Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief: Book 1

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The long-awaited return of dragon-o-meter will have a look at the Water Dragon, the star of the book's cover. Some spoilers ahead. Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief is a fun and exciting mystery with a fantastic cast of human and animal characters. I liked how the burgeoning friendship developed with new boy Anil and the dynamic between him and Alex’s best friend Zoey. She definitely gave me Demelza vibes (or Data in Goonies) and it was interesting to see the art vs technology disagreement with her father. Intelligence - Enough to understand humans, control its powers and feel human emotions. Does not talk or to be cleverer than humans (5/10). Alex Neptune: Dragon Thief officially releases tomorrow and is Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month for August. Their exclusive edition has a wonderful greeny sprayed and stencilled edge with octopus arms on it (they aren’t tentacles - right David?). There’s also purple foiling on the cover of all editions 💜 and the both the internal illustrations and cover were by George Ermos - and I can’t believe I missed the map until I was looking for the illustrator name!

Alex Neptune: Dragon Thief — Just Imagine Alex Neptune: Dragon Thief — Just Imagine

Usborne has acquired two new titles from David Owen in the “funny” and “magical” Alex Neptune series, which follows a schoolboy with the power of the ocean in his hands.With as much mystery and intrigue as the ocean itself, readers will be swept away by this adventure.” - Clare Povey, author of The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bonlivre Night Mayor Franklefink has vanished from the Transylvanian Express - and it's up to you to solve the case! Part of the Solve Your Own Mystery seri... 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. 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. One day, Alex is given a small octopus, found in the tunnels along the cliffs. This is surprising as most sea creatures left or died in Haven's disgusting water. This octopus isn't like anything he's researched in all things oceanic. This octopus is super smart, and leads him to the local aquarium, closed down and empty.

Alex Nepture series Usborne swept away by two more in Owen’s Alex Nepture series

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! I loved the way this book combined both magic and technology, to create something really interesting and unique. 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).Featuring a faded seaside town teeming with legend and danger, Alex Neptune is fun and full of heart, perfect for readers who love mysteries and heists.' - Sarah Driver, author of The Huntress trilogy Honestly, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect going into this! Adorable, mischievous animals and a very (possibly overly) strong “save the ocean” message was what greeted me, and what a fun, chill read it was!

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Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Moments Featuring a faded seaside town teeming with legend and danger, Alex Neptune is fun and full of heart, perfect for readers who love mysteries and heists.” - Sarah Driver, author of The Huntress trilogy There are some versions of books targeting younger audiences that appeal to people of all ages. This is one of them. Their town has had a lot of pollution issues. Zoey is the most vocal of the lot when it comes to talking about everything that that entails. One evening as they notice a green light in the distance, Alex makes a new friend. It is an octopus that does not want to keep away. This is how he finds out that there is something afoot, and it is up to Alex to save the dragon(and essentially the world). As the title indicates, it is in the form of a heist. 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.The setting is wonderful. A decidedly strange seaside town reminiscent of Eerie on Sea, though with a charm all of its own. Much of this lies in the rich local legends, about a pirate and a dragon and their battle across the bay. It's a place full of mystery too, from lights seen in the old, abandoned aquarium to the rather sinister structure recently built on the harbour. What is poisoning the water in the bay? What is the mayor up to? Why does he have secretive guards all over the place? There's so much to delve into here. 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. David has created a wonderfully pacy adventure full of imagination and jeopardy. Its eco themes will resonate with readers and his glittering star the water dragon will be taken firmly to their hearts.' - Jasbinder Bilan, author of Asha & The Spirit Bird

Review - Alex Nepture, Dragon Thief by David Owen - BookWormHole

Appearance - A snake-like body with fins. Biologically makes sense, but it would then also make sense to call it Water Serpent. The head was at least somewhat faithful (3/10).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. Alex’s big sister Bridget was giving Luisa from Encanto vibes and I think might have been my fave character - super determined. I would not recommend reading this book without having read the first. Although explanations are given, the world turned from ordinary to extraordinary by the time we left the three friends the last time. Wow! Well what can I say... a gripping read from start to finish! Alex Neptune - Dragon Thief showcases the ocean in all its glory. Alex Neptune has been scared of the ocean for as long as he could remember. So it's understandable that, when he is drawn to a fluorescent glow above an abandoned aquarium, he is full of fear. Once inside, it becomes apparent that an imprisoned, magical water dragon needs his help. Alex, his best friend Zoey, Anil and his new found ocean friends set about rescuing the water dragon and saving the ocean forever.