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Tristan Hunt and the Sea Guardians #1
The Shark Whisperer
After his most klutzy move ever, falling into a pool of sharks, things for Tristan Hunt begin to look up. Tristan is invited to an ocean-themed summer camp in the Florida Keys where he discovers that he and the other young teens there have very special and rare talents when it comes to the ocean. After the camp receives a distress call from ocean animals, Tristan and his new friends get pulled into a daring rescue in the Bahamas. With the help of sharks, dolphins, a quick-escape artist octopus, and some seabird bombers, the campers must use their young talents in an attempt to outwit an evil shark-finning, reef-blasting billionaire.
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2014
18 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 7, 2018
Tristan and his family are at the aquarium having fun and exploring the animals of the ocean when… ,Sploosh!, Tristan falls into the shark exhibit. That is how Ellen Prager's book The Shark Whisperer starts. The book is a fictional adventure and mystery.
Tristan is a 13 year old boy who finds out he has the power to talk to sharks. He falls into a shark exhibit and the sharks instead of circling him and eating him they rub against him like dogs. Later that summer his parents enrolled him in a camp in Florida for kids who loved the ocean. Since Tristan engrossed himself in shark studies after the incident this was a perfect place. Once he got to the cmp and his parents left he soon realized it was not a normal camp. He met a lot of knew people at the camp. His roomate ,Hugh, was a awkward kid and kinda short but really smart. They went to orientation together and soon became best friends. After orientation they went to the stadium for their next event at camp. While walking there they bumped into a girl named Sam. She was friends with a bossy girl from camp but left her for Tristan and Hugh. They became the three amigos and went on many adventures together.
I thought the book was pretty good. It had some boring parts but it was mostly fun and exciting. You learn a bit about their families and personal lives as the book goes on. Hugh and Sam have harsh families and do not like to open up and share them at first but eventually do. Tristan does not have much of a dark past or family. I like the main characters and i learned a lot about them. I may read the rest of the series but i may not since the book was not great. I give the book a 3.5 out of 5.
Tristan is a 13 year old boy who finds out he has the power to talk to sharks. He falls into a shark exhibit and the sharks instead of circling him and eating him they rub against him like dogs. Later that summer his parents enrolled him in a camp in Florida for kids who loved the ocean. Since Tristan engrossed himself in shark studies after the incident this was a perfect place. Once he got to the cmp and his parents left he soon realized it was not a normal camp. He met a lot of knew people at the camp. His roomate ,Hugh, was a awkward kid and kinda short but really smart. They went to orientation together and soon became best friends. After orientation they went to the stadium for their next event at camp. While walking there they bumped into a girl named Sam. She was friends with a bossy girl from camp but left her for Tristan and Hugh. They became the three amigos and went on many adventures together.
I thought the book was pretty good. It had some boring parts but it was mostly fun and exciting. You learn a bit about their families and personal lives as the book goes on. Hugh and Sam have harsh families and do not like to open up and share them at first but eventually do. Tristan does not have much of a dark past or family. I like the main characters and i learned a lot about them. I may read the rest of the series but i may not since the book was not great. I give the book a 3.5 out of 5.
May 19, 2014
This is a really good book. The first in a new series, The Shark Whisperer is fun, quirky, and educational all at the same time. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and found them very relatable to teens today. What teen wouldn’t want to swim with sharks without getting eaten!
The author, Ellen Prager, is a marine scientist and was the chief scientist at the world’s only undersea research station located in the Florida Keys. Her ability to weave “science” throughout the storyline is awesome and not all boring. The target reading age of 9 to 12 years for this book is spot on. I could easily see a teacher reading this to a younger age class and the kids enjoying it just as much. The Shark Whisperer is a fantasy book, but a really good one. I look forward to the next book release in this series!
DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of The Shark Whisperer was provided in exchange for this review. Reviews expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.
The author, Ellen Prager, is a marine scientist and was the chief scientist at the world’s only undersea research station located in the Florida Keys. Her ability to weave “science” throughout the storyline is awesome and not all boring. The target reading age of 9 to 12 years for this book is spot on. I could easily see a teacher reading this to a younger age class and the kids enjoying it just as much. The Shark Whisperer is a fantasy book, but a really good one. I look forward to the next book release in this series!
DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of The Shark Whisperer was provided in exchange for this review. Reviews expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.
August 3, 2021
This book overall was spectacular. It had a hook that grabbed my attention in chapter one and the story stayed interesting throughout. I appreciated the insight into marine life the book brought. Being a marine scientist herself, the author truly showed her love for marine life through this book. The only thing I wish was different was that the main character had more of what I am calling Protagonist Independence. Let me explain that further.
The book follows Tristan Hunt and his friends as they attend a sea camp to study and learn about some newfound abilities. Tristan can communicate to sharks (hence the book title) which is a great ability to have. The other campers also have amazing abilities, and for a good portion of the book, I couldn't figure out why Tristan was the main character. Protagonists need something that separates them from the rest of the characters (Protagonist Independence). The question "Why am I paying attention to this individual?" needs to be answered. That question does kind of get answered later on in the book but I wish that the question was answered sooner.
Hey, but now I have just another thing to look forward to when I read Book 2.
The book follows Tristan Hunt and his friends as they attend a sea camp to study and learn about some newfound abilities. Tristan can communicate to sharks (hence the book title) which is a great ability to have. The other campers also have amazing abilities, and for a good portion of the book, I couldn't figure out why Tristan was the main character. Protagonists need something that separates them from the rest of the characters (Protagonist Independence). The question "Why am I paying attention to this individual?" needs to be answered. That question does kind of get answered later on in the book but I wish that the question was answered sooner.
Hey, but now I have just another thing to look forward to when I read Book 2.
December 28, 2021
If you like Percy Jackson and are a marine nerd, this is the book for you! There’s the summer camp and the teens with hidden powers, a mission that’s of course both hindered and saved by our young heroes, and lots of ocean fun.
I did struggle with the narration style a little. It kinda jumped between people at first (this is third omniscient) but it just kinda made things a little confusing.
I’ve also got a massive bone to pick about how many times the group of kids was referred to as the teens or teenagers. Just say they for Christ’s sake.
Plot wise, I would like to read the rest of the series, it’s got potential. Though, it does certainly have its cliche moments and times where it does seem like a PJO ripoff.
Fun series, super cute, would give to any youngsters interested in marine biology.
I did struggle with the narration style a little. It kinda jumped between people at first (this is third omniscient) but it just kinda made things a little confusing.
I’ve also got a massive bone to pick about how many times the group of kids was referred to as the teens or teenagers. Just say they for Christ’s sake.
Plot wise, I would like to read the rest of the series, it’s got potential. Though, it does certainly have its cliche moments and times where it does seem like a PJO ripoff.
Fun series, super cute, would give to any youngsters interested in marine biology.
August 1, 2017
Tristan, a young teenage boy, is a klutz. He falls into a shark tank and discovers that he has a special ability with sharks. This story is very entertaining. If you are interested in Marine Biology it is a fun read! Ellen Prager does a good job creating teenage angst and team work to create solutions for the group of teenagers as well as keeping with the personality details of each teen in her story. A fun read!
January 11, 2024
This is a very cute book! I loved the real details of sea life sprinkled throughout the text. I liked the story line - kids find out they have ocean powers. I like the characters and they grew in depth as the story progressed. The story is educational and entertaining all rolled up together. It was a quick read and enjoyable.
October 3, 2017
It was good, but the science wasn't that realistic and I couldn't really relate to the main character. Still, it was a fairly good read.
December 29, 2023
hooked from start to finish! excited to get the next book!
December 1, 2014
The Shark Whisperer is the first book in the Tristan Hunt and the Sea Guardians series by marine scientist and author Dr. Ellen Prager. Although a work of fiction, the story contains elements of the author’s scientific knowledge and job experience as well as descriptions of fascinating places where she has worked or visited.
The story begins with Tristan and his family’s visit to the Sarasota Aquarium in Florida.” As he leans over the shark pool's railing trying to get a better look, he falls into the water. At first Tristan is in shock and afraid of becoming the sharks' next meal, but he soon notices the animals are not trying to attack or hurt him, and are instead playing with him. Tristan feels so at ease that he even swims with the sharks before being abruptly pulled out of the pool. After this experience, Tristan becomes obsessed with sharks.
