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A FEW REVIEWS OF THE BOOK FOUND ON AMAZON
| Reviewer: Karl from United Kingdom |
Although designated a children's book, I was pleasantly surprised as an over-30 male when
I read this novel. The plot is straightforward enough not to tax the young, whilst entertaining enough to engage the interest
of anyone.
It's written with a very friendly style which manages to get across quite a degree of wholesome family values
without in any way distracting from the main story.
The basic premise involves secret underground labs, a fantastic humanoid
robot and a group of kids who, in traditional famous five style, save the day (and the world).
Whilst officially about
Anne Droyd (the 'robot'), the book concerns itself a lot with the group of children who form the core of the tale. In a way
that any youth could relate to, it deals with issues of smoking, drinking, first days at school, prejudice, bullying and other
modern topics.
In today's world, a robot as your best friend and protector is a fantasy most children have had at some
point, and it's refreshing to find a novel that handles it well without descending into the cliches of science fiction.
A
good book for the children, and their parents can enjoy reading it with them. At times it's hard to believe it's a first novel
given the assurance of the writing.
| Reviewer: gazhack from Bolton, Gtr Manchester United Kingdom
| The spirit of Enid Blyton lives on in the pen of Will Hadcroft!
He has the same feeling for what makes an exciting story and populates it with a colourful cast of heroes and villains. But
this is no exercise in cosy nostalgia. His debut novel is set in a very recognisable North West England and his four child
heroes face some very modern issues such as smoking, religious tolerance and the misuse of science. However it is does not
lecture the reader. Primarily however this is a thrilling SF adventure, pitting three resourceful children and a remarkable
android girl against sinister forces who wish to set the world ablaze with war. Along the way it is also a tale of an outsider
trying to fit into a new world and learn what it is to human, which gives the story alot of warmth, as well as some amusing
misunderstandings.
By turns it is a funny, exciting and occasionally moving story which should appeal to any young fans
of either science fiction or the classic adventure novels of Blyton or Arthur Ransom. It is ultimately has faith that children
can do the right thing and achieve remarkable victories. Well recommended.
Background from Will
Will Hadcroft Literary Appreciation Society : contact sheba17@paradise.net.nz
WELLINGTON SHETLAND SOCIETY
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