Itchcraft

Itch #3

by Simon Mayo

Exploding euros and exciting elements - join Itch, Jack and Chloe on their latest adventure.

Itchingham Lofte, teenage element hunter and unlikely hero, has had enough excitement to last him a lifetime. Stumbling across an unknown radioactive element and trying to keep it out of the hands of those who want to use it for their own ends was hard enough. But when a school trip to Spain ends in exploding currency and rioting locals, he knows that he has to continue to look for answers.

Itch knows the lives of those closest to him are at risk. He must track down a deadly enemy who will stop at nothing to take his vengeance . . .

Genres: Young Adult, Adventure, Science Fiction, Childrens, Fiction, Thriller, Action

448 pages, Hardcover

First published September 11, 2014

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 how did the Itch series end? Very well! Very well indeed!

As with the other books in this series, the action begins as soon as you start reading and doesn't let up until you finish the book. The characters have continued to grow and mature from the previous books. Where they would have run off and done something stupid like normal teenagers, they've learned from the trauma of previous experiences and now they are more cautious. Even so, they still get into trouble. Itch still uses chemistry to get him and his friends out of sticky situations. As someone with a Masters in Chemistry. it's so fun to see this used as a "super power" if you will in a novel. 

Of course, as a YA novel, there is no complex plot. It gets straight to the point and moves very quickly. It will definitely keep your attention. If you have any interest in Chemistry, you really should read this series and even if you don't, the series is still worth a read. 

I really enjoyed the entire series!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

After just finishing Itch Rocks I was eager to jump back into his world and find out what more mischief he gets up to. This review will be quick and vague but will hopefully convey my thoughts on not only this boo, but also this series as a whole.

For starters I would like to say that the author, Simon Mayo, has definitely made science interesting, and once again he has wowed me with the different uses of the periodic table and their effects, and how they can be used for both good and bad.

Itchcraft starts off relatively calm compared to the previous books in this series, but do not be lulled into a false sense of security, once the story picks up we are taken on an explosive journey with Itch and his friends, and you never know what will happen next to this element hunter, or what surprises will be just around the corner. Your opinions and ideas about characters will be challenged,  making you have to rethink who you thought were the good guys, and who is really as evil as they can get.

The danger for Itch has only increased as the series has progressed, and Itchcraft sees Itch faced with a whole lot more danger and trouble than he ever thought, and now it is even threatening several lives. It wasn't until I finished the last page of the book that I felt like I could finally breathe somewhat easier, and even now I still don't think it was that easy to end it all.

This series has been consistently amazing, and is perfect for a little budding element hunter, and also for an adult to read and be thankful they don't have an element hunter themselves. As I said earlier, and possibly in previous reviews, Simon Mayo has made science fun, and I am so tempted to find videos online with some of these experiments in ;)

[Kribu · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I requested the ARC of Itchcraft on NetGalley, I had no idea that it was the third book in a series. When I noticed this, I immediately went and bought the first book - I'm one of those people who hates jumping into something mid-series.

I'm glad I did. Itch, the first book, was great fun; so was Itch Rocks, the second book (bought and read right after the first one). It also turned out to be the right choice in the sense that these are not really standalone books: each of the books is its own adventure, one that more or less gets resolved in that book, but they're all part of an overall storyline and the events in Itchcraft are very closely tied to those in the first two books. There is a short recap, but I suspect anyone jumping in at this point might end up more than a little confused.

As said above, I enjoyed the first two books in the series a great deal. The basic plot of the first two books as well as Itchcraft is relatively straightforward: Itchingham Lofte (the eponymous "Itch"), a schoolboy interested in science and element-hunting, and his younger sister Chloe, cousin Jack and friend Lucy come across a handful of rocks that turn up to be a hitherto-unknown, highly radioactive, very valuable element.

Needless to say, bad guys get involved - the element is one that would do well for nuclear reactors as well as nuclear bombs.

While the first two books focus more on the rocks themselves - the attempts of the crooks, led by Itch & co's former science teacher and ex-oilman Nathaniel Flowerdew, to get hold of the valuable find, with the kids having to fight hard to keep the rocks from falling into the wrong hands - this part of the storyline has been dealt with by Itchcraft, so the focus of the first book is Flowerdew's attempt at getting revenge on anyone who has thwarted him.