Two weeks later Tristan and other gifted teens attend the Summer Sea Camp at the Florida Keys Sea Park, where teenagers learn about sea life, and learn how to handle sea creatures. Additionally, campers sharpen their newly discovered aquatic skills in among other things, camouflage, underwater night vision, ability to swim in tight spaces, echolocation, and communication with sharks, dolphins, birds, and other sea creatures.
A few weeks into the camp session, the administrators receive numerous complaints about fishing practices that threaten the local shark population. A group of older and experienced teens are sent to investigate but they are captured by the perpetrators. Tristan, his friends, the camp administrators, and the sea creatures join forces in a daring life-threatening rescue operation that will change their lives forever. An important scene from the rescue mission is depicted on the book’s cover.
The author will take Tristan, his friends, and the reader into an exhilarating, dramatic, and captivating underwater adventure as engaging as a Jules Verne classic but with a sprinkling of the Dr. Dolittle, Harry Potter, X-Men, and Percy Jackson stories.
The Shark Whisperer is more than just a great story. It teaches teens about teamwork, discipline, leadership, self esteem, motivation, and the consequences of one's actions, not to mention the importance of protecting our environment. For that reason, I highly recommend this book, not just to its target audience of teens, but also to young adults, families, and youth educators.
The story begins with Tristan and his family’s visit to the Sarasota Aquarium in Florida.” As he leans over the shark pool's railing trying to get a better look, he falls into the water. At first Tristan is in shock and afraid of becoming the sharks' next meal, but he soon notices the animals are not trying to attack or hurt him, and are instead playing with him. Tristan feels so at ease that he even swims with the sharks before being abruptly pulled out of the pool. After this experience, Tristan becomes obsessed with sharks.
Two weeks later Tristan and other gifted teens attend the Summer Sea Camp at the Florida Keys Sea Park, where teenagers learn about sea life, and learn how to handle sea creatures. Additionally, campers sharpen their newly discovered aquatic skills in among other things, camouflage, underwater night vision, ability to swim in tight spaces, echolocation, and communication with sharks, dolphins, birds, and other sea creatures.
A few weeks into the camp session, the administrators receive numerous complaints about fishing practices that threaten the local shark population. A group of older and experienced teens are sent to investigate but they are captured by the perpetrators. Tristan, his friends, the camp administrators, and the sea creatures join forces in a daring life-threatening rescue operation that will change their lives forever. An important scene from the rescue mission is depicted on the book’s cover.
The author will take Tristan, his friends, and the reader into an exhilarating, dramatic, and captivating underwater adventure as engaging as a Jules Verne classic but with a sprinkling of the Dr. Dolittle, Harry Potter, X-Men, and Percy Jackson stories.
The Shark Whisperer is more than just a great story. It teaches teens about teamwork, discipline, leadership, self esteem, motivation, and the consequences of one's actions, not to mention the importance of protecting our environment. For that reason, I highly recommend this book, not just to its target audience of teens, but also to young adults, families, and youth educators.
November 13, 2014
This was one incredible book. I loved the characters; Ellen Prager made them so livable, even with the webbed hands and feet, making slime, echolocation and more. And all the information about marine life was an added bonus. Makes a person want to go out and save our oceans which is something we all need to think about and do.
I can relate to all the characters: Tristan's clumsiness on land was far different than what he could do in the water. He could talk to sharks and that's what brought him to the sea camp. Along we a group of kids his age who also have talents. They learn a lot about marine life and what goes on behind the scenes, as in what they're really there for.
They all get together to help when older teens in the camp go missing. Between what the kids do and the help of the marine animals and birds , the antagonists don't stand a chance.
This was a terrific read and I can't wait to start the next book.
I can relate to all the characters: Tristan's clumsiness on land was far different than what he could do in the water. He could talk to sharks and that's what brought him to the sea camp. Along we a group of kids his age who also have talents. They learn a lot about marine life and what goes on behind the scenes, as in what they're really there for.
They all get together to help when older teens in the camp go missing. Between what the kids do and the help of the marine animals and birds , the antagonists don't stand a chance.
This was a terrific read and I can't wait to start the next book.
February 25, 2015
Wow- a GREAT read with such wide appeal for grades 5 - 7. A bit like Discovery Cove meets the Xmen- a summer camp in the Keys recruits kids who have talents in communicating with sealife and/or have latent animal abilities (echolocation, camouflage), trains them, them sends them on missions to save the oceans and their inhabitants. Fun, exciting, great messages about environmentalism, and lots of scientific facts. Interesting characters, enticing locations, and very well paced.
A winner which I'll be booktalking for 6th grade. Hoping there's a sequel!
A winner which I'll be booktalking for 6th grade. Hoping there's a sequel!
June 7, 2014
I enjoyed this book, the description on the back about it being an underwater Harry Potter is sort of on point. I thought it could have had a little more adventure and contained more about the actual camp. One of the things I loved most about Harry Potter was the in depth descriptions of the castle and classes, this book was sort of lacking in that area. I will be reading the next one though and hopefully it will have more of what I am looking for.
March 2, 2016
For full review please go to: 5girlsbookreviews.blogspot.com, Twitter @camartinez and Facebook "5 Girls Book Reviews"
REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 8 months
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
Wow! What can I say?
I know that you will love this book from the moment you read the first sentence. This book got me from the first sentence hook, line and sinker!
I REALLY love this book! My favorite character is Coach Fred because he is so funny and reminds me of my daddy.
REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 8 months
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
Wow! What can I say?
I know that you will love this book from the moment you read the first sentence. This book got me from the first sentence hook, line and sinker!
I REALLY love this book! My favorite character is Coach Fred because he is so funny and reminds me of my daddy.
November 22, 2016
Overall, this is an underrated book. If I could, I would have all of my friends read it. The way it is written as well as the appealing context made me get the next two books and read them as well. However, the book was a little bit slow getting started. Like, you find out the important part out, then nothing is done with it until later in the story. So, it takes some time to get into, but it was worth it. Anyone who enjoys science even a little bit would love this book.
October 19, 2014
I read this book out loud to my 9 year old son. The subject and cover alone piqued his interest. The fun setting and great adventure kept him wanting to read more. And he loved learning about different sea creatures. His only disappointment is that the second book in the series isn't out yet. He can't wait for release day. Seems like Ellen Prager's come up with a winner of a series!
May 19, 2015
Great book for teens or good reading youth of any age that love science, mysteries, and adventures.
A great book for adults as well as youth. Easy to read but details that teach in unexpected ways. Lots of science gently disguised in an adventure book. What better way to learn and expand horizons.
A great book for adults as well as youth. Easy to read but details that teach in unexpected ways. Lots of science gently disguised in an adventure book. What better way to learn and expand horizons.
May 1, 2015
Loved this! The story telling flowed, there were exciting adventures and informative bits all throughout. Great afterward helping distinguish between the fact and fiction of the story. I really enjoyed it.
July 14, 2016
This was a great book! It was very fast-paced, and i loved the plot line! I had to read it for school because i was going to sea camp that year. I was reluctant in the beginning, but it turned out to be great!
November 5, 2013
Loved this book! can't wait to see what happens to Tristan next.
May 19, 2014
Full review here.
December 18, 2014
A lot of science packed into a fun adventure - Hayden loved it and is looking forward to the next one.
February 18, 2015
Interesting mix of facts & fiction
I got this to read as a teacher and diver with a particular passion for sharks. I look forward to trying it with kids.
I got this to read as a teacher and diver with a particular passion for sharks. I look forward to trying it with kids.
July 20, 2015
how can i read the book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2016
Evolutionary content - *sigh* - but wonderfully engaging story otherwise.
June 2, 2024
I lost interest
Read
March 24, 2018I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS ENTIRE SERIES!!!!!
I love it for me and I wish I had children-they would love these as well. Nieces and nephews have responded well and rightly so!
I love it for me and I wish I had children-they would love these as well. Nieces and nephews have responded well and rightly so!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews