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The Debt #1
Catch the Zolt
Pay the debt or lose a pound of flesh.
It's a beautiful day in paradise. The sun is shining. The birds are chirping. And Dom Silvagni, indifferent student and elite middle-distance runner, is turning fifteen.
But Instead of cake and candles, Dom Silvagni is presented with the most unlikely gift for
his birthday: an ancient family debt to an organisation so secretive and powerful,
they are only known as The Debt. The Debt's terms are not negotiable: Dom must
perform six Herculean tasks or they'll take a pound of flesh.
Before long Dom has his first instalment - Catch The Zolt—the seventeen-year-old
Facebook Bandit with a penchant for stealing light aircraft. But getting close to The Zolt means being nice to the smug, self-obsessed Tristan, and involving Imogen, the only girl close to Dom's heart.
The more Dom discovers, the less he seems to know. Meanwhile The Debt
want their payment ... now!
It's a beautiful day in paradise. The sun is shining. The birds are chirping. And Dom Silvagni, indifferent student and elite middle-distance runner, is turning fifteen.
But Instead of cake and candles, Dom Silvagni is presented with the most unlikely gift for
his birthday: an ancient family debt to an organisation so secretive and powerful,
they are only known as The Debt. The Debt's terms are not negotiable: Dom must
perform six Herculean tasks or they'll take a pound of flesh.
Before long Dom has his first instalment - Catch The Zolt—the seventeen-year-old
Facebook Bandit with a penchant for stealing light aircraft. But getting close to The Zolt means being nice to the smug, self-obsessed Tristan, and involving Imogen, the only girl close to Dom's heart.
The more Dom discovers, the less he seems to know. Meanwhile The Debt
want their payment ... now!
275 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
10 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Phillip Gwynne
64 books32 followersPhillip Gwynne's first novel Deadly Unna? the literary hit of 1998, has now sold over 180,000 copies. It was made into the feature film Australian Rules for which Phillip won an AFI award. The sequel, Nukkin Ya, was published to great acclaim in 2000. He has also written The Worst Team Ever, Born to Bake, and A Chook Called Harry in the Aussie Bites series, and Jetty Rats. Phillip's latest novel, the adult detective thriller The Build Up, is being made into a 13-part TV series on SBS, and his YA novel, Swerve, will be published in 2010.
He now lives in Leura, New South Wales, with his wife and three children: aged 17, 2 and 1
He now lives in Leura, New South Wales, with his wife and three children: aged 17, 2 and 1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 10, 2021
Update: I read the rest of the series and hated it so much! Lots of immorality and completely inappropriate subject material for a children’s book. I wouldn’t recommend reading the series at all with such a terrible ending.
This is the story of Dom, who is told on his 15th birthday that his family owes an ancient debt to the Italian mafia. When every male family member reaches 15 years old, they are forced to do 6 difficult tasks for the Debt or the Debt will cut off an arm or leg, taking their "pound of flesh" in payment.
I loved that the whole "pound of flesh" thing is from Shakespeare, although the Bard is never mentioned.
Dom is a wonderful character with depth and interest. He has a crush on his best friend, the girl next door. He has a fun dynamic of mutual teasing with his siblings. He trains as a runner, and is obsessed with running. He's just a well-rounded character, and a great POV for the whole story.
The setting is among the rich and elite of the Gold Coast in Australia. Dom's parents are rich and hobnob with retired movie stars and politicians. But all that money won't keep out the bad guys!
When Dom is tasked with catching a devious teen criminal, The Zolt, who delights in stealing light aircraft, he has to get friendly with his archenemy, Tristan, the meanest bully in school.
The back-and-forth repartee between Dom and Tristan keeps the story humming along. The tension between them, and the added danger that Tristan brings to the mix keeps Dom (and the reader) on his toes.
Dom has to really jump through some hoops to find the Zolt and the mystery gets intense. There's tons of action, and I loved the use of codes, phone taps, and fake apps that pull the mystery forward. Everybody wants a piece of the Zolt, so Dom has to race to get to him first!
A fantastic beginning to the series, and I can't wait to read the rest of them!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This is the story of Dom, who is told on his 15th birthday that his family owes an ancient debt to the Italian mafia. When every male family member reaches 15 years old, they are forced to do 6 difficult tasks for the Debt or the Debt will cut off an arm or leg, taking their "pound of flesh" in payment.
I loved that the whole "pound of flesh" thing is from Shakespeare, although the Bard is never mentioned.
Dom is a wonderful character with depth and interest. He has a crush on his best friend, the girl next door. He has a fun dynamic of mutual teasing with his siblings. He trains as a runner, and is obsessed with running. He's just a well-rounded character, and a great POV for the whole story.