I am not sure if it was the absence of the rocks themselves that caused this, but for the longest time, I was sure I'd rate this book a mere three stars (well, "mere" - it'd still mean "I liked it"). There was something off about the pacing that I can't quite put my finger on - the way the slower parts intermingled with action just somehow didn't quite work as well as it did in the first two books, at least for me. The first half of the book also just felt a little... forced, somehow, and while I had a hard time suspending disbelief in parts of the first two adventures, in this one (especially the part where Itch and Lucy are dragged along to visit the top-security mint in Madrid) it was nearly impossible at times.

Basically, I think my problem was that ... I can really only "buy" so much at a time, and some of the events in this book kept crossing that line. There was just too much going on, too many things happening with these kids.

I have to say, though, that the final part picked up again - I thoroughly enjoyed the action in the last quarter of the book, and especially the parts involving the diving crew were exciting as well as well-paced. The actual ending of the book (which feels like a good conclusion for the trilogy as well as leaving enough open for potentially more Itch books) also felt fitting.

While, as said above, I did have my problems with the books, I really ended up enjoying the series. I'm a bit old to be in the target group but these are the kinds of books I'd have gobbled up with great enthusiasm at 11-14 or so - the combination of action, adventure and science (there is plenty of fun chemistry tidbits scattered along with the story) is something that would have appealed to me tremendously at that age. Another thing I appreciate - as an adult reader - is that the kids' rash actions put them into very real peril, and those actions do have consequences, long-lasting ones at that.

* ARC of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thanks!

[Bryce b · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced and exciting the whole way through

[Joanna Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a life-long book worm and an Arts graduate, with a long history of studying Literature. What I am relatively new to, is the art of reviewing books. In essays, or in book clubs, you can discuss the characters, plots, themes and writing style of a book in great detail. But in reviews it is always best to avoid spoilers, so I will do my best not to give too much away.

This is the third book in the Itch series, which follows a young element hunter, who collects the periodic table. In the first book, the spectacularly named Itchingham Lofte comes across a new element; the highly radioactive 126. This discovery leads him into a series of dangerous and terrifying adventures, involving his arch enemy, Dr Nathaniel Flowerdew.

As a fan of the Itch books, I have been anticipating the release of Itchcraft with a large degree of impatience. It was downloaded to my Kindle shortly after midnight, on the day of release, and I had finished the book within 24 hours, despite work getting in the way. It is such a page turner - full of excitement, humour, deathly peril, and heaps of suspense. I enjoyed it so much that I have already read it again, wanting to savour every moment.

I genuinely admire those who can write a series of books, particularly in the adventure or fantasy genre. Whilst it must be helpful to an author to have time to develop characters that are already familiar, it must be so difficult to keep moving the plot to a new and more exciting level. After the first Itch book, I really wondered how Simon Mayo could top the excitement and danger. But Itch Rocks, and now Itchcraft have really moved things up a gear. For those who are coming to the series late, and who get to read all three books in one sitting, they will realise that all the events happen within about a year in Itch's life. For the rest of us, who have had to wait between books, it is worth remembering the short time span.

Itchcraft is marketed as a Young Adult novel, but many of the fans of the series are well past that time of their lives (I am in my early 50s). I have friends who disregard the Young Adult genre, which seems a real shame to me, as a good story can appeal to all ages. The Diary of Anne Frank was written by a young girl, but is an iconic book for many adults around the world. It is a mistake to think that Young Adult books ignore the darker themes of life. In Itchcraft the themes of revenge, anger, marital disharmony, murder, bereavement, mortal danger, bullying, the energy crisis, rioting and vandalism are explored. There are laugh out loud moments too, and charming snapshots of family life, including some very moving interactions between the young people themselves, and with their adult family members and teachers.

