Steel Pelicans

by Des Hunt

The fuse was still burning - there were only millimetres left. It flared brightly as the hissing moved into the tube. I jumped back, my fear now taking control. The lighter fell, plunging the tunnel into darkness ...

Sometimes friendship and loyalty can be dangerous things - especially when fireworks are involved.

Inseparable Aussie friends dare-devil Dean and tag-along Pelly often get up to no good. That’s what makes them the Steel Pelicans. But as Dean’s homemade fireworks get increasingly dangerous, things start going wrong, and Pelly’s parents hasten a move back to New Zealand.
After living most of his life in Australia, Pelly feels like he’s been dumped in a foreign land with no friends and a school that doesn’t care, until he joins up with Afi Moore and is invited to stay the weekend at the Moores’ seaside bach. Then the pair stumble on a smuggling operation and find themselves deep in trouble, which only gets worse when Dean comes over for the holidays. In no time at all, Dean’s obsession with explosives threatens not only the investigation but also their lives.

Genres: Action

256 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2012

About the author

Des Hunt was a science and technology teacher for many years, interspersed with periods of curriculum development both in New Zealand and overseas. During this time he had several textbooks published to support the New Zealand curriculum. In recent years he has looked at other ways of interesting youngsters in science, creating computer games and writing non-fiction and fiction with scientific themes.

After living in Auckland for much of his life he moved with his wife, Lynne, to Matarangi on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula. He retired from the classroom in 2007 to concentrate on writing fiction for children. He continues his aims of fostering young peoples’ natural interest in the science of their surroundings by visiting schools and libraries where he runs workshops and presentations.

Reviews

[Lisa]

Pelly's family has lived in Auzzie since he was two. He has a best friend Dean and together they call themselves "The Steel Pelicans". Dean has a obsession with homemade fireworks and things are getting more and more dangerous. Then Pelly's Dad gets a job offer back home and the family move to south Auckland.
Pelly settles in well and meets Afi, they become good friends. They stumble upon a smuggling operation while staying at Afi's bach and set about collecting evidence. Dean comes for a visit in the holidays and things heat up. Dean hasn't stopped looking for things to blow up. Pelly soon realizes that there are limits to how far you can trust your friends.

Five stars for this well told adventure. Full of life experience, bullies, mystery, family life and danger. Another winner from Des, already very popular with his fans but winning more in my library.

[Lemurkat]

Another rollercoaster ride of an older boy's adventure book. Des Hunt writes fast paced, interesting stories with a touch of science, a taste of school life, good role models (Pelly makes many sensible decisions in this book, even if he does allow his friend Dean to go a little too far) and a wee bit of a taste of New Zealand wildlife. I love the NZ setting and like most Hunt books, this one was devoured in one day, and almost in one sitting. Once started, it's like a rollercoaster - hard to get off until the end!

[Zeb]

Amazing book really captures you on the first paragraph. The detail is on the area that is set in and what is happening. I would highly recommend it to you great read and fun storyline.

It is great the way it talks about Friendship and being kind to one another.it really shows how some people just don't give up and to trust others. And that friends are valuable.


This book would be good for kids age 10-13.

[Carlos]

Steel pelicans is a interesting story about pete (AKA, pelly) and his best friend Dean. The story is based in NZ & Australia and is a good read for any kiwi teenager.

[Jude]

This was a really good read which would be enjoyed by both boys and girls. It's full of action and involves criminals, smuggling, fireworks etc.

[Dan Priest]

A great read for 10years up. Some more mature themes, but great nevertheless!