What do you think?
Rate this book
Itch #2
Itch Rocks
After almost poisoning his whole class with arsenic gas, going on the run from a psychotic science teacher and nearly dying of radiation poisoning, life is getting back to normal for Itchingham Lofte - at least, as normal as it can be when you have a round-the-clock detail of government security guards watching your every move.
But sinister forces are still hunting for Element 126 and will stop at nothing to find out where Itch has hidden the precious radioactive rocks. With the help of his sister Chloe and his tomboy cousin Jack, Itch has to put 126 beyond the reach of unscrupulous scientists and international terrorists forever.
It's time to save the world. Again.
The second book in the explosively exciting ITCH series.
But sinister forces are still hunting for Element 126 and will stop at nothing to find out where Itch has hidden the precious radioactive rocks. With the help of his sister Chloe and his tomboy cousin Jack, Itch has to put 126 beyond the reach of unscrupulous scientists and international terrorists forever.
It's time to save the world. Again.
The second book in the explosively exciting ITCH series.
433 pages, Hardcover
First published February 28, 2013
43 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
About the author
Simon Mayo
25 books213 followersSimon started work in Hospital radio and later became a Dj on BBC radio 1 and later on BBC radio 2.
His series 'Itch' is closely related to best selling series such as Alex Rider & Jason Steed. Also written by British authors.
Simon was recognised as the Radio Broadcaster of the Year at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards in 2008, and has won several Sony Awards for his work in radio.
His series 'Itch' is closely related to best selling series such as Alex Rider & Jason Steed. Also written by British authors.
Simon was recognised as the Radio Broadcaster of the Year at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards in 2008, and has won several Sony Awards for his work in radio.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
November 27, 2016
Another surprisingly good read!
Itchingham Lofte risked his life to hide element 126 where no one would find it. But both governments and terrorist are still out to find it and that means getting to Itch first. So Itch has become the most wanted and protected boy in the UK. He is followed everywhere he goes by an MI5 security team. But that doesn't stop the evil does from trying to kidnap him.
As with the previous book, as soon as you start reading the action starts and does not let up until you finish the book. It's a not stop thrill ride from start to finish. The characters continue to develop and you can't help but become even more attached. For the most part, the kids act like kids. Running off and doing stupid things. It is fun to see how Itch uses chemistry to solve problems; even creating a few laughs along the way. The plot built to a very good climax but left a few things open for the final book.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how the series ends.
November 9, 2023
[2/5]
Pod pewnymi względami lepsza część od poprzedniej, lecz również na pewnych płaszczyznach gorsza, dlatego zostaję przy takiej ocenie.
Dodam jednak, że pierwszy raz nie użyłam w książce nawet jednego znacznika...u mnie to naprawdę się nie zdarza...
Pod pewnymi względami lepsza część od poprzedniej, lecz również na pewnych płaszczyznach gorsza, dlatego zostaję przy takiej ocenie.
Dodam jednak, że pierwszy raz nie użyłam w książce nawet jednego znacznika...u mnie to naprawdę się nie zdarza...
January 19, 2014
"Element 126.
The whole world is searching for it.
One boy knows where it is.
Itchingham "Itch" Lofte, obsessed with collecting all the elements in the Periodic Table, has had quite a year: He accidentally exposed his whole class to arsenic, went on the run from his psycho science teacher, and nearly died of radiation poisoning. But his life is finally getting back to normal--at least as normal as it can be with government agents watching his every move and protecting him 24/7.
Sinister forces are still hunting for Element 126 and will stop at nothing to find out where Itch has hidden the priceless radioactive rocks. With the help of his sister, Chloe, and his cousin, Jack, Itch must put Element 126 beyond the reach of ruthless criminals and international terrorists forever. But when you're hiding the biggest secret in history, nothing can keep you safe."
The second and suggested last book in the Itch series was just as stunning as the first one. With a fantastic new character and one old character with a very large secret, lots of butt-kicking agents, and a vindictive villain, you can imagine I was sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading the book. In fact, I read the entire thing in one sitting. I practically devoured it.
Despite the fact that Itch had only grown one year since the last book (he was 15 in this one), he seemed to have matured a lot; the boy went from a very obvious awkward kid with no love interest to one that was still awkward (but not so loudly) with a maybe girlfriend at the end. Not only that, but he very clearly understands that things are not always so black and white in life. Take, for example, good and evil. Itch clearly knows that people like Dr. Flowerdew and Shivvi Tan Fook (both malicious bad guys intent on using Element 126 for either money or power, and no, not the "green energy" kind of power so often discussed in the novel) are evil. He knows that the agents and people like Fairnie (yay, for wise military men!) are good and are only looking out for his protection. But he also understands that while people may start out intentionally good, they can just as easily take the wrong path. They could use Element 126 for not so good things. Everybody wants Element 126 for one reason or another, be it money, power, or national green energy, but Itch knows that the element is too dangerous to be in the hands of anyone.