Itch is indeed a hero, but we are constantly aware of the high emotional and physical price he pays for this. He is an endearing, but socially inept science geek, who often needs to be helped out by the wonderfully written, strong female characters surrounding him. He suffers guilt for many of the events that unfold during the novel, not least the strain on his parents, whose marriage is falling apart before his eyes. He struggles to understand and deal with his feelings, just as most 15 year old boys would do. The family anecdotes and the relationships between the characters are an essential part of this story. There are so many scary events and so much danger that the book needs its quiet and thoughtful moments.

For those who, like me, who know nothing whatsoever about science, the science parts are actually very interesting, if somewhat over my head! I do think chemistry teachers in secondary schools should try to drum up interest in their subject by recommending the Itch books to their students.

I am sure that some detractors would say that it is easier for an already famous person like Simon Mayo to get a book published - David Walliams, Ben Elton and Dawn French spring to mind in this regard. But Simon has fully demonstrated his right to be taken seriously as an author in this series of books. There is so much I want to say about the relationships between the characters and the situations the characters find themselves in, but that will have to wait for conversations with friends who read the book! I highly recommend the Itch series to people of all ages who enjoy a great story. Itchcraft is the best yet, and it ends intriguingly. Apparently the next book won't be out till 2016, and I genuinely don't know how I'm going to wait!

[Ellen R]

5 days. thats all it took to read this book. I spent all of my spare time (and sometimes not) reading this book. I just could not put it down. I dont think that Mayo could've ended the itch series any better than he did.(SPOILER ALERT) I was looking for something between Lucy and Itch though, but the rest of the book made up for it.

[Książkowa Cisza · Rating 2 out of 5]

[2/5]

Każdy tom ma taki sam poziom, niestety bardzo słaby.

[17feareym124 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The genre of this book is action. I think this is a good plot twisted book, which is very good for people who like action themed books. This book is full of many different emotions going’s from happy to extremely sad in just a few sentences.

[Flyss Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another action packed instalment in the element hunter series. I love these books, being fascinated by the periodic table myself and also loving young adult fiction, this series ticks all my reading preferences. Glad to see the end leaves the door open for another story, can't wait....

[Fglla2211 · Rating 3 out of 5]

FABulous

[Chloe-Louise Finch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book came out in 2014 and has 378 pages


This book has Adventure, Science Fiction, Thriller, Action and is, a Young Adult
this is the 3rd book of simon’s that I have read and I really liked them books so0 I had high hopes for this one

im going to quickly cover what this book is about before I review it.


Its about Exploding euros and exciting elements - join Itch, Jack and Chloe on their latest adventure. Itchingham Lofte, teenage element hunter and unlikely hero, has had enough excitement to last him a lifetime. Stumbling across an unknown radioactive element and trying to keep it out of the hands of those who want to use it for their own ends was hard enough.
But when a school trip to Spain ends in exploding currency and rioting locals, he knows that he has to continue to look for answers.
Itch knows the lives of those closest to him are at risk. He must track down a deadly enemy who will stop at nothing to take his vengeance

I give this book 9.5/10

there was a few slower parts mixed with action that just somehow didn't quite work as well as it did in the first two books, there is a character that we sadly lose who was one of my favourites and I sat where I was for a few mins thinking is this real.

I like that each of the books has its own adventure, one that more or less gets resolved in that book,
but they're all part of an overall storyline and the events in Itchcraft are very closely tied to those in the first two books.
There is a short recap, which got a bit annoying because I just wanted to read it but I suspect anyone jumping in at this point might end up more than a little confused.

This book is such a page turner its full of excitement, humour, deathly peril, and lots of suspense
I think that this book was mostly Fast paced and was exciting the whole way through and how real the characters are
As with the other books in this series, the action begins as soon as you start reading and doesn't let up until you finish the book. The characters have continued to grow and mature from the previous books. Where they would have run off and done something stupid like normal teenagers, they've learned from the trauma of previous experiences and now they are more cautious.
Even so, they still get into trouble. Itch still uses chemistry to get him and his friends out of sticky situations.

Itch is indeed a hero, but we are constantly aware of the high emotional and physical price he pays for this.
He is an endearing, but socially inept science geek, who often needs to be helped out by strong female characters surrounding him.
He suffers guilt for many of the events that unfold during the books, not least the strain on his parents, whose marriage is falling apart before his eyes.
He struggles to understand and deal with his feelings, just as most 15 year old boys would do. The family anecdotes and the relationships between the characters are an essential part of this story.
There are so many scary events and so much danger that the book needs its quiet and thoughtful moments.
Flowerdew and Itch are definitely my favourite parts. There's such haterid between them, and you never know what Flowerdew's going to say next.

