they might just be our last hope…”

Imagine you had one whole secret hour every day just for you, where everything froze. Not even a single breath or sound could be heard and nobody knew about it afterwards. Well that’s exactly what the Midnighters have. Every day at the stroke of midnight Rex, Dess, Melisa and Jonathan all enjoy the ‘blue time’ for one hour, as it’s called in the small town of Oklahoma Bixby.

But everything changes when Jessica Day, the new girl arrives. Jessica feels something is not right in Bixby when she starts having strange dreams and being chased down by strange creatures, at least she keeps telling herself it’s a dream… Melissa, who has a psychic ability, senses something strange about Jessica, realizing that she’s one of them too, but is that all there is to it? Is there something else going on with Jessica Day?

As Jessica starts to realize what going on, she knows the darkling want to capture her. She is constantly being chased down and only using the number 13 and clean metal to protect her doesn’t seem to be scaring the darklings any more. Why do they want to capture her? They haven’t seemed to care about the other Midnighters during midnight; so what’s so good about the new girl Jessica? Rex thinks if they find out her power it would give them a hint of why they want her but could her new power that she has brought on change the secret hour forever for good or for worse? What will the darkling’s think?

Read the book “The Secret Hour” and find out what happens to Jessica Day and her friends as she fights the darklings, changes the secret hour and finds out why the dark creatures want Jessica Day dead! This is just one of the many fantastic, suspenseful, exiting books Scott Westfeld has to offer – the Midnighters book series. This book was a very interesting, mysterious and very intriguing book that you just can’t put down and I’m sure many teenagers out there would love to read it! This book is available at the Aquinas library and other book stores.

Towella, Year 8

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Meet Dess, Jessica, Rex, Jonathan and Melisa. Together they make the midnighters. They are a group of kids who have special powers and only they can stay up past midnight. They are ‘teenagers with black coats and bad attitudes’. Does this sound exciting? Is it the book for you? To find out you will just have to read it… won’t you.

Once the new girl Jessica Day comes into the story, Bixby High just isn’t the same. Rex, Jonathan and Melisa notice something strange about her. When they get to the bottom of things it turns out she is one of them!

I enjoyed the book “The Secret Hour” because it is a story about a 15-year-old girl, and we are around the same age group. The author (Scott Westerfeld) described each scene with great detail and it was easy to create a picture in your head. The main scenes in this book are Bixby High and Jessica’s house.

I would rate this book a 8.5 out of 10 because of its description and how the author has laid out the book. The descriptive words of this book are what makes it interesting. If you are thinking about reading a book about suspense then this is definitely the book for you!!!

TAYLAH G., YEAR 8

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June 12

‘Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian’ by Rick Riordan

MOST KIDS GET PRESENTS FOR THEIR 16th BIRTHDAY BUT I GET A PROPHECY THAT CAN EITHER DESTROY THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD OR SAVE IT AND POSSIBLY DESTROY MYSELF.

If you’re the kind of person who loves action, mythology and young kids who can kick ancient Greek Titans’ butts, then this is the book for you. This novel was written by Rick Riordan, the writer of the Kane Trilogy, Heroes Of Olympus, and now one of the best selling series of books, the PERCY JACKSON books!!!!

Perseus Jackson, son of the Greek GOD OF THE SEA Poseidon, son of the TITAN LORD KRONOS LORD OF TIME starts off on an adventure to save the world from his old archenemy LUKE now possessed by KRONOS.

This novel has amazing and heartbreaking twists. Many unknown truths come to life every second that will make you cry and think really hard. There will be death, revenge, heartbreak and more. There will be lots of action and many twists. In this novel Percy and his friends will have to make lots of decisions, learn more things, help others, befriend others and most of all face the truth.

The book is a page-turner and it will make you want to read it till your eyes drop off. This book is also suitable for most ages from 10 years and up. This book is for those people who want a whole lot more of action, to learn more things and to have a broken heart along with a whole lot more, then this is the book for you.

By Jasmine, Year 8

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June 11

‘Mission: Rat-Catcher’ by Chris Ryan

A.L.P.H.A FORCE

RAT CATCHER by CHRIS RYAN

“He opened the compartment in the dashboard and took out dull, black, snub-nosed pistol with a silencer screwed onto the end of the barrel.” – Rat Catcher by Chris Ryan.

Do you like books that get you on the edge of your seat? If so, this may just be the book you’ve been waiting for. The book ‘Rat Catcher’ is set in the great marvelous city of Quito. The city Quito is amazing as a city but has major poverty problems especially with street kids.

But now street kids have to deal with more than just hunger. They have to deal with a man known as the rat catcher. The rat catcher is an evil mad man who believes street kids are rats and have no right to live but not only is he the rat catcher he’s also someone alpha force trusts and someone who is their nemesis.

Alpha force is a professional team made of some of the most intelligent kids on earth; these members are Alex, Li, Paulo, Hex and Amber. Together they are the alpha force. Alex is the one with great leadership skills. Li is fearless and determined. This is shown very well when Paulo goes missing. Paulo is the one who goes out solo. Hex is the hacker for alpha force. Amber’s the one who keeps the team together because alpha force is all she cares about after her parents died. Together the alpha force goes on a terrifying mission to catch the evil drug baron but then they find out the rat catcher is linked to this.

Overall this book was fantastic and it would be hard to find another action packed thrill that’s better than this so I’m giving this book five stars.

Reporting in Daniel D., Aquinas student

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‘Five kids form an elite team of youngsters brought together to battle injustices in the world. Together they join a covert SAS operation in south america, fighting to catch an evil drugs baron. And together they infiltrate a tight-knit community of street kids to gain information, then head up into the isolated mountains where a terrifying and twisted hunt is to test their individual skills to the max. The team is in action…’ – (Blurb of ‘Rat-Catcher’ book.)