The setting is among the rich and elite of the Gold Coast in Australia. Dom's parents are rich and hobnob with retired movie stars and politicians. But all that money won't keep out the bad guys!
When Dom is tasked with catching a devious teen criminal, The Zolt, who delights in stealing light aircraft, he has to get friendly with his archenemy, Tristan, the meanest bully in school.
The back-and-forth repartee between Dom and Tristan keeps the story humming along. The tension between them, and the added danger that Tristan brings to the mix keeps Dom (and the reader) on his toes.
Dom has to really jump through some hoops to find the Zolt and the mystery gets intense. There's tons of action, and I loved the use of codes, phone taps, and fake apps that pull the mystery forward. Everybody wants a piece of the Zolt, so Dom has to race to get to him first!
A fantastic beginning to the series, and I can't wait to read the rest of them!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
August 9, 2014
Dom Silvagni’s family has a secret. A very, very, old secret. On Dom’s 15th birthday, his father and grandfather tell him of The Debt. The family wealth won’t help. The debt isn’t about money, but is something to be paid by every male Silvagni when they turn 15. And if it isn’t paid? The Debt will claim their pound of flesh. With his grandfather’s missing leg to remind Dom of past failures, Dom’s first task is To catch the Zolt – an infamous criminal who constantly evades the police. But if the police can’t catch him, how is Dom going to do it?
The first in a 6 part series, with episodes released Jan, Feb, Mar, Jun, Sept and Dec of the same year, this is a non-stop, action-packed ride. Full of fast cars, speed boats and technology this is a must read series for boys 10+
The first in a 6 part series, with episodes released Jan, Feb, Mar, Jun, Sept and Dec of the same year, this is a non-stop, action-packed ride. Full of fast cars, speed boats and technology this is a must read series for boys 10+
April 15, 2013
First I thought the lose a pound of flesh was a really cool idea, but I pictured it as a bloody horror picture with the victim being awake during the process, so it was a little disapointing to learn that they are comatosed during the procedure, but it was still a neat idea. I also liked the concept of the zolt, and even the zolt's family selling zolt products was a cool idea.
Unfortuately I found the story very boring. Dom was a bit of an asshole especially after he beat the poor man, who probsbly needed it instead of his rich ass , the whole espionage thing was done really poorly, and the end when he actually catches the zolt was meh.
In the end while the Debt had some cool ideas, but that doesn't help the fact that I have seen these story elements before and done a lot better. In the end it just wasn't interesting enough for mw to contibue the series.
Unfortuately I found the story very boring. Dom was a bit of an asshole especially after he beat the poor man, who probsbly needed it instead of his rich ass , the whole espionage thing was done really poorly, and the end when he actually catches the zolt was meh.
In the end while the Debt had some cool ideas, but that doesn't help the fact that I have seen these story elements before and done a lot better. In the end it just wasn't interesting enough for mw to contibue the series.
July 27, 2013
My parents bought Catch The Zolt from the Debt series for me while down south at an Otago University reunion. I thought this book looked interesting after reading the blurb on the back cover.
I think that this book fits into "A book written in 2012 or 2013" on the Bingo Board because it was published at the start of 2013.
I think the most interesting character is 'The Zolt', because he is a 17 year old boy who is a Facebook bandit but strangely the people like him. When Dom meets him he finds out he is just a normal guy trying to escape fame and doesn't want to be a bad guy.
My favorite quote was when Tristan said "don't be such a wuss" because normally Tristan is the scared one.
I learnt that you always need to get to know people before you judge them because they can be a lot different.
I think that this book fits into "A book written in 2012 or 2013" on the Bingo Board because it was published at the start of 2013.
I think the most interesting character is 'The Zolt', because he is a 17 year old boy who is a Facebook bandit but strangely the people like him. When Dom meets him he finds out he is just a normal guy trying to escape fame and doesn't want to be a bad guy.
My favorite quote was when Tristan said "don't be such a wuss" because normally Tristan is the scared one.
I learnt that you always need to get to know people before you judge them because they can be a lot different.
March 17, 2014
I can see that this book would appeal to grade 6 plus boys as the main character is someone they can easily relate to. The idea behind the book is interesting and I found it an easy book to read. What bugged me throughout the story was the lack of information regarding .
Zolt. Why is he so popular on social media? How did this happen? What do the Debt want to do with him? As I continued reading the book I hoped that these questions would be answered but no. That said I would probably read the next book in the series. Apart from the 'birds and the bees' conversation at the start of the book I would recommend this book to grade 5/6 students who like an action story.
Zolt. Why is he so popular on social media? How did this happen? What do the Debt want to do with him? As I continued reading the book I hoped that these questions would be answered but no. That said I would probably read the next book in the series. Apart from the 'birds and the bees' conversation at the start of the book I would recommend this book to grade 5/6 students who like an action story.
November 19, 2019
I really like Philip Gwynne as an author but this book seemed like it was written by another author. I realise I am not the target audience for this book but I also had problems with the characters and the unrealistic plot line. The series has been popular with its intended audience - boys from Year 7 upwards who enjoy mystery, action, violence and revenge novels.
August 3, 2021
Until Dom Silvagni turned 15, he was just a privileged kid living in a rich suburb of Gold Coast City in Queensland, Australia. His only worries were training as a middle distance runner, crushing on homeschooled neighbor girl Imogen, whose mother won't let her out of her sight, and not getting punched in the gut by the local golden boy, Tristan, whose parents somehow don't see what he really is. On his birthday, Dom learns that the men in his family have a deep, dark secret – a debt to an organization so terrifying that it is never spoken of, and if you have to speak of it, the name to call it is The Debt. Because of this debt, Dom will have to complete six tasks assigned by The Debt and if he fails, they'll take a pound of flesh. Literally.
At first, Dom is just unnerved by the idea of The Debt, which manifests itself to him as a seemingly all-knowing, all-powerful, omnipresent force that won't brook even the tiniest rebellion against its rules. Rules like: You don't tell anybody about it. You don't ask for anybody's help. And you don't even think about going to the police. It only takes one disturbing lesson to drive that home for him. So when The Debt assigns him something north of impossible but south of ridiculous as his first task, Dom doesn't laugh. He can't afford to.
His task: to catch a teenage cat burglar, adrenaline junkie, escape artist and social media sensation named Otto Zolton-Bander, who has already been caught by one of Australia's most ruthless private detectives – then somehow escaped. The Zolt has eluded the cops, crashed-landed four private planes and attracted a following of almost 1.5 million fans. To catch him, Dom will have to risk blowing up a relationship that he cares about (with Imogen) and cultivating one that he doesn't (with Tristan). He'll also find himself mixing it up with armed psychopaths, committing a midnight breakin in a bad neighborhood, running a footrace against junkyard dog mean competitors, cruising into danger in fancy cars, boats and aircraft, and questioning and being questioned by dangerous people at both ends of the socio-economic spectrum.
Despite being only a teenager, Dom quickly develops the resourcefulness and insight to move around freely in an adult-sized world full of dangers that don't care how old you are, and to make keen observations that more mature and book-smart people missed. His adventure is a little bit like a James Bond spy caper and, again, a little like a hardboiled detective story, with practically every scene confronting him with a different surprise, a different clue, a perilous encounter from a different quarter. And he manages it all without really knowing whose interest he's serving and what they really want. And if this is only his first task, just ask yourself where the next five tasks will take him and whether he'll have what it takes to accomplish them. Then see if you can rest until you get hold of the next book in the series.
This is the first installment of "The Debt," whose further titles include Turn Off the Lights, Bring Back Cerberus, Fetch the Treasure Hunter, Yamashita's Gold and Take a Life. For some reason I'm afraid to investigate for fear of how deep the rabbit hole goes, Amazon will only sell "new" copies of this book at usurious prices and Fantastic Fiction doesn't list this series among its author's works. Nevertheless, I take it that Gwynne is an Australian author, known for such young adult titles as Deadly, Unna? and Nukkin Ya and Jetty Rats and Swerve, as well as several children's picture books. And I can verify that all six books in this series exist, because I've seen them at a local bookstore – though, when I've bought them all, they might be gone for good. So, hurry and get them, mate!
At first, Dom is just unnerved by the idea of The Debt, which manifests itself to him as a seemingly all-knowing, all-powerful, omnipresent force that won't brook even the tiniest rebellion against its rules. Rules like: You don't tell anybody about it. You don't ask for anybody's help. And you don't even think about going to the police. It only takes one disturbing lesson to drive that home for him. So when The Debt assigns him something north of impossible but south of ridiculous as his first task, Dom doesn't laugh. He can't afford to.
His task: to catch a teenage cat burglar, adrenaline junkie, escape artist and social media sensation named Otto Zolton-Bander, who has already been caught by one of Australia's most ruthless private detectives – then somehow escaped. The Zolt has eluded the cops, crashed-landed four private planes and attracted a following of almost 1.5 million fans. To catch him, Dom will have to risk blowing up a relationship that he cares about (with Imogen) and cultivating one that he doesn't (with Tristan). He'll also find himself mixing it up with armed psychopaths, committing a midnight breakin in a bad neighborhood, running a footrace against junkyard dog mean competitors, cruising into danger in fancy cars, boats and aircraft, and questioning and being questioned by dangerous people at both ends of the socio-economic spectrum.