I have to say if I had to ship anyone in this book It would have to be Lucy and Itch, im happy because they did have a few cute sences in this book. I like the fact that Lucy, returns with a bigger role in this story, and Itch’s older brother Gabriel also pops up a bit more
I have to say I'm a bit old to be in the target group but these are the kinds of books I would have like to read at 10
the combination of action, adventure and science is something that would have appealed to me at that age.
I like that the whole adventure reflects on Itch the character rather than Itch the element hunter.
This book felt like a good end to the series as well as leaving enough open for maybe more Itch books
For those who, like me, who know nothing whatsoever about science, the science parts are actually very interesting,
I do think chemistry teachers in high schools should try to drum up interest in their subject by recommending the Itch books to their students.
I recommend the Itch series to people of all ages who enjoy a great story.
really enjoyed the entire series and would like them to become a tv show and when I was reading them it really did feel like a real good tv show

[Malcolm Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is very much a follow-up to a duology. In the first two books, the focus was very much on the element 126 and who has it. This one felt very much like an Alex Rider story. From getting caught up in riots in Spain, being kidnapped to accompanying a pseudo-covert ops team as they infiltrate an enemy stronghold, this felt more like a spy thriller. The story moved on at a good pace, with some interesting twists and turns. Many of the scenes did stretch plausibility a little, but for what it was, it was enjoyable enough to just go along with it. Like with many spy thrillers, the villains were a little bit 'cardboard cut-out villain' side of things, but as most of the story wasn't focused on them, it wasn't that bad.
All in all, a fun read with an ending that does potentially leave room for a book 4, but without the necessity of one either.

[Ianto Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a while to get to this book. Having read the previous 2 books in the series, and really enjoyed them, I had to finish the series. At times it felt like this book didn’t develop the overall story of the series, with little development in plot. Nevertheless it’s great to be back in a world with Itchingham Lofte facing his all time enemy, Flowerdrew. There were some really nice moments in this, the middle part of the book left me wondering if there was going to be any story other than Itch being upset and angry... however the ending is satisfying and brings this trilogy to a nice conclusion.

[Barbara Band · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continuing adventures of Itch, the element hunter! Lots of action. Lots of chemistry (so good for linking with STEM). Although the main character is male, he's not a superhero who always saves the day, he makes mistakes and gets emotional. There are several strong female characters who are strong-willed and determined, and never give in. Even though the main protagonists are YA and adults, there's nothing in this book to warrant it being put in a senior collection so would recommend it to teens (KS3).

[Drmkk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a let down after Itch Rocks which is the best in the series. This third book in the series lacked any significant conflict which caused it to drag. There was too much going on, too many characters spread across too many countries and too many smaller conflicts that although eventually tied together in the end didn't make sense through most of the book. The author would have been better served had he made each of these smaller conflicts a separate story. I guess this explains why the series has come to an end. Disappointed...

[martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A welcome return to the fun of the first book in this trilogy of young adult thrillers with a strong science twist. This third part of the adventure is fast paced and brimming with well-researched and fascinating tricks of the chemist's trade. Maybe not as funny as the first book, but it definitely works as a thriller. There are perhaps some unlikely plot twists for an average adult reader to accept but the energy of the plot and the likeability of Itch and his friends mean it's a great read.

[Bookmarvel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was cool that Shivvi Tan Fook's diver friends saved Itch & Co. when they jumped off Flowerdew's ship, and that Itch trapped him and Roshanna Wing with the 'if you move you explode thing' until they could get to the prison in Nigeria.

Also I bought this book off amazon because it wasn't published in the US and because I have the rest of the series :)

[Lauren White · Rating 5 out of 5]

The brilliantest of all the itch books. This has fabulous adventure, pieced together with fun science. And all centring round the fabulous Itch, who has only got better through the course of the series. Totally unrealistic in the best possible way!