Join Alex, Li, Paulo, Hex and Amber as they fight an evil drugs baron that kidnaps children. When the capital city of Ecuador, Quito is threatened, the ALPHA force decides to step in and save the city. Their own special skills will be put to the challenge as they spy on street kids to find out who the rat catcher and the drugs baron really are. The rat catcher is a dangerous killer, and must be stopped before he annihilates all the street kids in the large city of Quito. These youngsters must grow up fast if they want to stop the drugs baron from kidnapping street kids, or put a stop to the ‘rat catcher’ that kills street kids without a second thought of what he might be doing. The ALPHA force must use each of their special abilities if they wish to stay alive during the mission, let alone complete it. The question is – will they make it without the help of an adult?

This epic book by Chris Ryan is one of his best so far. And, like all his other great books, has the awesome thrill all through the book. I recommend this book to children and teens of 10 to 18 years old who like thrilling, action packed books. This was a great book. I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
– Rod Oliver, year 8

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June 5

‘Point Blanc’ by Anthony Horowitz

Do you think that you would have what it takes to be the youngest M16 agent in history and still manage to be one of the best and most requested operatives in the world? To completely abandon your somewhat valuable and memorable life to fulfill the role that your father had set for himself? And, if so, then maybe you should meet Alex Rider, the boy who was forced to achieve the above and way beyond even that. But even someone who is as talented as Alex can be overwhelmed and scared to death. If you are interested to see what could possibly bring Alex Rider down, then you should definitely read the rest of Point Blanc, a novel by Anthony Horowitz.

Point Blanc is based on Alex Rider, a 14-year-old boy, completely normal to one side of society, and completely deadly and feared to another. At a young age, Alex’s father was killed in a freak accident. While coping with this shock the fact that his dad was an M16 operative and that Alex had to fulfill his role as one of the best spies in the nation didn’t help. Over time, Alex was forced to complete several brutal missions, having to completely discard and let go of his normal life, and by doing so, had become one of the best and most sort after operatives in the nation, due to his skills and young age. The fact that he was so young made it almost impossible for criminals to suspect that he was working for the M16. But in Point Blanc, he is faced with a mission which at first seems easy, but as a deep and dark secret unfolds, Alex Rider feels that he may never live to see the light again.

I definitely recommend this book to ages 14 and down so that the readers can relate to the tasks that are forced upon Alex. This book is for people that like to read murder/mystery novels and enjoy constant, faced-paced action and suspense. This book is a natural thriller and should belong on everyone’s shelf. Anthony Horowitz should be credited for his fantastic work on his amazing Alex Rider series, and his other thrillers that he has taken the time to write.

Jessy, Year 8

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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a teenager working as a secret agent for the British National Intelligence?
If so, this book is for you. It’s about a fourteen year-old boy who is recruited by England’s most famous agency, the MI6. Alex Rider is sent on his second mission to infiltrate Point Blanc. He is told to be very careful for his stay because this mission may be his last.
If you’re into action, adventure and thrillers, even sitting on the edge of your seat, this is your book. In stores now!
By Josh – Year 8

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For young active adventurers who like to have a great read, this is a book for you. Alex Rider is a fourteen-year-old boy, who got sent away on a secret mission by the MI6. He is sent to a school for bad boys, Point Blanc, because there were a few deaths linked to the school. He only has a few cleverly disguised gadgets to find out what’s going on, before it’s too late.

However, it doesn’t work out as easily as it should, as Alex runs into some dangerous situations with some of the students acting different.

I would recommend this book for teenagers and I would rate it 4/5 stars.

Cameron J Year 8

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June 3

“The Coming of the Whirlpool. Ship Kings, Book 1” by Andrew McGahan

“He would be called the last of the ship kings, even though he was nothing of the sort. He would be called the man who sailed off the edge of the world, and a good many other things besides: a traitor and rebel by his numerous enemies, a hero by his few friends. But his real name, the name of his birth, was simply Dow Amber. But take note, Dow’s time was not our time, and the world was not as we know it.”

This book is outstanding for all age groups and genders (but would suit the boys better). If you’re looking for a story with adventure, drama, fiction or maybe a bit of action, this is the book for you. The book is very intriguing to read. I couldn’t stop reading and waiting to turn to the next page. What was even more surprising was that every new page has a new problem or even a mysterious surprise. This book is outstanding. I would recommend this book for teenagers between the age 14-19.

I would certainly rate this book a 9 out of 10. Even though it has a slow start, it picks up in the first two chapters and will keep you hooked till the end of the book. By Christian, Year 8

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Dow Amber is no ordinary teenager, a boy with a sudden urge of knowing that he belonged at sea. His adventure lies in the award winning book ‘Ship Kings: The Coming of the Whirlpool’, a fascinating book created by the famous writer, Andrew McGahan.

Dow’s story was set in a place called ‘New Island’, described as a place of ‘grey and rainy land of highland forests and lowland pastures’. As you read, you can imagine the smell of the moist air and the feel of the breeze brushing against your hair.

Dow, was born in a place where he was chosen to become a ‘lumberjack’, but as his father showed him the sea, he knew he was meant to set sail there, to feel the rocking of the boat, to smell the salt of the ocean and to see the waves as they crash down against each other. After a few days or weeks, Dow’s desire became a reality. Dow had appeared to be a kind but strange and interesting lad, always worrying his parents with his dreams and hopes to set sail. His family, a mother, a father, his younger brother and his beloved twin baby sisters all lived in a little logging village with friendly people.

Throughout Dow’s early life, he has learned techniques which ready him for his sail and stories and tales about how the whirlpool claimed two lives ten years ago. He sets sail with a crew on an adventure across the seas and comes across many obstacles in his journey like ‘The Ship Kings’. He meets many new friends throughout his adventure to ‘The Claw’.