Despite being only a teenager, Dom quickly develops the resourcefulness and insight to move around freely in an adult-sized world full of dangers that don't care how old you are, and to make keen observations that more mature and book-smart people missed. His adventure is a little bit like a James Bond spy caper and, again, a little like a hardboiled detective story, with practically every scene confronting him with a different surprise, a different clue, a perilous encounter from a different quarter. And he manages it all without really knowing whose interest he's serving and what they really want. And if this is only his first task, just ask yourself where the next five tasks will take him and whether he'll have what it takes to accomplish them. Then see if you can rest until you get hold of the next book in the series.
This is the first installment of "The Debt," whose further titles include Turn Off the Lights, Bring Back Cerberus, Fetch the Treasure Hunter, Yamashita's Gold and Take a Life. For some reason I'm afraid to investigate for fear of how deep the rabbit hole goes, Amazon will only sell "new" copies of this book at usurious prices and Fantastic Fiction doesn't list this series among its author's works. Nevertheless, I take it that Gwynne is an Australian author, known for such young adult titles as Deadly, Unna? and Nukkin Ya and Jetty Rats and Swerve, as well as several children's picture books. And I can verify that all six books in this series exist, because I've seen them at a local bookstore – though, when I've bought them all, they might be gone for good. So, hurry and get them, mate!
May 17, 2017
Dom Silvagni, A silent student but an elite middle distance runner, is turning 15 and it is time for him to find out about the family secret. Dom’s family owe an ancient debt to a secretive organisation known simply as The Debt. Now that Dom is 15, it is his turn to make the six payments required from each Silvagni male or sacrifice a pound of flesh in payment.
Catch the Zolt sets the scene well for this six book action series for teens. We meet Dom, his family and various friends and gradually build a picture of Dom’s life as he tries to deal with this first challenge from The Debt. With Dom, we grow increasingly suspicious of his father’s attitude to the challenges Dom must face and increasingly aware of just how few people Dom can now trust.
I liked this book because it had some cliff hangers it made me wanna read on till i found out what it was but whilst it was slowly telling you the answer it started another cliff hanger and so it kind of brought me into the book and for some of it you can relate which also brings you into the book more, i would like to read more of the author because they make it engaging for me to read especially when i hate to read i think it is a waste of time but this book made it okay.
I would suggest this book to early teens because it is a childish book but everyone can read it, it might just not be as interesting, i haven't read the other books but if i had them i would read them.
Catch the Zolt sets the scene well for this six book action series for teens. We meet Dom, his family and various friends and gradually build a picture of Dom’s life as he tries to deal with this first challenge from The Debt. With Dom, we grow increasingly suspicious of his father’s attitude to the challenges Dom must face and increasingly aware of just how few people Dom can now trust.
I liked this book because it had some cliff hangers it made me wanna read on till i found out what it was but whilst it was slowly telling you the answer it started another cliff hanger and so it kind of brought me into the book and for some of it you can relate which also brings you into the book more, i would like to read more of the author because they make it engaging for me to read especially when i hate to read i think it is a waste of time but this book made it okay.
I would suggest this book to early teens because it is a childish book but everyone can read it, it might just not be as interesting, i haven't read the other books but if i had them i would read them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 2, 2023 The book The Debt by Phillip Gwyne, is a great action packed book about the life of a 15 year old. His birthday is nothing like a normal 15 year old birthday because he gets introduced to this deep dark family secret. This family secret is called the debt and they have some interesting challenges. My personal favorite character was the main character Dom. He is a very bright character and he makes the perfect fit as “main character”. He is also a very kind and respectful person towards everyone in the book so he is extremely likable. The book doesn’t really seem to have any downfalls. I would say that if you are a person that needs constant action then you won't be a ginormous fan of this book. I would still recommend reading this book to see if you like or need a change of pace. As a younger reader myself I would definitely recommend this book to younger readers and not so much older readers as this tends to be set in a newer era unless of course you like the new era of technology then you will enjoy reading this book at any age.
March 5, 2018
The book was a very slow paced book without much of the action you would expect from this type of book, this made the book not as enjoyable as it should have been. my favorite part is when the Zolt drops a quarter into his pool. My least favorite part is when he finds out about the debt and has to get branded.
June 9, 2018
What can you say about this the story is somewhat interesting I guess, but the premise behind it is so preposterous as to be beyond even the most stretched imagination. It is fascinating, not in a good way, and I think I may see where it goes, but it is so ridiculous it provides much unintentional humour, unless the whole thing is being written secretly as a satire.
September 21, 2018
Une lecture rapide et un concept attrayant, qui allie espionnage, enquête et action. Pour les ados c'est vraiment une chouette lecture. Par contre, pour les plus âgés ça risque d'être un peu barbant par certains aspects, mais bon, dans tous les cas ça reste tout de même une lecture sympa
December 21, 2017
Génialllllll !!
Ca se lit très facilement et l'histoire est vraiment intéressante.
Ca se lit très facilement et l'histoire est vraiment intéressante.
April 13, 2018
the theme is to never give up I am 0n page 177
July 14, 2018
Fun book. Lots of references that come from the Barefoot Bandit out of the San Juan Islands but I doubt most middle readers will make that connection. My 12 year old loved this whole series.
September 1, 2018
Its Great! I liked the whole series
June 10, 2020
Great read and I plan to get the rest of collection to read
February 19, 2024
Loved it !!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 21, 2013
This is the first book in a new series called The Debt, book one is called Catch the Zolt, and the series name gives you are fair idea of what the book might be about.
Dom has just turned 15, and on his birthday he learns about a family secret that will change his life. Dom Silvagni's Great great great great grandfather Dominic came to Australia in 1822 during the Gold Rush, he was born into the 'NDRANGHETA, which is like the mafia but not as nice. He defaulted on a loan and as a consequence all Silvagnis males, upon reaching the age of 15, must make six repayments on his debt. His father repayed the Debt, his Grandfather did not, and the price for this was a pound of flesh, they took his leg! Happy Birthday Dom, it's your turn to pay The Debt!
Dom is not allowed to go to the police, he can't ask his family for help and he can't tell anyone about the Debt, but he has just been given his first directive...catch the Zolt. The Zolt is a modern day Robin Hood, who has been joyriding in the cars and planes of the rich and has basically been making a nuisance of himself, he has escaped police custody, and now it looks like Dom is the one who has to find him.
There's lots of action, boat chases, shoot outs, helicopter rides and all of the glamour you would expect from the rich and famous on the Gold Coast. The first three books will be coming out in quick succession, in January February and March (see pics below), with the final 3 due in June, September and October.
There’s also humour in this story. One of my favourite funny moments is right at the start of the story when Dom’s Dad and Granddad are going to tell him about The Debt, but when Dom is asked to come and speak with them he thinks it will be a sex talk,
Quote taken from (pg 15-16)
~ Dad and Gus kept exchanging looks, clearing their throats, as if neither knew exactly how to start this conversation. So I did it for them, saving them some pretty amazing embarrassment.
‘I know all about sex,‘ I told them. ‘We did it at school.’
‘You did it?’ Dad asked
‘Yeah, last term. With Mrs Prefontaine.’
‘Mrs Prefontaine?’
‘Yes, she taught us all about it. Well, the basics anyway.’
A look of relief crossed Dad’s smooth face. ~
The feel of this story reminded me a lot of another series that has been incredibly popular over the last few years, the Conspiracy 365 series written by Gabrielle Lord, and I think The Debt will appeal to much the same audience.
The name Phillip Gwynne is a well known one in Australia, most notably for the book Deadly Unna which won the 1999 CBC Book of the Year Older Reads and was also made into the film Aussie Rules. I have a feeling that this new series may just become the ‘must read’ series this year, especially for boys age 12+.
Dom has just turned 15, and on his birthday he learns about a family secret that will change his life. Dom Silvagni's Great great great great grandfather Dominic came to Australia in 1822 during the Gold Rush, he was born into the 'NDRANGHETA, which is like the mafia but not as nice. He defaulted on a loan and as a consequence all Silvagnis males, upon reaching the age of 15, must make six repayments on his debt. His father repayed the Debt, his Grandfather did not, and the price for this was a pound of flesh, they took his leg! Happy Birthday Dom, it's your turn to pay The Debt!
Dom is not allowed to go to the police, he can't ask his family for help and he can't tell anyone about the Debt, but he has just been given his first directive...catch the Zolt. The Zolt is a modern day Robin Hood, who has been joyriding in the cars and planes of the rich and has basically been making a nuisance of himself, he has escaped police custody, and now it looks like Dom is the one who has to find him.
There's lots of action, boat chases, shoot outs, helicopter rides and all of the glamour you would expect from the rich and famous on the Gold Coast. The first three books will be coming out in quick succession, in January February and March (see pics below), with the final 3 due in June, September and October.
There’s also humour in this story. One of my favourite funny moments is right at the start of the story when Dom’s Dad and Granddad are going to tell him about The Debt, but when Dom is asked to come and speak with them he thinks it will be a sex talk,
Quote taken from (pg 15-16)
~ Dad and Gus kept exchanging looks, clearing their throats, as if neither knew exactly how to start this conversation. So I did it for them, saving them some pretty amazing embarrassment.
‘I know all about sex,‘ I told them. ‘We did it at school.’
‘You did it?’ Dad asked
‘Yeah, last term. With Mrs Prefontaine.’
‘Mrs Prefontaine?’
‘Yes, she taught us all about it. Well, the basics anyway.’
A look of relief crossed Dad’s smooth face. ~
The feel of this story reminded me a lot of another series that has been incredibly popular over the last few years, the Conspiracy 365 series written by Gabrielle Lord, and I think The Debt will appeal to much the same audience.
The name Phillip Gwynne is a well known one in Australia, most notably for the book Deadly Unna which won the 1999 CBC Book of the Year Older Reads and was also made into the film Aussie Rules. I have a feeling that this new series may just become the ‘must read’ series this year, especially for boys age 12+.
November 27, 2015
Catch the Zolt is an exciting and thrilling story about a young man that finds himself caught up with his family history. You might think, "Oh, how fun for Dom Silvagni. Family history can be very interesting." Well, in this case, you would be dead wrong. You see, Dom is forced into a game that members of his family have been playing for generations. This boy learns on his fifteenth birthday that he is tasked with his family's debt. His great-great-great-great grandfather, Dominic, was born into the 'Ndrangheta family in Italy, a mafia-like family, but not as nice. Dominic wanted out of the family, so he took out a loan from the family and then traveled to Australia to mine for gold so he could pay off the loan. He needed to earn about two million dollars to be free and clear of the 'Ndrangheta family. He didn't . . . and then he died. Dominic had signed an agreement titled Pagherò Cambiario, which stated that if the loan was defaulted then all male Silvagnis, upon reaching the age of fifteen, must make six repayments on the debt.
Dom first assignment is to Catch the Zolt. If he does not succeed, he will end up having something cut off of his body. He doesn't know what that will be, and he doesn't want to find out. His grandfather, Gus, is missing part of his leg and he confirms that he failed with his tasks and he lost his leg to the 'Ndrangheta family. This scares the bejeezus out of Dom. With the help of his friend, Imogen, Dom sets off to finally put an end to the debt.
Phillip Gwynne has created a fast-paced, thrilling story that grabs the reader instantly and doesn't let go until the final chapter. Young readers will instantly bond with Dom and feel for him in his plight. They will cheer for him as he succeeds and feel for him when he fails. This is a real page-turner that will keep readers engrossed in this harrowing tale until the last page.
I instantly became enthralled with this story when I started the second chapter and learned about the debt. Poor Dom . . . to be burdened with something a family member did over a century ago really bites. The threat of what will happen if he fails is enough to spur him on and make him want to succeed.
Overall, Catch the Zolt is a great story that I didn't want to put down. I liked the main character and enjoyed the story. Plus, I always enjoy stories that take place in Australia, a country I have wanted to visit for as long as I can remember. So, if you are looking for a new and exciting set of books to read, pick up the first installment of The Debt. I cannot wait to see what will happen next in Turn Off the Lights. I bet it will be a good one!
I rated this book an 8 out of 10.
Dom first assignment is to Catch the Zolt. If he does not succeed, he will end up having something cut off of his body. He doesn't know what that will be, and he doesn't want to find out. His grandfather, Gus, is missing part of his leg and he confirms that he failed with his tasks and he lost his leg to the 'Ndrangheta family. This scares the bejeezus out of Dom. With the help of his friend, Imogen, Dom sets off to finally put an end to the debt.
Phillip Gwynne has created a fast-paced, thrilling story that grabs the reader instantly and doesn't let go until the final chapter. Young readers will instantly bond with Dom and feel for him in his plight. They will cheer for him as he succeeds and feel for him when he fails. This is a real page-turner that will keep readers engrossed in this harrowing tale until the last page.
I instantly became enthralled with this story when I started the second chapter and learned about the debt. Poor Dom . . . to be burdened with something a family member did over a century ago really bites. The threat of what will happen if he fails is enough to spur him on and make him want to succeed.
Overall, Catch the Zolt is a great story that I didn't want to put down. I liked the main character and enjoyed the story. Plus, I always enjoy stories that take place in Australia, a country I have wanted to visit for as long as I can remember. So, if you are looking for a new and exciting set of books to read, pick up the first installment of The Debt. I cannot wait to see what will happen next in Turn Off the Lights. I bet it will be a good one!
I rated this book an 8 out of 10.
March 14, 2016
Un livre dont il ne faut pas se fier à la couverture et dont j'attendais beaucoup après avoir lu le résumé du livre. Rush a été une lecture très sympathique, mais qui ne m'a transporté comme je l'aurai espéré. Original et bien écrit, Phillip Gwynne nous installe tout de suite dans celle-ci, constatant qu'il maîtrise ce genre. Cependant, l'aspect de la littérature jeunesse se ressent totalement dans l'intrigue. Un milieu pas assez exploité qui fait figure de gang, et non de mafia.
Dominic, un jeune adolescent, se voit assumer le secret familial. Et ce, le jour de ses 15 ans. Ce secret, annoncé par son père et son grand-père, a été contracté il y a plus d'un siècle par leur ancêtre. N'ayant pas le choix, il devra accomplir six contrats. En cas d'échec ou de refus pour chacun d'eux, il se verra prélever une livre de chair. Se lançant dans l'inconnu avec son premier contrat : capturer Le Zolt, un Robin des Bois des temps moderne !
La première chose qui m'a déconcerté, La Dette, qui à la fois signifie les différents contrats et la mafia. Sans compter la bêtise de leur ancêtre de l'avoir contracté, surtout que chaque génération, lors de ses quinze ans devra accomplir ces six contrats. Qu'est-ce qui passé par la tête de cet homme ?
La seconde est la mafia, qui en porte que le nom (sauf pendant deux ou trois événements). L'intrigue manquait se suspens, de nervosité. La surprise et l'action sont présentes, mais pas comme on l'espérait. Le premier contrat se dénoue avec une facilité étonnante et futile. On se dit que Dom s'est cassé la tête durant toute l'intrigue… pour ça ? Autre chose, le livre se nommant Rush, le rythme effréné de l'intrigue est également pas assez perçu. Sans doute parce que le livre n'est pas assez long.
Phillip Gwynne m'a tout de même convaincu par son style, en nous plongeant dans l'inconnu concernant la mafia. Ne sachant rien, on tourne les pages afin d'en savoir plus. Cet intérêt s'agrandit au fur et à mesure, lorsque apparaît succinctement La Dette. Dont on ne sait toujours rien à la fin du premier volume, et dont on espère en connaître davantage dans le prochain.
Au final, Rush se lit en moment de détente, ne s'attendant pas à friser la crise nerfs (sauf pour le personnage Tristan, jamais vu plus débile que lui) en cherchant le dénouement. Je remercie les éditions Casterman pour ce service presse via le site Babelio, mais maintenant j'hésite à lire la suite...
Dominic, un jeune adolescent, se voit assumer le secret familial. Et ce, le jour de ses 15 ans. Ce secret, annoncé par son père et son grand-père, a été contracté il y a plus d'un siècle par leur ancêtre. N'ayant pas le choix, il devra accomplir six contrats. En cas d'échec ou de refus pour chacun d'eux, il se verra prélever une livre de chair. Se lançant dans l'inconnu avec son premier contrat : capturer Le Zolt, un Robin des Bois des temps moderne !
La première chose qui m'a déconcerté, La Dette, qui à la fois signifie les différents contrats et la mafia. Sans compter la bêtise de leur ancêtre de l'avoir contracté, surtout que chaque génération, lors de ses quinze ans devra accomplir ces six contrats. Qu'est-ce qui passé par la tête de cet homme ?
La seconde est la mafia, qui en porte que le nom (sauf pendant deux ou trois événements). L'intrigue manquait se suspens, de nervosité. La surprise et l'action sont présentes, mais pas comme on l'espérait. Le premier contrat se dénoue avec une facilité étonnante et futile. On se dit que Dom s'est cassé la tête durant toute l'intrigue… pour ça ? Autre chose, le livre se nommant Rush, le rythme effréné de l'intrigue est également pas assez perçu. Sans doute parce que le livre n'est pas assez long.
Phillip Gwynne m'a tout de même convaincu par son style, en nous plongeant dans l'inconnu concernant la mafia. Ne sachant rien, on tourne les pages afin d'en savoir plus. Cet intérêt s'agrandit au fur et à mesure, lorsque apparaît succinctement La Dette. Dont on ne sait toujours rien à la fin du premier volume, et dont on espère en connaître davantage dans le prochain.
Au final, Rush se lit en moment de détente, ne s'attendant pas à friser la crise nerfs (sauf pour le personnage Tristan, jamais vu plus débile que lui) en cherchant le dénouement. Je remercie les éditions Casterman pour ce service presse via le site Babelio, mais maintenant j'hésite à lire la suite...
August 25, 2017
At 15 you look forward to all the new gadgets for your birthday. Not a long standing debt your family has. However dear Dominic gets the debt passed down to him on his 15th birthday from his Dad. If he doesn't pay his part of the debt they will take his leg and for a runner that isn't a great thing. In order to save his leg unlike his grandpa he has to do his tasks. First task? Only catching the most notorious online criminal "The Zolt" Now he has to team up with people he doesn't like to keep his leg...great birthday right?
I have a love hate relationship with this book. I enjoyed it to the fact I want to read the rest of the installments however, there isn't as much depth as I would like. There were parts it was hard to continue and not want to throw the book across the room and call it quits. The voices of the characters are great but there is not a lot of depth to Dom and I am hoping there is more depth to come for him. I can see a ton of room for improvement on him. However it was a quick and fast read and I hope you guys enjoy it as well.
https://r4842.myubam.com/p/3753/catch...
Above is a link if you want to buy it and check it out yourselves :)
I have a love hate relationship with this book. I enjoyed it to the fact I want to read the rest of the installments however, there isn't as much depth as I would like. There were parts it was hard to continue and not want to throw the book across the room and call it quits. The voices of the characters are great but there is not a lot of depth to Dom and I am hoping there is more depth to come for him. I can see a ton of room for improvement on him. However it was a quick and fast read and I hope you guys enjoy it as well.
https://r4842.myubam.com/p/3753/catch...
Above is a link if you want to buy it and check it out yourselves :)
February 24, 2013
With obvious allusions to The Merchant of Venice, Gwynne has written a fast-paced incredible thriller which teenage boys in particular will enjoy. There are some nice smart techie elements thrown in, and some more advanced vocabulary, with even a splash of violence (the branding).
Fulfill the debt, or we will take a pound of flesh. The threat is real, the plots outlined to cover an obvious six books, and we have an Australian series which is easy to read and well-marketed (along with its associated competitions).
As a Gold Coaster, though, I was annoyed that some of the local references were misleading - Halcyon Grove, for example, is a little too close to Halcyon Waters (a child-free estate).
3 1/2 stars
Fulfill the debt, or we will take a pound of flesh. The threat is real, the plots outlined to cover an obvious six books, and we have an Australian series which is easy to read and well-marketed (along with its associated competitions).
As a Gold Coaster, though, I was annoyed that some of the local references were misleading - Halcyon Grove, for example, is a little too close to Halcyon Waters (a child-free estate).
3 1/2 stars
September 4, 2014
"En résumé, un premier tome qui m'a convaincue de poursuivre cette aventure en compagnie de Dom, un jeune garçon très intelligent et d'autant plus attachant. La Dette n'est pas des plus simples car il peut vite être dans la collimateur des forces de l'ordre, mais il est rusé et trouve toujours des solutions pour s'en sortir et ne pas inquiéter sa famille. Maintenant, j'ai hâte de lire le tome 2 et d'apprendre quelle sera sa prochaine Dette !"
Chronique complète: http://lireunepassion.blogspot.fr/201...
Chronique complète: http://lireunepassion.blogspot.fr/201...
March 23, 2014
Catch the zolt from the Debt series written by Phillip Gwyne is an adventure packed novel. the book is set in Australia and follows a boy named Dom. Dom is an awesome runner and then his life changes and hes part of the families debt. I really like this book because it is action packed and set in Australia.I would deffinately recommend this book. I would recommend this to teen readers and also anyone who likes a good action/adventure series of books. Great book!
July 17, 2014
Unique, well written, funny and suspenseful. I'm unused to reading a book in which the protagonist is stupid rich. Dom finds out on his 15th birthday that his family has a centuries old debt to an old world organization kind of like the mafia, but not as nice. They're so bad, they're only ever referred to as The Debt. He must complete six tasks for them or lose a pound I flesh...literally. I can't say I've ever quite read a book like this one, and I will definitely read more of the series.
October 8, 2014
I'm always looking for books to engage reluctant boy readers and this book fits the bill nicely! High action and suspense in a contemporary setting. Today's social media plays a role in this "Catch Me if You Can" like thriller. Nice change of pace from so many dystopian novels aimed at this target audience.
December 22, 2014
Even though this is about a teenage boy who is discovering his family secrets, it's NOT the "same old" story. Set in Australia and full of twists and turns, this book offers more meat to sink your teeth into. Though my intent was to pre-read for a child, I found it very entertaining and will gladly pick up the next in the series. Exciting and intriguing - very good read for any age!
Read
March 13, 2016‘The Debt’ by Phillip Gwynne – Book 1 ‘Catch the Zolt’
Fifteen year old Dom Silvagni is cast out of his comfortable life in the Gold Coast's Halcyon Grove when he inherits an ancient family debt to a secret and powerful organisation. He has six Herculean tasks to perform, or he will lose a pound of flesh.
If you liked the ‘Conspiracy 365’ series, you’ll like this.
Fifteen year old Dom Silvagni is cast out of his comfortable life in the Gold Coast's Halcyon Grove when he inherits an ancient family debt to a secret and powerful organisation. He has six Herculean tasks to perform, or he will lose a pound of flesh.
If you liked the ‘Conspiracy 365’ series, you’ll like this.
April 14, 2013
Engaging beginning to Australian teen thriller series. Not too hot on the heavy focus on rich kids and the Zolt was a bit of an inane character, but I will definitely be keeping up with the series. I like the 'pound of flesh' shtick.
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