[Ioannis Petrakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t even know there was a third in the series until I googled the books and found it! But anyway the series ended very well, very well indeed. An enjoyable story and a suitable, fitting ending. Well done, Simon!

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Consistent as like all the others, started off good but dipped in the middle to a reasonable climax! However I suggest Mr Mayo goes back to his day job been a Radio presenter! I am sure he has plenty of money and does not really need to be an author as well!!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third book in the Itch series. A satisfying end to the series.

[Monty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book great for science enthusiasts

[Catog67 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sciency (my brain doesnt cope well with science 😂) but loved it all the same!!

[Marshaferz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfying conclusion to a fun and unusual trilogy.

[Sedna Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good trilogy!

[Dodau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again Simon Mayo doesn't seem to know if he is English or American. He changes from UK terms to USA terms and back again throughout the book which is off-putting and jars you from the plot.

[zikai]

Started too slow, will have to take some time before continue reading

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review first appeared on Is That You Darling.

When Itchcraft arrived a couple of weeks ago, I was terribly excited. The first two books in the series were rip roaring fun, and when the second book ended with a sense of denouement, I was curious as to where the story would go next.

Itchingham Lofte, known to his friends as Itch, is an element hunter and chemistry fanatic. Prior to the events of the first book, this fanaticism got him into no more trouble than blowing up elements in his bedroom and scorching his eyebrows, but when he comes across the previously undiscovered element 126, a highly radioactive and therefore very valuable set of rocks, he soon finds his life in danger. Itchcraft picks up some time after Itch and his family think their troubles are over; while the villainous Nathaniel Flowerdew is still at large, the rocks aren’t, and Itch and his sister Chloe start the book on holiday in South Africa with their father.

Of course, no book about someone’s troubles being behind them is ever going to be particularly interesting, and it’s not too long before Itch finds himself in trouble again, dragging Chloe, his cousin Jack and potential love interest/new friend Lucy along for the ride. I read Itchcraft while I was also embarking on a Harry Potter re-read, and it occurred to me that Harry has nothing on Itch when it comes to getting into scrapes! When a school trip to Madrid is mentioned, it’s obvious that it will not be smooth sailing, and Itch and the gang end up getting caught up in riots, caused by people protesting the mysterious case of exploding Euros. The last third of the book finds the four teenagers in mortal peril, and although I was sure that our titular hero would survive, I was never convinced that Mayo wouldn’t decide that one of the three girls was expendable for the the sake of the story.

When I reviewed Itch Rocks, I mentioned how much I enjoyed that Itch is surrounded by fantastic female characters. Itch is brilliant, knows just about all there is to know about chemistry, but to get out of all the scrapes in which he so often finds himself, he relies on his three female cohorts. Chloe, Jack and Lucy are all brilliant in their own way – Chloe is pretty fearless, much cooler than Itch, and utterly loyal, Jack is more often than not the voice of reason, and tries (mostly in vain) to stop Itch from getting into trouble, and Lucy is almost as brilliant as Itch when it comes to chemistry.

We are also introduced to a group of formidable women who are out for revenge. Six women who are proficient divers and friends of Shivvi Van Took, they are ruthless and efficient, and it’s not clear for most of the book if they are going to turn out to be the good guys or the bad guys. Simon Mayo has proved himself as an author who has no qualms about writing strong female characters.

He also has no qualms about killing off characters the reader has become attached to, and in doing so, he finds himself with a grieving main character on his hands. The scene in which Itch and Lucy discuss how Itch is feeling, and the way he tries to cope with his sense of grief and his feeling of culpability for the death is beautifully touching.

On an aesthetic level, I love the Itchcraft cover. It’s probably because I like the colour blue, but I think it’s the best of the bunch, and it will look great on my bookshelf with the other two books. It teases the story perfectly, full of explosions and fire and madcap chases. It’s perfect!

