Itch

Itch #1

by Simon Mayo

Meet Itch - an accidental, accident-prone hero. Science is his weapon. Elements are his gadgets. This is Alex Rider with Geek-Power!

Itchingham Lofte - known as Itch - is fourteen, and loves science - especially chemistry. He's also an element-hunter: he's decided to collect all the elements in the periodic table. Which has some interesting and rather destructive results in his bedroom . . .

Then, Itch makes a discovery. A new element, never seen before. At first no one believes him - but soon, someone hears about the strange new rock and wants it for himself. And Itch is in serious danger . . .

Genres: Young Adult, Adventure, Science Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Fantasy

432 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2012

About the author

Simon 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.

Reviews

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So a novel about chemistry huh? Turns out it was pretty good.

Itchingham Lofte or "Itch" is fourteen and he collects elements. That's right elements Hydrogen, Helium, etc. From 1 on the Periodic Table up to 118. Now most of these elements are harmless but others, well, not so much. This has gotten Itch into trouble before. Like blowing up his bedroom and in the process burning off his eyebrows with his sample of Phosphorus. But when a rockhound friend of his sells him what he thinks is a small rock of Uranium, his life changes forever.

As with most YA novels, the writing is quick and clever. The teen characters, unlike many YA novels, are actually quite believable for a change. They actually do stupid things without thinking and the last thing they do is go to their parents for help. The plot was fun and entertaining. Don't let the idea of a chemistry-based novel turn you off, it's still a great story for anyone. The plot builds up to a really great climax and ends with subtle hints of a sequel.

In the end I thought it was really well done.

[Ian Kirkpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon Mayo. You probably know him as a radio DJ and might remember that he took over the flagship Radio One Breakfast Show from Mike Smith back in the 80’s. You might also know him from his great 5Live afternoon show which included his verbal sparring with Mark Kermode debating the relative merits of the latest movies. Perhaps in recent years you’ve heard him as the Drivetime DJ on Radio 2, including the excellent Radio 2 Book Club. Well now he’s written a novel and quite simply it is a revelation.

“Itch” is primarily aimed at the young teen market. Mayo’s hero Itchingham Lofte is a nerdy fourteen year old science geek obsessed with collecting elements from the Periodic Table. Living in Cornwall he yearns to be a cool surfer boy, but can’t learn how to catch a wave. However he does understand Chemistry and discovers what appears to be a completely new element with dramatic consequences, for himself, his cousin Jack and his sister Chloe.

This initially started life as a short story to amuse Mayo’s youngest son before spiralling into a 94,000 word novel. However you wouldn’t know that this was his first foray into fiction as it’s a truly assured debut.

Mayo writes with skill and dexterity and seems to have an innate understanding of pace and plot development. He balances a broad range of characters and does a strong line in baddies without resorting to clumsy stereotypes.

Whilst the novel stands on its own without the need for comparisons it is an interesting exercise to compare it with The Philosopher’s Stone, and for me it holds up pretty well. Rowling has the edge on inventiveness and pure fantasy, but Mayo has some great material up his sleeve, and some of it is very dark material indeed. He has also left sufficient loose ends and unresolved plot strands to ensure an incendiary sequel, which he is already writing.

Whilst his target audience is undeniably the young teen market the plot is sufficiently dark to provide an equal appeal to older audiences. Ultimately it’s a story about great responsibility (hold on…that sounds like a tag-line for the new Avengers movie!).

I would have no hesitation in recommending this marvellous novel, whatever your age.

[Steve Fincher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok, I was at like 3.5 stars.It had an intro from Alex Rider author Anthony Horowitz, probably because Simon Mayo has a radio show on the BBC and he has a section on books, its good he has Anthony Horowitz on a lot so he must have owed him.
Some have compared to Alex Rider and Jason Steed…. FAIL. Alex and Jason are much better books and more exciting.
This is ok but I started getting board with all the elements stuff it got in the way of the story.

[Kribu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple of days ago I had no idea this series existed. I only found out about it when I saw Itchcraft by Simon Mayo on NetGalley recently, requested a review copy as it sounded interesting, and upon being accepted, realised that it was, in fact, the third book in the series.

So I sighed and went and bought a copy of the first one. (I should also say right away that I'll be buying the second one, too, and reading it.) And ... yeah, really glad that I did.