I found this book very interesting as it has the right amount of tension and surprise to get the reader hooked. I loved the way the writer expressed the setting and journey in such detail. It made the reader feel like they were there. Each thing the writer has given a name to, has a strange but fascinating ‘ting’ to it. For example: ‘Diego of the Diamond’. That name will straight away interest someone to find out more about him or her. The writer has given me such imagination from this story, which has made me want to be there. I love the part where his father first took him out of the house to go logging. Such detailed explanation can give a person a wild imagination far beyond the average.

I recommend this book to all the people who are interested in adventure, mystery and fantasy, but mostly I target this to boys aged 12 and up, as they may be more interested in this type of genre.

Nicole.J, Year 8.

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May 31

‘The Billionaire’s Curse’ by Richard Newsome

Would you like to become a billionaire?

The pleasure of having so much money that you can’t spend it also comes at a price… Gerald Archer, who has now become the richest thirteen year old in England, is overwhelmed at the thought of being a billionaire. What devious plans will be put into motion to steal his money? Will Gerald overcome the dangers of being a billionaire?

Gerald was just an ordinary boy living an ordinary life, until one day he was invited to the principal’s office. That was the start of his trip to England to become the richest boy in all of England. This may seem great, but there are many unseen threats to Gerald’s life. Gerald unexpectedly makes some new friends in his time in England who help him throughout his struggles in the book. The main characters in the book are Gerald Archer, Sam and Ruby.

I really enjoyed the book, ‘The Billionaire’s Curse’ because it’s a novel about a young thirteen year old boy who has to grow up over a couple days to make the right decisions, stay out of danger and solve the mystery of the murder of his Great Aunt Geraldine, and find the missing diamond. Could it all be related? Will Gerald find out the answers before it’s too late?

I recommend this book to teens between the ages of 12-17 who are interested in action packed adventure books and those who like not knowing what will happen next until it ‘hits you in the face.’ The book is a must read, and when you start reading you will be hooked and you won’t be able to put it down. I’d rate the book 4 out of 5 stars, as it is a great book and enticed me from the moment I picked it up.

Lachlan C., Year 8

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Gerald Wilkins is an ordinary boy planning to go on a ski trip with his friend, but little does he know that he would soon become the richest boy in the world.

Gerald Wilkins has to miss his snowboarding trip to attend his sick Great Aunt’s funeral on the holidays. Oddly enough, Gerald does not know his Great Aunt at all. He has not even seen a picture of her. How could he know that he would inherit all of Great Aunt Geraldine’s money, shares, servants and houses? But does Gerald know that he would soon embark on an exiting adventure?

Gerald is now living in London with his great Aunt’s fortune, trying to find out why his Great Aunt has been murdered in connection to a gem that has gone missing. Gerald meets Sam and Ruby when he is looking for the head of the foundation that he now supports. With his new friends’ help he starts looking around for clues to her murder, walking in a subway and snooping around. Richard Newsome describes the scenes and characters very well. Richard describes them so well it is as if you are there watching them the whole time.

The Billionaire’s Curse is a fantastic, gripping novel that you just get glued to. It is action-packed adventure reading with lots of great moments. I would recommend this novel for ages 8-13 who love action and adventurous books like the ‘Alex Rider’ series. This novel would also suit people who don’t like reading books that much. It is an easy read that you can read within one day. I would give The Billionaire’s Curse 4.5 stars out of 5.

Jeremy, Year 8

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May 30

‘Stormbreaker’ by Anthony Horowitz

If you like adventure and action, then this is the book for you.

The author of Stormbreaker is Anthony Horowitz. The story of Stormbreaker is based in London, England.

Stormbreaker is about a boy called Alex Rider. He is only 14 years of age. He is trying to investigate who killed his uncle Ian Rider. Alex sets off on an adventure across the world and becomes a secret agent. Now Alex is a secret agent, the company gives him special gadgets for the missions and Alex also gets special weapons.

Alex has been sent to investigate the world-famous storm breaker because the company that Alex works for thinks it’s a bit strange that every student gets one. Harold Sayle is the inventor of storm breakers so Alex will be staying at his house. Alex soon finds out that he is in trouble with the company and the military. Will Alex Rider find out who killed his uncle?

Jyle, Year 8

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Alex Rider you’re never too young to die…

Alex Rider, from the novel ‘Storm Breaker’, is a fourteen-year-old teenager boy who is well built, with a body of an athlete. His parents were killed in a plane crash when he was a baby. Now he lives with his uncle who has just been killed in a car crash. His friend Jack is a American. She came to England seven years ago. She is Alex’s baby sitter and a housekeeper for Alex Rider’s uncle. There are some other people that Alex runs into like Mr. Crawly, Alan Blunt and Mrs. Jones who is head of M16. The story is set in the depths of Cornwall, a cold English place with a population of 536,000.

Alex Rider tries to find out who killed his uncle, who appears to have been killed in a car crash but was it really an accident? Alex Rider finds out there is more to his uncle than he knows.

I really enjoyed this book. It was good fun to read. I enjoyed the adventure and mystery most of all. It had a really good story line, which was very adventurous and thrilling. It was a very interesting novel to read mostly because of the story line and the main character Alex Rider. He’s got a very interesting personality, which really goes well with the story line.

I would recommend the novel ‘Storm Breaker’ to a particular age group around nine year olds all the way to fourteen year olds. It would be more suited to males that like adventure and mystery and a bit of a thriller. I would rate this book a seven out of ten stars, because of the great story line. Korey B. Year Eight.

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November 5

‘The Secret Hour: Midnighters #1’ by Scott Westerfeld

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

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November 5

‘Skeleton Key’ by Anthony Horowitz

“Sharks, Assassins, nuclear bombs. Alex Rider’s in deep trouble.” (Anthony Horowitz, Skeleton Key, back cover)

Skeleton Key is the third book of a series of nine books. It is a spy-based book, which is thrilling and entertaining. This book keeps you on your toes, and keep you wanting for more. This series has been set all around the world but Alex’s home is in Europe.

The main character throughout the series so far is Alex Rider, a teenage spy who has been pulled out of school because of his family’s past. He has invaded an enemy base in the top of a mountain and saved the world countless times, but in this book he has to go to one of the most famous, and money raising events in the world: Wimbledon. He has to find out the reason for a break in, uncover the truth and possibly save the world again.

I really enjoyed reading this book because of the action and thrilling pace. I recommend this book to teenagers because there are some words/ phrases that younger people wouldn’t understand. This is a good book to read and if you like spy books then this is the book for you.

Mitchell, Year 9

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In the third book of the series, Skeleton Key by Anthony Horowitz, the main character Alex has returned back into a normal life after the death of his uncle. Despite Alex’s reservations he is talked into accepting another spy mission at Wimbledon, England. The story follows Alex on his dangerous spy mission and obstacles he faces in handling the task. Alex is a teenage superspy as a ball boy at the Wimbledon tennis in England. He follows the guard as much as possible and soon realizes that the guard is watching the player whilst talking on a fake mobile but then he makes a basic mistake. The guard realizes he’s being followed and tricks Alex into following him to a deserted part of the complex and then tries to kill him. Fortunately Alex survives but now the Chinese gangs are out to get him.

“Reluctant teenage superspy Alex rider is useful to MI6 in ways an adult could never be. Now they need his help once again.” (Skeleton Key back cover)

This turns out to be perfect for MI6 who use it as a new way to get him to accept a mission whilst they try to stop the gang killing him. He’s left with little choice over a mission that seems to be just relaxing in the sun whilst C.I.A agents investigate an ex- Russian general Alexei Sarov on the island Skeleton Key.

As the agents prepare to go in to the general’s fortress of a house through an underwater cave, everything goes bad. The agents disappear; Alex goes looking for them and gets attacked by a shark whilst simultaneously finding out why the agents didn’t return, then the general’s men captured him.

In conclusion the book Skeleton Key by ANTHONY HOROWITZ is a super spy mission and it is recommended for teenagers and adults. Also I would give it a 5 out of 10 rating for the book.

Thomas, Year 9

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“I wake up and I’m on this weird island with these strangers I don’t even know or have ever seen before.”

The story Skeleton Key is about a 16 year old boy, Alex Rider, who is a secret spy who has been at a tennis tournament in London. He has been up to so many dangerous things in his whole entire life with different type of criminals.

I really liked this book because it always got you out of your chair with all the excitement and all the violence in this book. It’s not one of those books that bore you, but with the Alex Rider series they always entertain you and you can’t wait to find out what the next page is going to be about.

I would recommend this book to teenagers as it has too much violence and killing for a young reader below 13 years of age.

Corey, Year 9

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“Reluctant teenage superspy Alex rider is useful to MI6 in ways an adult could never be.” (Back cover).

Skeleton Key is a good book for young boys to teenage boys. It has a lot of action and adventure. Skeleton Key is a book about a young teenage spy and his name is Alex. He has to overcome the most dangerous people to save the world. There are lots of sequels like Stormbreaker and Point Blanc. I liked the book because it has lots of action and adventure, which excites me. The main character is Alex Rider. He is a mysterious boy who is a super spy with MI6 and he wants to find out how his uncle died. At the start of the book Alex finds himself at Wimbledon tennis competition for a secret mission and you are going to have to read it to find out what happens. Overall Skeleton Key is a good book for the young boys and teenage boys.

Michael, Year 9

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Hello readers and welcome to my own review of Skeleton Key. I hope you know what I’m trying to explain. Enjoy!

The story is set in England, then proceeds to Skeleton Key itself. Alex is a 15 year old teen who just wants to have a normal life away from the life of a spy. Turner and Troy are both hardcore CIA agents who think themselves to be better than Alex. Smithers is a nerdy genius who loves to make gadgets and never leave the computer. The book is basically about a kid who wants to just have fun in the sun without having to spy for the agencies. He would love to have a normal life ……. Fate has other plans.

I enjoyed the book because of the action and mischief that Alex got caught up in. I would recommend this book for ages 12 – 16. Keith, Year 9

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November 1

‘Point Blanc’ by Anthony Horowitz

Point Blanc is a spy thriller set in London around 2008. It is a gripping thriller involving a young boy and his mission to find out what happened to his uncle. Alex is the young boy who faces many challenges which sees him develop into a skillful spy. The truth about his uncle’s death is what drives Alex, but frustration and confusion haunt him as he struggles to get the answers he is seeking.

The book starts off with an assassination attempt on a rich man. They make a 3D hologram of a lift’s floor so when he walks into the lift he will fall 200 meters to his death. Alex is immediately involved in solving the crime and fine tuning his skills as a spy. Alex is put on his first mission as MI6 found out about the death of a multi millionaire. What Alex doesn’t realise is that he faces this challenge alone. Alex must put all his knowledge and skills to the test as he must try to uncover the death of the millionaire and find out about his uncles death.

From dropping boats on police stations to facing life-threatening decisions in armed situations, the book reaches its climax when all of Alex’s investigations lead him closer than he has ever been to solving his uncle’s death. Answers arrive for Alex but at the same time more questions need to be asked. Jarrad, Year 9

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“Alex Rider, teenage superspy, is back!”(Point Blanc back of book cover)

Alex Rider is an agent in M16 (British Secret Service). Alex is called upon again by M16 because of two mysterious deaths and there is only one connection between them: Point Blanc.

Alex is only 14 so he is the perfect to infiltrate Point Blanc. Point Blanc is a school for troubled children with rich parents but Alex is not troubled nor does he have rich parents, so for him to get into the school he has to go under cover. Alex goes under cover in a rich family but their daughter takes an instant disliking to Alex and so do her friends.

I liked this book because of its constant action like hunting gone wrong and a near miss with a train. I would recommend this book to teenage boys or any one who likes a good action packed book. Kyle, year 9

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Point Blanc is a spy thriller and action story set in London around 2000. It is an attention-grabbing thriller involving a boy and his operation to find out what happened to his uncle. Alex is the boy who is faced with many challenges which are teaching him to develop into a skillful spy. The truth about his uncle’s death is what drives Alex, but frustration and confusion haunt him as he struggles to get the answers he is seeking.

The book starts off with a murder of a rich man. The person who killed him made a 3D hologram of a lift the exact same as his private lift so when he walks into the lift he will fall 200 meters to his death. Alex is immediately involved in solving the crime and modifying his skills as a spy. Alex is put on his first mission as MI6 found out about the death of a multi millionaire. What Alex doesn’t realise is that he faces this challenge alone. Alex must put all his knowledge and skills to the test, as he must try to uncover the death of the millionaire.

From driving cranes and committing crimes to facing life-threatening decisions in armed situations, the book reaches its climax when all of Alex’s investigations lead him closer than he has ever been to solving his uncle’s death.

Joel Year 9

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“He must be walking down the mountainside.” Anthony Horowitz

The story is set at Alex’s school. The main character is called Alex Rider and he works for the MI6. He is 14 and goes to school.

When Alex comes back from a mission for MI6 he sees a drug dealer selling drugs to kids. He decides to follow the drug dealer to see where he makes the drugs. Skoda, who is the drug dealer, gets to his place where he makes the drugs. The place where he makes them is on a little boat next to the police station and also next to a construction site. There’s a big crane in the site so Alex decides to climb up the ladder of the crane and picks the boat up and…

I liked the book because it’s full of action and it’s a really good adventure book. I also like the character Alex because he’s really smart when he tries not to be seen. I also like that he works for MI6, which is a secret agents’ place.

I would recommend this book to people aged from 13 to 16 for boys because it’s a really good action book and full of adventures.

Jack, Year 9

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November 1

‘Ice Station’ by Matthew Reilly

“Strap yourself in for the ride…what follows is action, action and more action” quotes a reporter from the Daily Telegraph and they couldn’t have given any better advice. Ice Station is the most fast-paced, mind-blowing and unputdownable book you will ever read.

Wilkes Ice station is a remote research facility on the coast of Antarctica occupied by a team of mild-mannered scientists hoping to one day make a major discovery under the hundred thousand year old ice shelf. When one of the drills hits something made of metal, a diving team is sent down to investigate. They were never heard from again. The last message that was sent back to the station was muffled screams of monsters and a ‘spaceship’. This is when the residents of Wilkes decide they will need more help.

Enter the USMC or United States Marine Core. A tough-as-nails crew led by the mysterious Lieutenant Commander Shane ‘Scarecrow’ Schofield. The marines enter the station thinking that this mission will be a piece of cake. Secure the residents of the station, secure the spaceship and wait for reinforcements to arrive. But their plans go awry when a hovercraft is found down in a deep crevice. Inside the hovercraft – bodies; dead bodies of the American scientists supposedly sent to a neighbouring station accompanied by the French scientists who are nowhere to be found. Which could only mean one thing. The French are actually a rival military team, the French Paratroopers. Armed with crossbows, they launch a full-scale attack and catch the marines off guard. From then onwards the research facility becomes a battlefield.

I really enjoyed the book, ‘Ice Station’ because it is all about trust and what people would risk to become famous. The book was absolutely full of action and I lay awake some nights just constantly reading and wondering what would happen next. Matthew Reilly has done a massive amount of research on the US marines and the type of weapons that they use along with the vehicles as well. The credibility gained from this research helps make the book so easy to understand; the reader can make sense of what’s happening.

I would recommend this book to mainly males aged between 13 and 30 who are interested in sci-fi action thrillers. Once again this book was unputdownable and I would stay up late at night, constantly intrigued about what would happen next. I rate it 4/5 stars because although it is a fantastic book it is sometimes a little too far fetched.

By Dan, aged 14

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At a remote US ice station in Antarctica, Wilks Ice Station, the diving team was doing their job, diving. But they were all killed by mysterious activity. At the same time, the scientist of the station made a huge, blow your mind, amazing discovery. They found something buried underneath a layer of ice that was 400 million years old.

This thing was made out of metal. This thing should not be here; this thing is a discovery of a lifetime, something men will kill for. To secure the discovery of this thing for their nation, a team of US Marines led by the enigmatic Lieutenant Shane Schofield, or Scarecrow, rush to the ice station in Antarctica.

Other countries have found out about this discovery and would just about do anything to have this thing. Scarecrow’s men are all tough. All of them were set to follow their leader to the deepest pits of hell.

This book was about people trying to own this amazing thing. They would fight to the death for it. I like this book because of its breathtaking action scenes and the bonds that people have with one another. One thing I liked about this book was the main character, Shane Schofield or Scarecrow. This man is filled with mysteries and dark secrets. I like main characters that are interesting and have a dark background so this book was the perfect choice.

I recommend this book to people who like machinery, war and hardcore actions. I rate this book 4.5/5. The action and the story is the best thing that make this book good. So I recommend reading it ASAP!

Hanna, Year 9

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Ice Station takes place on the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica. It begins when a group of American scientists working there discovers something deep in the ancient ice. The “something” is made of metal, which means it was created by an intelligent race millions of years before. Almost every country in the world is after the technology inside the spacecraft.

This is a nonstop, roller-coaster ride of a novel that I was eager to finish. It jumps from action scene to action scene and creating an elaborate story that kept me reading.

The whole thing is fast paced and interesting, with many plot twists and surprises on every page.

By Dante, Year 9

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October 31

‘Incarceron’ by Catherine Fisher

Incarceron is a book I believe was written for teens or young adults because it relates to our times and the things youth do behind their parents’ backs.

The book has many types of themes used throughout its pages but none might appear more fascinating to young females than forbidden love. At the beginning of the book you find out that it has been arranged that Claudia, the warden’s daughter, marry the prince of their time. The book is set in the near future where teleporters exist but not cars. Throughout the book you find out that Claudia is helping Finn the ‘prisoner’ escape the citied jail for love even though she is already promised to another man.

At the beginning of Incarceron it’s slow and not very appealing but as you progress through the book it becomes more fascinating with the tasks Finn and his companions must complete to escape and obtain freedom even though they already had the key, which held their freedom the whole time. When you reach the end of the book the biggest twist is about the prison, which will leave you breathless. I encourage others to read Incarceron, not just because it’s a number one best seller but because it may or may not relate to them.

Jai, Year 9

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The book Incarceron by Catherine Fisher was an alright book. I didn’t connect very well with this book but some of the charaters I connected with like the main charater Finn who has no memory of childhood and believes he was not born in Incarceron but in the outside world. The story is set in Incarceron. Incarceron is a large prison and within it is a society. The story is set in the 17^th century and is about Finn who wakes up to find he is trapped in a cell not remembering anything from his childhood. He eventually gets out and meets a group of bandits who he joins with and in one of the trains he was hijacking, the key can be used as a communication device to speak to a girl called Claudia who is the Warden’s daughter and who is set to have an arranged marriage. Finn has an identical tattoo of the key on his forearm and is certain he is from the outside world and is determined to get out. I found the book alright. Some bits are entertaining, but some bits of the book I felt shouldn’t have been there because it felt like it didn’t need to be mentioned or included in the story. The book has a lot of surprises especially towards the end and I would recommend you could read this book and pretty much anyone could read the story of Incarceron.

By James year 9

Category: Adventure stories, Dystopian fiction, Love stories, Mystery, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT

May 10

‘Mission: Rat-catcher’ by Chris Ryan

The team is in action!

The story is set in South America. The Alpha Force head up into the isolated mountains to stop the evil drug baron. The main characters in the book are Alex, Li, Paulo, Hex and Amber, five kids from an elite team of youngsters, who join a covert SAS operation in South America, fighting to catch an evil drug Baron.

I liked this book because it was a adventure and thrill book with a small group of people and I like those type of books.

I would recommend this book from the ages 11-15 just because it is a really confusing book.

Alby, Year 8

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May 10

‘Deep End’ by Sam Hutton

Special Agent Deep End by Sam Hutton is about a typical young teenage girl that loves ballet but unfortunately can’t dance anymore because of a tragic incident killing her mother and leaving her father in a wheelchair. So Maddie decides to join her father’s police investigation squad to fight crimes in London.

This book is edgy and thrilling at the same time. This book can be predictable through the story at times but is still very good. This is the only book I have read by this author, Sam Hutton.

At the beginning of this book it was very exciting and I just wanted to keep on reading. It was very entertaining with the characters. Maddie Cooper, the main character in the book was my favourite because I could relate to how she knew that her friends would not understand what she is going through so she had to lie and say she was fine.

I quite like this book because it was enjoyable and full of adventure.

This is a fantastic book for people who like thrilling and edgy books. I would recommend this book to people who like crime and adventure, between the ages of 12-17. Paige, Grade 8

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Special Agent: Deep End is a spy novel by Sam Hutton. The main character is Maddie Cooper whose father is a police officer.

The newspaper said “ Top London police officer and family in shooting outrage”.

Maddie, her Father Jack Cooper and her mother were gunned down as they left the Royal Opera House London. Minutes before, Maddie was dancing on stage at the Royal Opera House.

Maddie found out who the person was that shot them, and now is looking for them.

This would be a interesting book for those who enjoy reading about secret agents and like fighting crime. I would rate this book as 4 out of 5. Erin, Year 8

Category: Adventure stories, Crime fiction, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT

May 9

‘Checkers’ by John Marsden

How would you like to be caught in your father’s inside trading? Your father is destroying your life, and no good can come from it. Can she do it? Can she get her life back on track? Can her new dog Checkers keep her mind off it? Can she get through the daily life struggles of a teenager before her mind snaps?

In the novel, ‘Checkers’ the girl is in a mental hospital, her mind has snapped, but she thinks she can get it back on track. Her father is in politics and is destroying the young girl’s life. The young girl attends a ski trip with friends but gets with the wrong people and starts drinking. She needs to get on the right track before it all ends.

I think ‘Checkers’, by John Marsden is a great read to all children between the ages of 10-15. It is a heart felt story that will touch people’s hearts. I recommend this book to everyone who is interested in reading. It is a great read, and I cannot wait for the sequel.

Kurt, Year 8.

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When a girl gets caught in her dad’s business and has no real friends, can her new dog Checkers be the only one she can depend on? Will she overcome all her teenage issues and get her life back to normal.

In the novel Checkers, by John Marden, she has friend issues, her dad’s ruining her life, a dog is named Checkers and on top off all that she is in a mental hospital. The book is about a teenage girl trying to overcome all of her problems.

I think that the book is really confusing and has a slow start. Therefore I didn’t enjoy it, however I think young females would enjoy this book more than a young male.

Cooper Year 8

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I found this book extremely boring as it is very monotonous. About the most interesting thing in this book is the dog. I definitely have not found it a page-turner at all. I think the reason for this is probably that I am uninterested in politics and finance, which is what the character of the dad is based on.