Itchcraft is easily my favourite of the three novels so far. It takes the story to the next level, and has moments where you genuinely don’t know if your favourite characters are going to survive. It marries tragedy, action and adventure together perfectly, and has left me with more questions about the motives of some of the characters. The science might go over the head of those not well versed in the contents of the periodic table, but the relationships between the characters are so well written and believable, and the action set pieces so exciting, that in the end that doesn’t matter one bit.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a slight sense of diminishing returns from this third and final Itch book from Simon Mayo, but it's very small, and in fact so slight as to be barely worth mentioning. I guess it was a surprise last time round that the energy, the cinematic scope, and the fun to be had, were so strong coming from a radio DJ and journalist. Here there is a slight sense of the unlikely, coming from some minor characters' behaviour, and from a raft of allegations allowed to be made publicly and to the police, but on the whole the adventure is just about as good as before.

We've seen the end of the element Itch had a hand in discovering, with the demolishing of all the rocks of 126 that were known of. But some things don't get demolished so easily – such as the determination of a baddy in a teenage adventure trilogy. Revenge is on the cards right from the beginning, which slowly sets a light under a simmering pan of anger on behalf of the big baddy, and keeps Itch and his friends real with problems at school and online. But eventually things get too bizarre – a raft of nationalistic attacks and vandalism across Cornwall; and during a school trip that shows no attempt at securing its real goal, our heroes meet with a full-scale riot over something completely weird and suitably unexpected. And so we're thrust into a third major drama with added chemistry, as element hunter Itch slowly pieces the chemical clues together, and suffers all kinds of nasty set-backs on his way to the end.

Mayo keeps his characters real and we can only enthuse over them considering the nature of what they have to go through – although the whole faux relationship Itch has with Lucy is done a little too broadly for my taste. But things are written with a blatant obviousness in this series that only serves in its benefit – the urgency of all the adventures, the nastiness of the real world as featured on these pages, and the kinetic thrust of the stories that grips the reader so firmly. I know I never read part one, but from picking up at the first sequel stage the series was immediate, understandable and thoroughly gripping. This final entry has all those hallmarks. Mayo clearly knows how to put recaps and exposition (and science – don't forget the science) into his pages in a subtle, hardly-noticeable manner, and the read is fluent and fluid as a result. It's been a really, really good series, and part three will either delight, or at least surprise you with its qualities, depending on whether you've been here before or not. It will only, however, entertain.

[Grrlscientist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it’s dangerously radioactive, element 126 is indestructible. Or so it seems in Itchcraft , the third instalment in Simon Mayo’s trilogy about a teen-aged element hunter and chemistry aficionado with the peculiar name, Itchingham [Doubleday Childrens, 2014]. Written by an award-winning British radio broadcaster, this mystery-thriller continues the action-packed story of our hero, Itch, his younger sister, Chloe, and his cousin and best friend, Jack, as they seek to destroy the last remnants of the newly-discovered and much coveted element 126. The list of characters in this book has expanded as Itch’s potential love interest, Lucy, returns with a bigger role in this story, and Itch’s older brother Gabriel also pops up. As does Nathaniel Flowerdew.

Although the author does hold off until the end of the first chapter before finally allowing Itch to detonate the first in a number of explosions, fans of chemistry-triggered pyrotechnics will not be disappointed. Especially when the teens, their parents and the school’s science club travel to Madrid, where they are quickly swept up in riots sparked by spontaneously exploding euro banknotes.

A darker book than its predecessors, this story has a more serious plot that includes kidnapping, fires and neodymium magnets. Oh, and magic stones. Although the scenarios are sometimes a bit far-fetched, the action is realistic — as are the consequences. At times, it’s unclear whether all the main characters will survive until the end of the book. (And sadly, not all of them do.)

As always, I particularly enjoyed Itch’s courageous and intelligent female companions; the perceptive Chloe, resourceful Jack and clever Lucy. We also run into the comrades of Shivvi Tan Fook — an all-female team of scuba divers who could either be up to no good or who might be our teen heroes’ best, or only, hope.

Just as our heroes are maturing, Simon Mayo’s writing is becoming more sophisticated, too. He’s allowing his characters to develop more fully and the pacing of the story provides steadily growing suspense punctuated with moments of deadly peril or humour. Together, these elements create a gripping page-turner that will capture you and keep you enthralled until you’ve finished the very last sentence.

NOTE: Originally published at The Guardian on 13 November 2014.