I should say right away that - as is the case with most kids' fantasy/action/thriller type stories (this isn't fantasy, just to make it clear, although it deals with some things that don't actually exist) - one should be prepared to suspend disbelief and just... go with the flow. This isn't something one needs to tell to the target group; since I'm quite a bit older, I need to remind myself of that more and more often these days.

That said, by and large the kids in this book, especially our 14-year-old protagonist Itch (or Itchingham Lofte, as his full name goes) and his cousin Jack (Jacqueline), struck me as rather realistic. Even when I shook my head in frustration, ready to yell "god, kids, just take this stuff to the police!", I still - vaguely - remember that back when I was fourteen, the actually most sensible way of acting did not always strike me or my peers as the right thing to do. And on the other hand, I appreciated that the kids here decided to share at least some of the information, at times, with grown-ups.

The plot itself was rather exciting, at least to me - going from a kid coming across some mysterious rocks to being kidnapped, nearly dying, and all that cool thriller stuff. :D At the same time, I liked that the risks felt real and there were actual, serious consequences to their actions.

The villains ... well. I could have made do without them being quite so... villainish. In a really exaggerated way. The only thing missing was moustache-twirling, although I'm sure that if Flowerdew had a moustache, he would have twirled it at some point. Also, and this was my biggest suspension of disbelief gripe, I found it really hard to believe that the people transferring a very dangerous criminal to another prison would just let him go if a woman with a gun shows up and threatens to shoot at them. Uh.

Anyway. Not a perfect book, but it worked for me (and, as I usually try to gauge with books aimed at younger readers how I'd have felt about it when younger myself, I'd have enjoyed it also as a kid). I'm really rather looking forward to seeing how things develop in the next two books.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pretty good read about a boy named Itch who collects the elements of the periodic table and burns his eyebrows off and has accidents with his elements. It's only when he discovers a new radioactive element that bad people start to chase him for it. Can he outrun them and keep his friends alive, read this book to find out. I recommend this ya thriller to anyone who likes science and adventure.

[Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Itch because it was an interesting book with likeable characters. I especially liked that this book was different from most books I like. In this book we see the main protagonist (Itchingham Lofte) Try to collect all the elements in the periodic table, but when Itch discovers a new element that is different from any other element Itch must go on a mission to save his family. You don't have to like science to like this book as it is a book that will make you read on.

[Gohnar23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this idea of an 'element hunter' but I do expected this as a more fantasy focused book or even a sci fi one because of the marketing and ofcourse,.,., The cover. Other than that I love the plot of it, all the different consequences and problems that arises when you collect elements from the periodic table, Itch is a very unique and interesting character overall and would like to know more of his adventures of collecting elements, such a nich interest and hobby to have🤗

[Anis Wrench · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hust as good as 12 year old me thought. I had forgotten like half of the plot, but v enjoyable

[Trudy Zufelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I review a lot of children's literature on my blog so I know a good book when I read one. Itch is one of the best action adventure books I have read in years and will appeal to adults as well as young adults and middle schoolers. My original review as it appears on my blog, Boys to Books:


Itchingham "Itch" Lofte didn't mean to burn off his eyebrows. He also didn't mean to send his whole science class to the hospital with arsenic poisoning. When you take up a dangerous hobby like collecting elements from the periodic table, those things are inevitable.

When Itch acquires a super radioactive rock, not yet discovered by scientists, he ends up in a harrowing adventure that makes his previous mishaps seem minor. The head of the science department confirms the rock is actually element number 126, one not ever seen before. It turns out scientists, as well as terrorist groups from all over the world, want the rock and the unsavory ones will stop at nothing to get it. With the help of his sister Chloe, female cousin Jack and even a beloved science teach, Itch races against death to make sure the new element does not fall in the wrong hands. When Itch tries to track down Cake, the element dealer he acquired the first rock from, he discovers the rock is not the only one. Unfortunately, there are seven more.The realization of the just how dangerous the element really is, gives Itch an urgency to keep it from those who want it.
Itch exhibits an amazing level of maturity and moral courage, instantly elevating his status from science geek to reluctant hero.

Simon Mayo's debut novel is one of the best adventures for middle schoolers I have read in years with an original premise and non-stop action that will have the reader on the edge of his seat. Strong female characters will appeal to girls as well. For ages 10-14 but overlaps into the young adult group.