There wasn't as much character development for Chloe as I would have hoped. In the end, she was left behind during all the action and was rarely told anything. The only reason she was involved in anything was because she was Itch's sister. She turned out to be nearly the exact same person in the second book that she had turned out to be in the first.
Jack, Itch's cousin, happened to be one of my favorite characters. She had a very strong moral compass and knew that even though someone may have done something terrible, it didn't mean that they deserved an excruciating and equally terrible death. Even after Shivvi had done such awful things to both Jack and Itch, she never wanted the other woman to die. When Lucy had stepped on her hand and broken her fingers, she was very angry, and for good reason, but she was shocked to hear and see what had happened to Lucy the very next day. Jack also was near self-sacrificing for Itch when she told him to leave her behind so that he could get out of the school safely, which only grounded the fact that she loves her cousin a lot and that family is important to her. You actually see a lot more of Jack than you would have thought, seeing as how she's only Itch's cousin and Chloe was actually Itch's sister.
There were a few things that bothered me about the book, to start off. First of all, are all of the juveniles in London a herd of delinquents? In the first book, when Flowerdew stole Element 126 from Itch, the children actually broke into his house (BROKE INTO HIS HOUSE) and stole (STOLE, I SAY) the rocks back. Then, in the second book, when Lucy is suspicious (only just suspicious) of Mary Lee for being the one who pushed her off the bike, she BREAKS INTO HER HOUSE and GOES THROUGH HER MAIL. BOTH OF THOSE ARE ILLEGAL AND VERY FROWNED UPON. I don't believe that the circumstances fully justified the actions. Also, in the first book, Flowerdew was a bad guy, yes, but he was also incompetent. His incompetence resurfaces in the next book where he is again foiled by a fifteen year old. I think he had the chance to be a really, really bad dude, but he just couldn't get his act together long enough for it to work out. Not only that, but he has two small parts in the beginning of the book where he is pushed off an oil rig and supposedly dies, only to pop back into action (alive, miracle of miracles) with two henchmen and a plan to steal the rocks from both Itch and Shivvi. That's the last you see of him until the very end of the book. The last thing that really bothered me was how poorly the agents did at protecting Itch. They apologize profusely every time something happens to the child, but honestly, how can you suck at your job so much? Itch is 15 years old and they are trained professionals. Their job is to take out the bad guys and protect the good ones and THEY DID SUCH A ROTTEN JOB AT IT.
Despite all of that, it was still an excellent book. A reason for that would be when Itch had Jack put tellurium in Flowerdew's whiskey. I found myself actually setting the book down and surfing the Internet for uses of tellurium, to try and figure out what Itch was going to do this time. I have to admit, I had slightly hoped he was trying to poison him, but alas. Seeing as how this is a children's book and Itch is only 15 and male, I guess I had to know that the only thing tellurium would do to Flowerdew was make him reek of rotten garlic. Still, it was a good laugh. Especially later on, when Itch is insulting Flowerdew for the way he smells.
As strange as this will sound, I also particularly liked how vicious Shivvi Tan Fook was. She seemed like the real villian, despite the fact that she was conveniently smothered by Flowerdew. She was cruel and calculating and was all in all, much less stupid than Flowerdew was. I mean, c'mon. She taped tubes of cesium to Jack and Itch's chests. Flowerdew, the moron, probably would have just handcuffed them or something like that. While Itch and Jack were kidnapped by Shivvi, I just kept thinking, over and over again, how are they going to get out of this one? With Flowerdew, there were always several ways that I could imagine for the children to escape, but my mind pulled a blank every time with Shivvi. The woman was ruthless and it was awesome.
One of my favorite parts of both the first book and this one is the way that Itch utilizes the elements and other such things (can I say acid, anyone?) to help him out of compromising situations. Who else would have thought to use acid to eat through a pair of handcuffs, or to use aluminum and titanium powder to help start a dust fire? The boy is, quite frankly, a genius. I also enjoy the fact that he is a good student. Without the help of school, he never would have thought to use the dust fire to aid his and Jack's escape. Also, Itch's obsession with his hobby is enjoyable. The boy is so devoted to collecting the elements and even making some of them. It's entertaining to watch him collect and use elements throughout the whole book. It makes for an interesting plot.
In summary, the second book in the Itch series was (excuse the pun) explosive and (I'm so sorry for this) just as beautiful as a bismuth crystal. 5 stars, would read again. I hope Simon Mayo produces more wonderful works.
The whole world is searching for it.
One boy knows where it is.
Itchingham "Itch" Lofte, obsessed with collecting all the elements in the Periodic Table, has had quite a year: He accidentally exposed his whole class to arsenic, went on the run from his psycho science teacher, and nearly died of radiation poisoning. But his life is finally getting back to normal--at least as normal as it can be with government agents watching his every move and protecting him 24/7.
Sinister forces are still hunting for Element 126 and will stop at nothing to find out where Itch has hidden the priceless radioactive rocks. With the help of his sister, Chloe, and his cousin, Jack, Itch must put Element 126 beyond the reach of ruthless criminals and international terrorists forever. But when you're hiding the biggest secret in history, nothing can keep you safe."
The second and suggested last book in the Itch series was just as stunning as the first one. With a fantastic new character and one old character with a very large secret, lots of butt-kicking agents, and a vindictive villain, you can imagine I was sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading the book. In fact, I read the entire thing in one sitting. I practically devoured it.
Despite the fact that Itch had only grown one year since the last book (he was 15 in this one), he seemed to have matured a lot; the boy went from a very obvious awkward kid with no love interest to one that was still awkward (but not so loudly) with a maybe girlfriend at the end. Not only that, but he very clearly understands that things are not always so black and white in life. Take, for example, good and evil. Itch clearly knows that people like Dr. Flowerdew and Shivvi Tan Fook (both malicious bad guys intent on using Element 126 for either money or power, and no, not the "green energy" kind of power so often discussed in the novel) are evil. He knows that the agents and people like Fairnie (yay, for wise military men!) are good and are only looking out for his protection. But he also understands that while people may start out intentionally good, they can just as easily take the wrong path. They could use Element 126 for not so good things. Everybody wants Element 126 for one reason or another, be it money, power, or national green energy, but Itch knows that the element is too dangerous to be in the hands of anyone.
There wasn't as much character development for Chloe as I would have hoped. In the end, she was left behind during all the action and was rarely told anything. The only reason she was involved in anything was because she was Itch's sister. She turned out to be nearly the exact same person in the second book that she had turned out to be in the first.
Jack, Itch's cousin, happened to be one of my favorite characters. She had a very strong moral compass and knew that even though someone may have done something terrible, it didn't mean that they deserved an excruciating and equally terrible death. Even after Shivvi had done such awful things to both Jack and Itch, she never wanted the other woman to die. When Lucy had stepped on her hand and broken her fingers, she was very angry, and for good reason, but she was shocked to hear and see what had happened to Lucy the very next day. Jack also was near self-sacrificing for Itch when she told him to leave her behind so that he could get out of the school safely, which only grounded the fact that she loves her cousin a lot and that family is important to her. You actually see a lot more of Jack than you would have thought, seeing as how she's only Itch's cousin and Chloe was actually Itch's sister.
There were a few things that bothered me about the book, to start off. First of all, are all of the juveniles in London a herd of delinquents? In the first book, when Flowerdew stole Element 126 from Itch, the children actually broke into his house (BROKE INTO HIS HOUSE) and stole (STOLE, I SAY) the rocks back. Then, in the second book, when Lucy is suspicious (only just suspicious) of Mary Lee for being the one who pushed her off the bike, she BREAKS INTO HER HOUSE and GOES THROUGH HER MAIL. BOTH OF THOSE ARE ILLEGAL AND VERY FROWNED UPON. I don't believe that the circumstances fully justified the actions. Also, in the first book, Flowerdew was a bad guy, yes, but he was also incompetent. His incompetence resurfaces in the next book where he is again foiled by a fifteen year old. I think he had the chance to be a really, really bad dude, but he just couldn't get his act together long enough for it to work out. Not only that, but he has two small parts in the beginning of the book where he is pushed off an oil rig and supposedly dies, only to pop back into action (alive, miracle of miracles) with two henchmen and a plan to steal the rocks from both Itch and Shivvi. That's the last you see of him until the very end of the book. The last thing that really bothered me was how poorly the agents did at protecting Itch. They apologize profusely every time something happens to the child, but honestly, how can you suck at your job so much? Itch is 15 years old and they are trained professionals. Their job is to take out the bad guys and protect the good ones and THEY DID SUCH A ROTTEN JOB AT IT.