The book starts in the main character’s mental home. After that she flashes back to the day she got her dog, describing it as having big puffy bulges of black and white hair. She says it looks like their bathroom tiles. A development in the story that comes up next is when she flashes back to the day they get bad news about her father’s job; the Rider Foundation breaks out, telling on the news that there is a scandal. The next development is when she flashes back to the day her family went on a skiing holiday and she had a massive day of skiing before using a fake ID to go out drinking and partying.

I believe that this book is not a good book at all and would not recommend it to anyone unless I wanted to bore him or her to death. The only people this book could relate to are people I find boring and are interested in politics and finance; definitely not a good book for an excitement seeker.

I give it a 3 out of 10.

Ryan, Year 8

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Could you live her life? Could you live with no one? Could you live knowing that you’re in a mental hospital until the day you die?

In the novel ‘Checkers’ the girl has got absolutely no friends and she is in a mental hospital. Her mind has completely gone and she thinks she can control it and get it back to normal, but that’s just not a possibility for her right now. The only thing that really means something to her is her dog, Checkers. Can her new dog get her mind off things? Can she manage a new life without any problems involved?

I think ‘Checkers’ is a boring read and I disliked the whole book, however I think it would be a great read for girls that are older than myself. I give it a 5/10. Not the book for me.

Madison, Year 8

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For many teenagers, life is all about love, drugs and trying to cope with changes. The girl who has no name ended up in a mental home with no friends and no family. How would you like it if you ended up like this poor girl?

In the novel, Checkers, the main character is in a mental hospital away from the world, and she has no one to lean on in times of need, but when her dog comes in to her life, it makes her world a whole heap better. But what happens next? How can she be normal like the rest of the world with family and friends? Her dad is a politician and is ruining her more and more every day, but the thing she can count on is her dog, Checkers. But what happens when she loses the one she loved and nurtured? Is it all over? Or is there another chapter in this story?

The book Checkers is a great book for those who don’t read much. It is a great book about a dog and girl who are really great friends.

Ebony. Year 8

Category: Mystery, Realistic fiction, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT

May 8

“Point Blanc” by Anthony Horowitz

Point Blanc is an action packed book that I would most recommend for a male to enjoy this book most… not that I didn’t though.

In this book ‘Point Blanc’ Alex Rider, one of the members of the secret agent/ undercover FBI family, discovers a journey coming his way. Now this book is an action packed book most guys would like to read. Just because I’m saying it’s a book that mainly guys would enjoy doesn’t mean that girls won’t enjoy it too. I read this book and I loved it and I’ll tell you why…

In Point Blanc I was always wondering what was going to happen next, but to be really honest before anything else, when I first started reading the book I wasn’t too sure about it because I thought it was just going to be a plain old boring book but that was only cause I had looked at the cover and the cover only and didn’t exactly get the big WOW factor from it. I’m not the kind of person that likes reading all that much but I really started to get into this book as I got further into the story because I was always saying and asking myself,

“OH MAH GOSH! I wonder what’s going to happen now or next and questions like…

Why has he done this?

No! Don’t do that!

WHAT! No way now what’s going to happen?

Well what will he or she do now!

And why is he doing all of this?” Etc. etc.

If you go by the library at any time and you have just nothing to do or you are/have been give a task to complete and need to pick out a book don’t walk past Point Blanc. Look at it and get it. I loved it and so will you!

Briana, Year 8

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Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz

“I had to choose whether to save her or to go home. I had to save her so I went back into the tunnel. I was yelling “Fiona, Fiona” and I heard her yell back “I’m here” I look down and there she is on the dark floor of the train rails. I could only see her shadow but I knew that it was her. I tried to lift her onto the horse but then I felt the rails shake. The TRAIN! I was trying frantically to lift her onto the horse but I couldn’t. If I run for it the horse will hit the train. I could see the train approaching and the train barricades where lowering. What will I do?”

Put yourself in a spot where you think that everyone might kill you, constantly being aware and trying to keep crime under control while not being caught by anyone. Explosions, shootings, drugs. Point Blanc is a very action packed book about a young spy named Alex Rider. He is put into many missions and some of them nearly get him killed. He finds drug plants, pretends to be a rich family’s son and even goes to a very strict academy.

Alex is 14 year of age and works with a secret organisation called M16. He has a will of adventure and won’t give up a mission once it starts. Alex had one mission in this book: to find Michael J. Roscoe’s killer. He had to pretend that he was a son to a very wealthy family. His goal was to get into the school Point Blanc because M16 believes that the killer is linked with the school.

I liked the book Point Blanc because it is a very action packed story and that is what I and most other people, mainly boys would enjoy.

Liam, Year 8.

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Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz is a good book with an interesting plot and interesting characters. Alex Rider is the main character. He is a high school boy turned spy. Go with Alex on an adventure as he fights Dr Grief and his second in command Mrs Stellenbosch.

Alex doesn’t have any parents so his uncle took him in when he was just a baby. After his uncle was killed, Alex was forced to be a spy. As a little boy, Alex was taught how to fight in martial arts. He was also taught several languages including French, German and Spanish. Alex can only speak a few phrases in Italian

Alex is the main character in this book. Point Blanc is directed at 12-14 year old boys who enjoy sci-fi and thrill seeking adventure. Point Blanc starts with an exciting scene where an unknown assassin named the Gentleman murders Blunt’s friend.

All of Horowitz’s books start with an exciting scene that you come to expect from Horowitz.

Ashley, Year 8

Category: Adventure stories, Mystery, Realistic fiction, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT

May 8

‘Boy Soldier’ by Andy McNab

When I first picked up this book I could not put it down. It was such a great story by Andy McNab.

Boy soldier is an extremely exciting action packed adventure that informs you of the Special Air Service’s biggest secrets. The story starts at an Army training camp in Wiltshire, England. A 17-year-old boy called Danny Watts is training to be in the army like his lost grandfather, Fergus Watts, who was supposed to have died in jail because he sold out to the Columbian drug cartels, at least that is what Danny was told. After a long and frustrating search they finally meet each other, but are immediately forced to be on the run from people who want Fergus and Danny killed.

I absolutely loved this book because of the highly detailed expression. It’s got a fast paced action packed storyline. I would recommend this book to boys who are interested in the military, warfare and action packed books. Ashley, Year 8

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Boy Soldier is a fantastic book written by former SAS spy, Andy McNab. It is an exciting book, full of mystery and action.

We start off with Danny Watts, a 17-year-old orphan dreaming of becoming a soldier. He is determined to find his long lost grandfather, SAS traitor, Fergus Watts. As Danny and Fergus finally find each other, there is someone else on the hunt for them. Will Fergus and Danny be tracked down and killed or will they both get away?

This book is a great read and it made me want to read more. I liked it because it engaged me in the action and the author’s description made it realistic. I would recommend this book for boys between the ages of 12-18 who are like the military and the SAS. I liked this book because it is exciting, full of mystery and action. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5. Shane, Grade 8

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This book by Andy McNab is a really action packed and exciting book. As soon as I started reading it caught my attention and I wanted to keep reading.

The story starts in a British army training camp. A 17-year-old boy, Danny Watts, is being trained in replacement of his lost grandfather, Fergus Watts, which dies in jail, as Danny was told, but that isn’t the whole story. When Danny has finished his long and tough training, he goes looking for his grandfather and as they finally meet, they are on the run again from people that want both of them killed.

So far the book is really good, and just a great book for boys are into being in the military and who want a good action packed exciting book. The storyline in the book is great and you never want to stop reading. Jack, Grade 8

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Boy Soldier is a book I struggled to put down. This action-adventure story written by Andy McNab (Famous author of several award-winning action and war books) is an outstanding novel set on war, military and adventure.

The story itself is placed around 17 year old Danny Watts, who aspires to train in the army just like his lost grandfather, Fergus Watts, who was supposed to die in prison due to being sold out to the Columbian drug cartels. At least, this is what Danny was told. After a long action-packed search, Danny meets his grandfather, only to find he is not dead. However, now Danny knows too much; he has uncovered a secret even he cannot believe. Immediately, it is discovered what Danny knows, someone wants him and his grandfather dead. Soon everything will be revealed to him. Is there a major conspiracy going on? Will Danny and his grandfather survive?

I absolutely loved this novel; it goes to excellent detail and can easily make you feel like you’re living the story. Be warned, once you start, you can’t stop until you read the book from front to back. I highly recommend this book for boys with a taste for action, adventure and thriller books of all ages. Robert, Year 8

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`Boy Soldier’ by Andy McNab is a really action packed and exciting book. As soon as I started reading it caught my attention and I wanted to keep reading.

The story starts in a British army training camp. A 17-year-old boy, Danny Watts, is being trained in replacement of his lost grandfather, Fergus Watts, which dies in jail, as Danny was told, but that isn’t the whole story. When Danny has finished his long and tuff training he go’s looking for his grandfather and as they have finally met the on the run again from people that want both of them kille n d.

So far the book is really good and just a great book for boys who are into being in the military and who want a good action packed exciting book. The storyline in the book is great and you never want to stop reading.

Jack Year 8

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November 23

‘Flip’ by Martyn Bedford

When you wake up in the morning and find yourself in a place that you don’t remember going to, in a body you don’t remember possessing and a life you don’t remember owning, you know that something fishy is going on. When a mystery like this hits you, you have to know what is going on and how to get back to your old self. That is the exact story of Flip, written by Martyn Bedford. It deals with living in the body of the type of person that you don’t like. Alex Gray is normally a geek, a smart person if you must put it that way, yet, out of the blue, he gets trapped in the body of Phillip “Flip” Garamond, who is the type of person who smokes, plays cricket and has several girlfriends. The story does deal with teen issues, so it would be enjoyable to a teenage audience. The psychological thriller is mysterious and leaves a lot of questions that you’ll want to have answered, so this book is pretty hard to put down. James, Year 9

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November 21

‘Ice Station’ by Matthew Reilly

The story involves the response by a team of marines to a distress call from an Antarctic research station.

This book is basically non-stop action from beginning to end. The first half is excellent with the tension never letting up and at this point I would have probably given it 3/5 as well. However, as the end draws near I found some of the situations, although told with the same pace and style, a little hard to swallow. This is not the fault of the book, just me, as I’d rather have situations that are probable. If there were that many bullets flying around no one would have survived.

This book is very violent and may interest some teenagers but not me. The characters have a very good background. Tyson, Year 9

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August 16

‘Alone’ by James Phelan (Chasers #1)

If you found John Marsden’s ‘Tomorrow, when the war began’ series scary, then this book is definitely NOT for you.
Jesse and his three friends’ school trip is interrupted by a massive explosion. They find themselves stranded in New York, a city in chaos, abandoned except for zombie-like ‘chasers’ infected with a virus which turns them into predators, thirsting for any liquid including human blood.
The four teenagers have a desperate struggle to survive, using every skill they’ve developed and finding more strength than they knew they had.
This book is highly accessible to teens and would be most suitable for middle teen boys who are reluctant readers. While not MY favourite read, I can think of a few boys who’d just love it. It’s a cut above some other horror stories presently available, with a nice twist at the end which leads into the rest of the series. 3 1/2 stars. Mrs O.

“You sound like you think this is it, Dave said. Like you think we’re the only survivors who aren’t infected and it’s up to us to start things over again.
Like a new earth, Anna said.
I looked at her. A new earth?
It’s like the planet has reset, she explained, to create a new earth full of hope. Those of us who are left will become the adults of a world that’s changed, a world where things like wars and greed are just a memory…It’s like a torch has been passed to a new generation.” (p.156)

Reserve ‘Alone’ by clicking HERE.

Category: Horror stories, Teacher Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT