This story is a highly entertaining read and the children in my class did not want to stop reading it because of its addictive nature. As well as it being an entertaining read, I enjoyed the strong environmental message this book sends about the importance of protecting our oceans, sea life and environment and how dangerous things could be for us all if we don't do something about it now! We also had new characters introduced who bought mystery and a lesson about making sure things are done the right way rather than by any means necessary. As well as being a highly entertaining read - and a great class read - Alex Neptune, Pirate Hunter has a strong environmental message and could also be used to explore themes of marine management, caring for our oceans, and reducing our consumption to help protect the oceans. And then we were spoilt with the animal characters - otters, octopus, seagulls and not forgetting the main attraction of the water dragon itself.

Recruiting his tech-genius best friend Zoey, legend-lover Anil, a sharp-shooting octopus, four acrobatic otters and a thieving seagull, Alex plots a heist to break the dragon out. And suddenly discovers the power of the ocean at his fingertips… Now the tourists avoid it too. Haven's waters have become polluted and unswimable, making it tough for businesses to survive in Haven. Alex's family have an ice cream van that Alex often helps in, but it doesn't make a lot of money. Alex and Zoey have been testing the water of Haven, trying to prove that it's being polluted by a new building on the seafront. Called The Station, no-one knows what goes on in there. What they are sure of, is that their vain, greedy Mayor has something to do with it. The new titles – books four and five in the series – Alex Neptune, Zombie Fighter and Alex Neptune, Dragon Champion, are scheduled for publication in 2024. Sarah Stewart, senior commissioning editor acquired world rights to these two titles in a two-book deal from Ella Kahn at Diamond, Kahn & Woods.The story itself was quite predictable and nothing really new happened that I haven't seen elsewhere. The villain and his motive are as generic as they come. This is bound to be a great hit with children, especially those who like me loved book one, Alex Neptune: Dragon Thief! I loved the subtle chosen one vibes and how Alex’s fear had kept him from realising his potential and how he takes steps to manage this, all whilst doing some very scary things like facing the villainous Raze Callis (excellent villain name btw).

I loved this story and can't recommend it enough. The adventure, humour and magic will hook all readers and I am sure would be a well-read and loved book in any classroom. The story is perfect for children 9+ (Years 5 and 6). Will there be another one? I hope so. Thank you, David! In book one Alex had to combat his fear and now in book two he needs to work on his self confidence - Alex experiences a serious and nearly debilitating case of imposter syndrome. But the cast of characters from book one including his best friends Zoey and Anil, sister Bridget and Grandpa are all here to support him in his endeavours. Coffee house Caffè Nero has announced the 16-strong shortlist for the inaugural Nero Book Awards, recognising the outstanding books of the past 12...Another thing that did annoy me was that there is a certain festivity the townfolk have every year and it is central to the plot as well. The festivity itself isn't my issue, it's actually really nice world-building and immersive. The legend goes that Brineblood (a pirate) wanted to capture/kill the Water Dragon but in short fails and disappears. So, every year in August they build effigies of the pirate and models of the Water Dragon that culminate in latter reaching the safety of the water from the clutches of the pirate as they are burnt. Sounds pretty pro-Water Dragon, no? Apparently the author didn't think so, certainly not the characters, because at the end they come and defecate on this tradition by creating a 'new' tradition for the following month by saying they had been remembering a bad guy and that it should be the Water Dragon they need to be thankful for. I'M SORRY, WHAT?! Are you not the same character that has lived in this town the pass 11-12 years and should know this tradition inside out? Which part of the tradition is glorifying the pirate or demonising the dragon? Nowhere. This is a dangerous message to be portraying to children; instead of remembering the good and the bad, and having the mental capacity to differentiate and identify the two, let's just leave out the bad all together. NO. A town forgetting Brineblood would mean another character is more likely to turn out like him. It's like writing a story but then deciding not to include the villain, or writing about WW2 but leaving out Hitler entirely and just have the Allies bringing peace. A wonderfully pacy adventure full of imagination and jeopardy.” Jasbinder Bilan, author of Asha & the Spirit Bird There was also a serious message here, about what we're doing to our oceans, our responsibility to them and a scathing criticism of capitalist methods of fixing things for those prepared and able to pay. A ship made of trash and being spearheaded by a pirate is trying to find the missing dragon's egg, and they think it's still in their town. There is a new member in their small group, one who comes bearing news of the plans of the pirate. Following the success of the first book, Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief, which was selected as a Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month when it published in August 2022 in the UK, two further titles are scheduled to publish in 2023: Alex Neptune, Pirate Hunter, publishing on 2nd March, and Alex Neptune, Monster Avenger, out on 6th July.

The connection between Alex and the water dragon was precious and because we know there’s going to be a sequel I hope to see that develop and it would be awesome if they got a name. Alex Neptune, Pirate Hunter by David Owen is an exciting, pacey adventure story full of great characters, humour and friendship. This is the second adventure for Alex and this time he is armed with his new-found magical power of the ocean at his fingertips. His friends Anil and Zoey join him on his adventures alongside several amusing animals. This adventure sees all the characters ease into the roles they began with. They help and support each other in the ways that the other needs. The adults continue to assist but, for the most part, are unaware of the dangers that the children are undertaking. Alex may be the central protagonist, but the other Zoey and Anil also are given time and attention as they contribute to the hunt for the missing egg and its importance.Dapo Adeola, Tracy Darnton, Joseph Coelho and Chitra Soundar are among the 19 authors and illustrators longlisted for the Inclusive Books for Child...