Despite all of that, it was still an excellent book. A reason for that would be when Itch had Jack put tellurium in Flowerdew's whiskey. I found myself actually setting the book down and surfing the Internet for uses of tellurium, to try and figure out what Itch was going to do this time. I have to admit, I had slightly hoped he was trying to poison him, but alas. Seeing as how this is a children's book and Itch is only 15 and male, I guess I had to know that the only thing tellurium would do to Flowerdew was make him reek of rotten garlic. Still, it was a good laugh. Especially later on, when Itch is insulting Flowerdew for the way he smells.
As strange as this will sound, I also particularly liked how vicious Shivvi Tan Fook was. She seemed like the real villian, despite the fact that she was conveniently smothered by Flowerdew. She was cruel and calculating and was all in all, much less stupid than Flowerdew was. I mean, c'mon. She taped tubes of cesium to Jack and Itch's chests. Flowerdew, the moron, probably would have just handcuffed them or something like that. While Itch and Jack were kidnapped by Shivvi, I just kept thinking, over and over again, how are they going to get out of this one? With Flowerdew, there were always several ways that I could imagine for the children to escape, but my mind pulled a blank every time with Shivvi. The woman was ruthless and it was awesome.
One of my favorite parts of both the first book and this one is the way that Itch utilizes the elements and other such things (can I say acid, anyone?) to help him out of compromising situations. Who else would have thought to use acid to eat through a pair of handcuffs, or to use aluminum and titanium powder to help start a dust fire? The boy is, quite frankly, a genius. I also enjoy the fact that he is a good student. Without the help of school, he never would have thought to use the dust fire to aid his and Jack's escape. Also, Itch's obsession with his hobby is enjoyable. The boy is so devoted to collecting the elements and even making some of them. It's entertaining to watch him collect and use elements throughout the whole book. It makes for an interesting plot.
In summary, the second book in the Itch series was (excuse the pun) explosive and (I'm so sorry for this) just as beautiful as a bismuth crystal. 5 stars, would read again. I hope Simon Mayo produces more wonderful works.
October 12, 2014
I have had Itch Rocks sitting on my shelf since publication day, and I never got around to reading it. However the incentive came in the form of a third book in this series, so after making some headway in my review pile I picked up Itch Rocks, eager to dive back into Itch's world and see what trouble he gets himself into now.
One thing that really fascinates me about this series is how elements from the periodic table are collected, but also used for good and bad throughout the pages, and whilst I don't know a lot about the elements, I really do enjoy the chaos that cause in Itch's hands. If you thought that Itch Rocks was going to be much more calmer and sedated compared to Itch, then you are wrong. Itch Rocks is just as eventful, dangerous, chaotic, crazy, and all found fantastically amazing as it's predecessor.
I really do like how Itch always finds himself caught in the middle of some new adventure, and no matter what could happen he still manages to involve himself, mostly intentionally, and while he doesn't come out unscathed, he certainly comes out of it in a better state than most would.
Itch Rocks was just as addicting, enthralling, and crazy as Itch, but I thoroughly enjoyed every single page of it. I will also admit that I really doubted that some people would come out alive but they ended up being quite resilient, but if you are friends of Itch then what else would you expect.
I know my review is vague of details, and I intend it to be that way, I want you to take this adventure with Itch and experience the shock and nerves that I did over what happens.
I can't wait to dive into the next story and take another adventure with Itch, Jack, and Chloe once again.
One thing that really fascinates me about this series is how elements from the periodic table are collected, but also used for good and bad throughout the pages, and whilst I don't know a lot about the elements, I really do enjoy the chaos that cause in Itch's hands. If you thought that Itch Rocks was going to be much more calmer and sedated compared to Itch, then you are wrong. Itch Rocks is just as eventful, dangerous, chaotic, crazy, and all found fantastically amazing as it's predecessor.
I really do like how Itch always finds himself caught in the middle of some new adventure, and no matter what could happen he still manages to involve himself, mostly intentionally, and while he doesn't come out unscathed, he certainly comes out of it in a better state than most would.
Itch Rocks was just as addicting, enthralling, and crazy as Itch, but I thoroughly enjoyed every single page of it. I will also admit that I really doubted that some people would come out alive but they ended up being quite resilient, but if you are friends of Itch then what else would you expect.
I know my review is vague of details, and I intend it to be that way, I want you to take this adventure with Itch and experience the shock and nerves that I did over what happens.
I can't wait to dive into the next story and take another adventure with Itch, Jack, and Chloe once again.
March 9, 2017
This is a great sequel to the first Itch book. Itchingham Lofte and his sister and cousin live in cornwall new england with their parent. Itch discovered some rocks that are the newest element 126 and they are very powerful. Powerful people pursue him through england and he has to destroy element 126 so it does not get into bad hands. Him and his cousin jack are abducted and are held as leverage to obtain the rocks an they struggle to escape. This is a very fun book to read because its filled with humor and adventure. I enjoyed it but I recommend you read the first book before this one. I rate it a 7 out of 10 because even though it was a fun an exciting book the plotline was very basic and there wasn't any new interesting words to find.
August 26, 2014
Hmm. I liked some things better than in the first book and some things less, and the need for suspension of disbelief was extreme here in places, but eh, I don't really even feel like over-analysing or griping about all the things I could gripe about.
It was still an exciting read. With lots of gore. And deaths.
Although now I'm actually curious about whether the next book will have a "new" plot or still a continuation of the same one... hmm.
It was still an exciting read. With lots of gore. And deaths.
Although now I'm actually curious about whether the next book will have a "new" plot or still a continuation of the same one... hmm.
November 7, 2019
Very good read and an amazing sequel to the first book. You have to read the first one to understand what is happening to the characters. The book has a few great plot twists especially at the end of the book where Dr Flowerdew kills shivi and Itch sets of the dust explosion. As a whole the book got me hooked and I could not put it down the whole time I was reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
September 12, 2019This was a very intriguing book with many twists and turns, I also liked that it carried straight on from the last point of the first book. In the story at times it could be very sad and a few pages later it could be a very joyful and happy story. I would recommend this to people in year 8 or higher as it hasn’t a few swears in it. This book would please a boy or girl reading it.
October 4, 2015
Itchingham Lofte is an element collector.This book by Simon Mayo follows his adventures from book one-Itch. He tries to outwit the criminal masterminds all of whom are desperately seeking the rocks made of the dangerous element 126 with help from various members of his family.Itch thought he'd safely disposed of these eight rocks forever in the first story.Since he is the only person alive who knows where the rocks are hidden, he is a wanted man by criminals and by foreign governments.Itch knows, some elements are so dangerous, they can kill.
Life is starting to get back to normal for Itch after the adventures from the first book which resulted in Itch escaping the thugs from Greencorps and being exposed to radiation and having to have a bone marrow transplant.He is now back at school but with around the clock surveillance from MI5 for him and members of his family.
Criminal forces are still hunting for element 126 and will stop at nothing to find out where Itch has hidden the precious radioactive rocks. These enemies are willing to kill to get their hands on these radioactive rocks.
Lucy Cavendish,a girl from Itch's class had always been friendly but is now suddenly aggressive towards Itch, his cousin and sister, for reasons that stay secret throughout much of the book and slowly trickles out as the story progresses.
There's a new girl in school called Mary Lee and she has arrived in town due to her father's job which involves travelling around. She is a few years older than Itch in school. Mary informs Itch HER father collects elements also which stimulates Itch's facination, but things are not as they seem.She isn't who she professes to be and Itch would be wise to keep his distance but of course this being a story, doesn't happen.
Itch finds out many surprising things about family members (father) and other characters that had been kept hush hush.
These rocks need to be got rid of and we follow Itch and co, inc the evil masterminds to a pulsed neutron source lab in Oxfordshire................
I found the writing in this book very good, gripping and witty. Simon Mayo, a writer, I never knew and really, he can write.This book draws the reader in from the start.I felt very sucked in reading it. I didn't read the first book but have since popped it on my to read list.I still felt that I could read Itch rocks stand alone and picked up the history and what had previously happened very easily. The main characters are plentiful and strong, smart and resourceful, even when they are up to no good.I was continuously very impressed with these extremely clever teens often outwitting the seemingly clueless MI5 officers sent to protect them.
I understand this is a young adult book and these kind of stories do tend to show teens/children much smarter than the adults in the story in order to grip it's audience.
What I did struggle with was the length of violence some of these adults went to against the teens/children in the story.I couldn't imagine in every day life adults would find it so easy or could be so thoughtlessly brutal to children.Kidnapping I could handle but the rest even made my eyebrows lift and I read books with gore and violence in them directed at adults.I also found the hockey match went on a bit too long with needless info that lost my interest for a while.Very different from the rest of the book. However, these are my only negatives.