Who knew that the periodic table could be so exciting?

[Kadi P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book when I read it years back and now I've found out that they've adapted the book into an Australian children's tv show! It's a bit odd because I'm pretty sure the book was set in England and all the characters were English but it's only a small change. I also found it odd that they've got a very tall seems to be 17-year old good looking boy playing Itch because I remember Itch being a scrawny 14 or 15 year old or something. From the part I watched it didn't seem that interesting but that was only the beginning of the first episode and it must've done well enough because they're already going into production for a second season! I almost wish this show had come out about 5 years ago because I'm sure Kadi of the past would've loved it as much as I loved the Half-Moon Investigations show adaptation that came out way back when...

[Keith (CHINNY) Chinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first heard about this book when my teacher read us a taster of it. Some people in my class went on to read the whole book and said it was brilliant so i decided to read it. Even though it is a science book you can read it even if you dont know the first thing about science like me. Itch was shocking, surprising and made me want to read more. I can't wait to read the next book 'ITCH ROCKS' and see if it is as good as the first. a good read! If you like books like Alex Rider or Jason Steed you will like it. NUFF SAID.

[Jabiz Raisdana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not for me. I found it slow, predictable and mired in a boring plot with characters that I didn't care for. There is some adventure and science and it is pretty well written, but never feels like it goes anywhere. It takes a while to get going and then the climax and adventure scenes left me unsatisfied.

The whole time I was looking forward to finishing it. Curious what you think.

[Myla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Itch

Itch is about a boy named Itchingham Lofte. I really loved this book. At the beginning it was still interesting but wait till later, you have NO IDEA. At the beginning Itch reveals to the readers that he is an element hunter - or in other words he collects the elements - Most of them he is able to find in his house or around it. Near the beginning we also hear that Itch has a little bit of an accident with some phosphorus and blows off his eyebrows.

The first time he is at school in the book he gets bullied, which turns out to be a normal thing. He walks to school with his cousin, Jack, and occasionally, his sister Chloe. After the phosphorus accident his mom ordered him to move all of his element shenanigans into the shed. He was going to do it after school but decided until then to put some of the more dangerous ones he got from a seller named Cake - who turns out to be a big part of the story - into his backpack. Of which there is some wallpaper that when exposed to damp conditions releases a toxic odor.

He finds out that his class is required to go into the greenhouse and advised to bring water since it is so hot. Once they get in they are walking through it when the first person throws up, not because it is hot, but because it is also damp in the greenhouse and so the wallpaper is reacting. They all start to throw up and everyone is ushered out of the greenhouse. It is later concluded it was poisoning, however most of the characters in the book don’t find out it was Itch until MUCH later.

After the greenhouse Itch goes to a mine with Jack for some early work experience. They leave with Jack having stolen a rock for Itch’s collection. Itch visits Cake a few more times and gets a rock which he believes to be Uranium, until it changes color. He goes to his homeroom teacher about it and asks Mr.Watkins what it is and Mr.Watkins says he doesn’t know. He goes to get a geocounter and Dr. Nathaniel Flowerdew to help him. He measures the radioactivity of the rock and the geocounter goes wild, 10,000 clicks per second. They all agree they have a very peculiar and radioactive rock on their hands, and Nathaniel offers to keep it in his lead box to keep it safe.

Long story short after that Nethanial claims he sent it to Switzerland, which he didn’t, and wants it all to himself because it can make him a lot of money, billions of dollars, to be exact. His test results show it is element 126. Itch and Jack steal it back and narrowly escape. Once they steal it back Flowerdew beats Itch up and hurts staff members because Itch stole it back, but runs away before the police catch him. Itch and Jack find Cake to get rid of the rock but find him dead because of the radiation poisoning, and leave with angry adults thinking they killed him and 7 more rocks. They take the rocks to Mr.Watkins and they test the rocks in the lab, confirming that they are, indeed, element 126. And some bad guys who want the rocks show up and Itch and Jack escape, running into Dr.Flowerdew in the process. He kidnaps them, shoving them into his car and they drive for a while, eventually finding a place to stop and rest. In the morning they take the kids with them and drive further, once they are almost there Jack stops because she is sick and itch knocks the drivers out with sleep juice (that is not its name but I'm just going to call it that.) and escape. Once they escape, people are looking for them and Itch has an idea to get rid of the rocks so he drops Jack off and tells her to call the police and then takes a train to get rid of the rocks. Once he gets off he tells the reader that Mr.Watkins told him of a well deeper than any other and goes to dispose of them. He finds the well and drops wood to test it, which he doesn't hear the water splash, which means he has to go down, once he is down he looks for a tunnel, finds it, and puts his backpack with the rocks in it in the water. Then he sets off a sodium explosion to push the rocks down the tunnel and to sink to the bottom of the well, lost forever. Then he passes out and wakes up in a hospital. He finds out somebody found him and delivered him to safety, though he doesn’t know who. I am thinking about reading the second book because this one was so interesting, I really liked Itch.

[Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Itch is an engaging young adult Fiction, mystery about a boy's peculiar passion to collect all the elements of the periodic table, his friendship with his sister and cousin, and the adventures they have as a result.

In the beginning of the novel we meet just such a child, 14 year old Itchingham Lofte, "Itch" who is interested in science. Well actually, it's more accurate to say that this boy is passionate about the Periodic Table. This book takes place in a little town called Greenville. Ever since he could remember, Itch had been a collector. He developed his collecting skills with Pokémon cards, coins, maps, marbles and frogs, but when his father gives him a periodic table book, Itch turns his attention to collecting the elements of the Periodic Table. Every day of the week Itch would run around the house grabbing forks and copper pipes. As part of his collecting, Itch also begins to isolate some of these elements using simple experiments, such as electrolysis. Others, such as a teaspoon of gunpowder and two radioactive clock hands. Itch doesn't always find elements in typical household items though, he recently has started to purchase some elements from a mysterious man named "Cake".

The story is enlivened by another of Itch's purchases, antique wallpaper containing arsenic, which provokes a scene in the book that involves the whole class getting somehow sick from this mysterious gas. Luckily nobody gets hurt. But one day Itch purchases a new rock from Cake. Which is an ominously warm rock, that baffles him. He shows this rock to his geology teacher who later realizes after dozens of examinations that it is a new element, element 126. The geology teacher shows the rock to the head of the science department. an obscure man who magically appears on the scene, having no previous teaching experience. Sooner or later Itch is having to run for his life while a dozen of powerful villains try to take this new energy source out of Itches hands. Why? Because they all want his warm rock. This new element is radioactive and thus, can be used as a source of cheap energy or as a weapon... Not only does Itch experience some thrilling adventures he strengthens his relationship with his sister Chloe and his cousin Jack.

This book had achieved its purpose for entertainment; it had me chilling from the bone to laughing until I fell off my chair. It was full with suspenseful moments including a big fighting scene awards the end where a particularly unusual boy named Jacob saved Itches back more than enough of times. There were also funny and sad moments too that included some old school jokes that set a perfect tone for the book. The novels strengths included the writing that was funny but at the same time eloquent and engaging. It pulled me into a deep trance that I had a hard time pulling away from. There were some surprising scenes that were both hilarious and inappropriate (sickening). When I finished the book I had multiple questions to wonder about. For instance how can a young 14 year old boy purchase radioactive elements without being arrested or at least getting into trouble. I loved the book so much that don't recall any weaknesses or mistakes.

This was a great intense novel that I would recommend to someone who likes chases and multiple mysteries to solve. This book is inspiring yet satisfying to the average middle school mind. If you like rocks and vomit then this is a book for you.

[18billyackcooperj139 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a great book about a young lad named itchingham lofte who is deeply interested in science and elements and he has set out to try and find every element but the path he takes is full of danger and reactivity, will he make it out alive? Read this extravaganza to find out!

[Nam Facchetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book, a lot of adventure and suspense.

[Essie-Marie F.]

DNF'd at p.277. I just lost interest. sorry, Itch.

[Lucas C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full to bursting with interesting scientific facts, humor, and action. I love this book because I love the story and the fact that I learn new things every time I read it! This is the perfect book for curious people.

[Ben Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic idea for a book and such a rollercoaster of a story, loved all the characters, twist and turns and especially the fact that there were two more books so I can carry on reading.

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading "ITCH" by Simon Mayo has really changed my perspective on how I view science. This book made me itching for more, a marvelous piece of work by Mayo. We follow the story of Itchingham Lofte, "Itch", and his epic adventures revolving around a single rock. When I started this project I was immediately excited when I read the back and seeing that there is an featured augmented reality animation app, the animation was truly fantastic a short snippet of the book, which part... well you're gonna have to read the book to find out.
Itch is 16 year-old teen who has an unusual hobby: he collects all the elements on the periodic table and it gets him in trouble with his mom, a lot. For instance like an explosion that burns off Itch's eyebrows and automatically demotes his collection to the shed in the back yard and weekly check-ins of his room and his collection. It's just not Itch's week, so to protect his most valuable pieces he brings them to school, which includes wallpaper laced with arsenic. Itch and his cousin Jacqueline, Jack for short, are in the same class, and they are on a trip to the school's greenhouse and when everyone becomes violently ill Itch blames himself because he brought the wallpaper to school. But when Itch and Chloe, Itch's little sister, met up with Cake Itch's "supplier" of almost all of his collection, says that there wasn't enough arsenic to make arsenic gas, so Cake gives him a rock saying that it is an element.
However when Itch brings the rock to his professor Mr. Watkins, he suggests that they inquire the help of another professor Dr. Flowerdew a chemist; when Dr. Flowerdew runs tests on the rock they find out that it is highly radioactive and Dr.Flowerdew runs out of the school saying that he has a lead container at home. Itch agreed to let Dr. Flowerdew to take it but when Dr. Flowerdew doesn't return it, that's when things get crazy. Itch, Jack, and Chloe are in a race for their lives and a race against time, with the police, secret organizations, and multiple other countries following the three teens every move they only have letter to follow and help them make their decisions. Will Itch, Jack, and Chloe be able to beat the clock before their time runs out, or will the rock fall into the wrong hands?
I loved this book, I usually don't read books from this genre and I was really surprised on how much I liked the action and thrill. Not trying to be cliché or anything, but this book keep me at the edge of seat the whole way. This being written by a British author, there were a few terms I didn't quite understand. Over all a marvelous book, with a sensational ending that I didn't expect. I would definitely recommended this book to science lovers and to people who don't know what "2Na + 2H2O = 2NaOH + H2" creates, I give this book a 5 out of 6 hands down. An excellent work that should be in everyone's collection.

Hey,

I can’t wait for the sequel that is coming out in 2014. Try to take a moment and look at the Sterling Publishing website for the book, I put the link at the bottom and check the book out, Itch came out this April and is now available and don’t forget the about the app!
http://www.sterlingpublishing.com/itch



http://abbookreview.blogspot.com/

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this because I love the television series. disappointed that Tim isn’t in the book because he’s my favorite character in the show. I’m headcannoning that Tim was the one who saved Itch at the end

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chemistry is widely considered as one of the most difficult subjects to make exciting, but Simon Mayo, radio presenter of the BBC's Drivetime and Kermode and Mayo's Film Review, seems to have discovered the perfect formula for doing so: (explosions x noxious materials) ÷ sinister global corporations. And, utilising this winning equation, Mayo has penned his debut novel, Itch; the story of fourteen year old Itchingham Lofte who, whilst attempting to collect every element in the periodic table, comes into possession of a curious new element with world-changing potential.

At its core, Itch revolves around the relationship of Itch, his younger sister Chloe and his cousin Jacqueline (Jack) as they cope with the problems associated with possessing a radioactive substance the world and his dog would do anything to obtain. And what a charming and absorbing relationship it is; despite being the youngest, Chloe is the most sensible of the trio and keeps her likeable brother in check as his escapades teeter on the verge of disaster. Jack brings an abundance of smarts to the dynamic, helping Itch see through his more risky moments with a tomboyish expertise. Mayo has written all three of the central trio brilliantly, and you can't help but wonder if some traits of his own children have contributed to the mixture.

As for the chemistry included, it's well measured, clear and undeniably fascinating; from learning how the household objects you own relate to the periodic table, to explanations of explosive reactions, there is enough here to justify Itch as an informative text without ever suffocating the exciting plot. I recently wrote a piece arguing that the Pokémon games successfully communicate biological principles to their target audience, and I think it's fair to say that Itch does the same for Chemistry.

Being set in modern-day Cornwall (and being a young adult title), a good proportion of Itch takes place in the central trios' school. Mayo has always been vocal of his love of the Harry Potter series and some of the disastrous goings on at Cornwall Academy echo some of the more memorable happenings in the classrooms of Hogwarts. However, whilst there was always the healing properties of magic to help smooth things over in Rowling's universe, the potential consequences of Itch's exploits are more serious, and this is perhaps the book's greatest strength: whilst tremendous fun, there is the constant, underlying feeling that the main characters in Itch may well be about to come to serious harm.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant and engaging! I really enjoyed this and listened to it on my daily commute. At the end I was so eager to know what happened that I set the talking speed to 1.75. Itch was brave and one of the most determined characters I've read about in a while. How he had the strength and resolve to climb down a tiny ladder 400ft into the darkness with the very real danger of him throwing up or breaking a rung on the way down I don't know. He was caring and had a great relationship with not just his cousin but his sister too which isn't something I see portrayed a lot. Usually, the siblings are always arguing. Some of the scenes were shocking and gruesome! I couldn't believe the way that Mr Flowerdew treated Itch!! A good sprinkling of humor as well which made it a really nice listen. CAn't wait to pick up the 2nd one!

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a name like Itchingham, a boy is pretty much destined to become a science geek, and Itch is just that. He has been collecting and studying elements since he was a kid. Itch is a very original story, but still sticks to the action thriller formula and has characters more interesting than in most adult action thriller novels. The suspense begins when an eccentric fellow collector gives Itch an unusual stone and a dire warning. Turns out the stone is so highly radioactive its levels can't be determined, and it's made up of an element never seen before. Soon sinister bad guys are determined to do whatever is necessary to get the stone from Itch. Itch must protect the stone, his friends and family. Itch is a reluctant hero. He doesn't want to be tangling with the sinister bad guys who are after his rock, but he can envision the terrible things they could do with the new element and knows he can not let that happen. The suspense builds quickly and the sinister bad guys become scarier as they become more desperate. The action does not let up until the very exciting end. Even readers not at all interested in physics will probably look forward to the sequel and Itch's next adventure.

[Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Lets just take a moment to appreciate THAT cover! POW! Such an attractive design that will grab JF-YA readers of both genders. Their first question (and mine): What is an element hunter?

Itchingham Lofte is science obsessed. When he is not causing small explosions in his bedroom, he is tracking down elements from the periodic table. So far his growing collection has been stored under his bed but after losing his eyebrows in an 'experiment', Mum insists it is all bound for the shed.

After accidentally poisoning his class at school, Itch thinks it might be time to take a break from his elements but then something comes to him that changes everything...he buys a rock. A very special, highly-prized RADIOACTIVE rock.

The rock takes Itch and his cousin Jack on a race against time culminating in a fight for their lives.

An interesting, action packed, edge-of-your-seat, pulse-raising read. Science in fiction? Brilliant!

If you loved this, the adventures of Itchington Lofte continue in Itch Rocks! - out now.

[Adrian Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, the first novel by Radio presenter and DJ Simon Mayo, is simply excellent stuff. It's cleverly science--themed (Itch is an element collector) and manages to outline a lot of 'real science' along with a mile-a-minute chase plot. Clever plotting, interesting and mostly believable characters, and a unique premise add to the quality of the book - and if you've got an iPad or iPhone, don't miss out on the very clever app which you can get from App Store (search for itch book) - it's very clever!

In the end, the scene is set for a sequel, and I, for one, will be looking forward to it!

[Luvish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book! It might seem a bit long but the plot moves really fast and is accessible for most readers. The language and content is also pretty easy to understand and most people won't have a problem with it. I really loved this book because it was about mystery and adventure that I really like and I also was interested in the science content. If you are interested in mystery, adventure and science fiction, this is a very good book for you.

[NS Chua · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book because the author was inconsistent in the dumbing-down of the science for middle-graders. If our hero goes round collecting 'elements' and he declares he's collected the highly toxic 'Chromium' in the form of a chrome-plated utensil, then he could have easily collected the highly-explosive-when-in-water 'Sodium' in the form of table salt, sodium chloride.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable and exciting! Looking forward to the sequel!

[Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice book. A bit slow to begin with but it does pick up. Not as good as the Alex Rider series but a good follow up book and hopefully the whole series.