Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief: Book 1

Product Information

Alex’s big sister Bridget was giving Luisa from Encanto vibes and I think might have been my fave character - super determined. I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Kaleidoscopic book tours. 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: Alex Neptune, Book 1 (Audio

David has taken the myths of dragons and given them a new spin. This is a fantastic adventure story, and I loved that Alex was able to see different skills in his friends and bring them together to form an effective team. Kids are going to really enjoy this story - and there's more to come!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. 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. 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! 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

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

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. I absolutely loved this story and couldn't put it down! I am sure children in any Year 5 and Year 6 classroom would feel the same. The twists and turns throughout the plot keep you guessing what is going to happen next and nothing about the story is predictable. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series! The theme of pollution in the oceans is a relevant and crucial topic for schools. However, while the legend provides an explanation for Alex’s powers to emerge, it would be important to question the message that a mythical creature can come and clean up a man-made problem. The positive mindset of the characters in investigating the problem in the first place does demonstrate that we can all help in our own way and provides a good opportunity to discuss what we can do as individuals to help clean up the oceans. There is so much to celebrate in this book from sprinkles of humour to the funny, quirky characters and plot. The teaching links and hooks are endless too. This would be a perfect book to explore the eco-friendly themes of marine, coastal management, reducing litter and caring for our oceans. It also carries a strong environmental message which is delivered excellently throughout the adventure. This book has all the elements to make the perfect MG adventure - it's funny, it's got strange and familiar creatures and a brilliant cast of characters.' - Maisie Chan, author of Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths

Published

There’s a wonderful dragon in David Owen’s thrilling new adventure story, but it’s not the fire-breathing kind; rather it’s a water dragon, a huge and gorgeous, sinuous creature with amazing powers. For as long as Alex Neptune can remember, the ocean has been trying to kill him. So he's not too happy when a bunch of sea creatures drag him to the abandoned aquarium on the hill, where an imprisoned water dragon needs his help. But how can he say no to a magical myth? 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. About This Edition ISBN: Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief is a fun and exciting mystery with a fantastic cast of human and animal characters.

Alex Neptune, Pirate Hunter by David Owen | Goodreads Alex Neptune, Pirate Hunter by David Owen | Goodreads

There are some scenes that I can easily visualise as part of a tv series or movie. I cheered along even though I knew the obvious ending.

Genre

Me: First things first, I enjoyed the humour. It had no right to be as funny as it was in places, which was honestly quite refreshing. I think maybe on a couple of occasions the moment wasn't right, or it fell flat but for the most part it was solid. The character cast was also surprisingly not annoying or hatable (which is becoming more of a plus nowadays). They were never obnoxious or overbearing or overstayed their welcome. Props to the author who found the right balance.