I enjoyed Itch Rocks. It's fun and enthralling and will appeal to mature adults (I'm 38) and young adults.
It was very hard to put this book down.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads giveaway in return for an honest review.
Life is starting to get back to normal for Itch after the adventures from the first book which resulted in Itch escaping the thugs from Greencorps and being exposed to radiation and having to have a bone marrow transplant.He is now back at school but with around the clock surveillance from MI5 for him and members of his family.
Criminal forces are still hunting for element 126 and will stop at nothing to find out where Itch has hidden the precious radioactive rocks. These enemies are willing to kill to get their hands on these radioactive rocks.
Lucy Cavendish,a girl from Itch's class had always been friendly but is now suddenly aggressive towards Itch, his cousin and sister, for reasons that stay secret throughout much of the book and slowly trickles out as the story progresses.
There's a new girl in school called Mary Lee and she has arrived in town due to her father's job which involves travelling around. She is a few years older than Itch in school. Mary informs Itch HER father collects elements also which stimulates Itch's facination, but things are not as they seem.She isn't who she professes to be and Itch would be wise to keep his distance but of course this being a story, doesn't happen.
Itch finds out many surprising things about family members (father) and other characters that had been kept hush hush.
These rocks need to be got rid of and we follow Itch and co, inc the evil masterminds to a pulsed neutron source lab in Oxfordshire................
I found the writing in this book very good, gripping and witty. Simon Mayo, a writer, I never knew and really, he can write.This book draws the reader in from the start.I felt very sucked in reading it. I didn't read the first book but have since popped it on my to read list.I still felt that I could read Itch rocks stand alone and picked up the history and what had previously happened very easily. The main characters are plentiful and strong, smart and resourceful, even when they are up to no good.I was continuously very impressed with these extremely clever teens often outwitting the seemingly clueless MI5 officers sent to protect them.
I understand this is a young adult book and these kind of stories do tend to show teens/children much smarter than the adults in the story in order to grip it's audience.
What I did struggle with was the length of violence some of these adults went to against the teens/children in the story.I couldn't imagine in every day life adults would find it so easy or could be so thoughtlessly brutal to children.Kidnapping I could handle but the rest even made my eyebrows lift and I read books with gore and violence in them directed at adults.I also found the hockey match went on a bit too long with needless info that lost my interest for a while.Very different from the rest of the book. However, these are my only negatives.
I enjoyed Itch Rocks. It's fun and enthralling and will appeal to mature adults (I'm 38) and young adults.
It was very hard to put this book down.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads giveaway in return for an honest review.
December 20, 2022
Perfect read for a book teen. I quite enjoyed it too actually. I get the feeling that Itch will be back again
March 5, 2014
There are not enough positive words to describe how absolutely fantastic this book is. The second in the series begins with Itch being guarded by the MI5 around his school, and what happens next, something suitably explosive, kick starts another new adventure!
The characters are gripping, the plot is well-paced. It was only at the beginning where I didn't really know where it was going, but Simon Mayo redeems this quickly.
Nathaniel Flowerdew is the best villain ever, and the conflict with him and Itch is so exciting that I found myself reading some parts of the book out loud, in order to really immerse myself in the moment.
The only downside was the fault of the editors. They hadn't revised the edition thoroughly. I saw sentences that had missing words, and it would sometimes jolt me out of what was happening, but nevertheless, the book was so good that by the end I wasn't even thinking about this.
I've found the new Alex Rider series, and I need the next one.
Now.
The characters are gripping, the plot is well-paced. It was only at the beginning where I didn't really know where it was going, but Simon Mayo redeems this quickly.
Nathaniel Flowerdew is the best villain ever, and the conflict with him and Itch is so exciting that I found myself reading some parts of the book out loud, in order to really immerse myself in the moment.
The only downside was the fault of the editors. They hadn't revised the edition thoroughly. I saw sentences that had missing words, and it would sometimes jolt me out of what was happening, but nevertheless, the book was so good that by the end I wasn't even thinking about this.
I've found the new Alex Rider series, and I need the next one.
Now.
September 18, 2014
I received this book through a good reads giveaway. I have not read the first book in this series so I don't know if that would have helped me enjoy these book more but as a stand alone novel, I found this book to be average. I found everything about it just average, the characters, the story, the writing. It was readable but not something that's going to stay long in my memory, so two and half stars, which is , you guessed it, average
May 5, 2022
This book did not disappoint. I found this was a well paced book that had great plot twisty and action. I found that the fights and just how much gore gutsy and brilliantly written. I found the killing of one of the characters did well to shock me and maintain the villains status, use even the villain ended up gaining damage which I found interesting. Then how it ended was interesting too and makes me wonder what and how this will end!
November 25, 2019
"I have Itch and Jack, who are wired to explode. If I see any police, or anyone tries to stop me, the cesium will detonate. Do not get in my way." (p.249). Itch Rocks is the 2nd book in the riveting series by Simon Mayo. It continues on Itch's wild journey of protecting element 126, except now he is under 24/7 surveillance from government agents. Itch returns to school after an insane year, which included poisoning his class with Arsenic and almost dying of radiation poisoning. Itch's daily life is now much different as he is constantly surrounded by Britain's M15's agents transporting him from home to school and vise versa. Itch tries to have a normal school life, but it is near impossible in his current situation. Meanwhile, this new protection hasn't stopped bad people from trying to get their hands on element 126. I didn't know it was possible for a book to have more suspense and action than the first book, but this book might have eclipsed it. Containing severe injuries, broken bones, burns, extreme diving and being hunted by criminals. Once you start reading you can't stop, trust me.
Mayo really outdid himself on this novel, improving on all of his flaws in the first book. The dialogue is great, realistic and nasty, which adds to the gripping story. Mayo introduces new characters which add new dimensions and dynamics whilst incorporating them into the protagonist's life creates new bonds and crazy conflicts. I loved the new story situation for Itch, it adds some action to the book as Itch can't act like a normal kid anymore and must sneak around as his every move is watched. I loved this book even more than the first because of the added characters and the new introduced conflict.
Very similar to the first book in the series, this book will appeal to an audience that are adrenaline junkies, mystery lovers and love action and adventure. Also anyone who loves the periodic table and chemistry will thoroughly enjoy this novel.
I loved this book. I thought it was a great mix of action, adventure and mystery. The characters have great dialogue and interesting relationships and the new dynamics of element 126 creates even more suspense. I would suggest this series to anyone interested in a great adventure that will occupy all their time.
Mayo really outdid himself on this novel, improving on all of his flaws in the first book. The dialogue is great, realistic and nasty, which adds to the gripping story. Mayo introduces new characters which add new dimensions and dynamics whilst incorporating them into the protagonist's life creates new bonds and crazy conflicts. I loved the new story situation for Itch, it adds some action to the book as Itch can't act like a normal kid anymore and must sneak around as his every move is watched. I loved this book even more than the first because of the added characters and the new introduced conflict.
Very similar to the first book in the series, this book will appeal to an audience that are adrenaline junkies, mystery lovers and love action and adventure. Also anyone who loves the periodic table and chemistry will thoroughly enjoy this novel.
I loved this book. I thought it was a great mix of action, adventure and mystery. The characters have great dialogue and interesting relationships and the new dynamics of element 126 creates even more suspense. I would suggest this series to anyone interested in a great adventure that will occupy all their time.
March 23, 2022
I think this book was very good. It was about a boy named Itchingham Lofte. When he dropped element 126 down in the well he had to be on constant watch by an M15 team. There would always be people trying to get the rocks. He met a girl named Shivvi Tan Fook Whose alias was Mary Lee. She turned out to be a Psychopath. Shivvi went to Itch’s teachers house and hurt him until Itch and his cousin, Jack, came and told her where the rocks were. She loaded them in the trunk of her car and drove to where Itch said the rocks where. They got out and went to the well. Shivvi handcuffed the kids to stuff. When she got to the top of the well Itch got out of the handcuffs and his old science teacher, who was also trying to get the rocks, was there. Itch was hiding in a room nearby when he heard Shivvi getting beat up by the science teacher for the rocks. Itch took a glass container of Caesium and threw it with powder to make a dust bomb. Then a fire started. Itch and his cousin were rushed to the hospital where they stayed for a few days. Itch figured out where his science teacher lived and took the rocks. Him; Jack; his sister, Chloe; and his friend, Lucy Cavendish made there way to the ISIS to do spallation to the rocks
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
August 27, 2019'Itch Rocks' is the sequel to 'Itch'. It is a science-based novel about the adventures of a young boy named Itchingham discovered elements. When he stumbles across a new radioactive element, the whole world is out to get him so he hides it from the world deep in a well. In this sequel, life is almost back to normal except he is being protected 24/7 by security. Then suddenly, he spills the secret of the location of this new element and the whole world is out to get it again.
This book is a great follow-up to Itch. It follows up the previous book by returning all the characters back to normal yet again to face another problem. These books are fun to read because they are science-based and they teach you things about the elements and the properties of the elements. One thing I do not like about this book though is that it shares the same basic plot as the first book which is basically Itchingham keeping rocks out of peoples hands. Otherwise, it is a very fun book to read.
This book is a great follow-up to Itch. It follows up the previous book by returning all the characters back to normal yet again to face another problem. These books are fun to read because they are science-based and they teach you things about the elements and the properties of the elements. One thing I do not like about this book though is that it shares the same basic plot as the first book which is basically Itchingham keeping rocks out of peoples hands. Otherwise, it is a very fun book to read.
August 9, 2024
I enjoyed the first Itch, and the second is similar. Element 126, so carefully hidden by Itch in Book One, seems to be nearing discovery by several nefarious persons. Will Itch and his friends and relations be able to stop the crooks, armed only with an encyclopaedic knowledge of high school chemistry? This time around, I found the combination of improbable plot and relatively realistic family life a little exasperating. The decision of the MI5 agents, near the end of the story, to allow Itch to (plot spoiler) intolerably stretched my already beaten-up credulity. But, I am 30 years older than the target audience, so, as my children say "Don't listen to him, he speaks nonsense. Very, very, nonsense".
June 28, 2022
I really liked this book -- a mystery involving an element hunter. My husband is a chemist, and I have a minor in chemistry, so I enjoyed the references to the elements, atomic numbers, etc. as I recalled what I'd learned way back in college. But you don't have to have a degree in chemistry to enjoy this book.
Filled with danger, thrills, and some shocking surprises, this suspenseful story will keep you turning the pages. It's a book that both youth and adults can enjoy. I didn't realize this was a sequel until I read the cover flap. So it seems you can still get into the story without having to know what was set up before.
Filled with danger, thrills, and some shocking surprises, this suspenseful story will keep you turning the pages. It's a book that both youth and adults can enjoy. I didn't realize this was a sequel until I read the cover flap. So it seems you can still get into the story without having to know what was set up before.
July 2, 2017
I not exactly sure why I don't really like this book, but I think it was because of the lack of descriptions. I like when authors describe the scenario and details of what's happening and this book just didn't have that at all. It made the story feel one-dimensional. The villains felt like cartoon villains and I just didn't feel any connection with the main characters. Because the book felt so ridiculous I also kept expecting it to be a funny story, but no it's just a normal book.
sidenote: I didn't finish the book so maybe it gets better. I quit because of the writing style.
sidenote: I didn't finish the book so maybe it gets better. I quit because of the writing style.
June 1, 2017
If I didn't think it was a good book I wouldn't have read the 3rd book but either way, it lacks some (key) features that the first book had. The plot is really good (the first book takes the credit) but it could do with some more detail. I was very excited to find this book in the library and I enjoyed all the new characters and twists.
If you like/enjoyed this book I would definitely recommend Itch craft (the 3rd book).
If you like/enjoyed this book I would definitely recommend Itch craft (the 3rd book).
September 16, 2019
I loved this book so much! I could just eat it it’s so fab (also I’m starving right now)! I love the characters, the ideas and the execution. I thought the extra characters involved and how they interacted made perfect sense. Also the involvement of Lucy was brilliant and perfect. I’m happy about this book!
February 27, 2022
Teenagers and science, what's not to love? I'm surprised these books aren't more popular - they're engaging and fun, with good characters and plot. I thoroughly enjoyed being back with Itch, Chloe, and Jack again.
August 23, 2025
awesome, thrilling and unable to stop reading
I am a 56 year old and thoroughly enjoyed reading this fast paced thriller, adventure of a teenager in peril. Loved every page and couldn’t stop reading
I am a 56 year old and thoroughly enjoyed reading this fast paced thriller, adventure of a teenager in peril. Loved every page and couldn’t stop reading
March 20, 2017
Loved it! Great sequel to Itch, the first book.
February 11, 2018
Brilliant
The second in the series that combines science and adventure with a 14 year old boy and his family. Great.
The second in the series that combines science and adventure with a 14 year old boy and his family. Great.
April 6, 2018
It was one of the best books EVER!!!!!!!!!
November 4, 2018
soooo good really entertaining
May 2, 2019
Even better than the first! I hope Simon continues this series! More action, more danger, more science!
May 10, 2019
Excellent follow up to the original story. Loved this book.
March 8, 2020
Learn chemistry through fiction! We really liked this book. It is even better than the first one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews