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Dreadnought
On a remote Yorkshire headland known as Dreadnought, seven-year-old Cass Delaval begins to glimpse figures and fragments tied to a past that refuses to stay buried.
As the world edges toward conflict, Cass is drawn into a family mystery stretching back to the Second World a missing boy, a hidden weapon, and a family secret.
Because whatever has lain dormant on Dreadnought goes deep into our past … and it isn’t finished with us yet.
Dreadnought is a story of loyalty and hope, where the courage of one small girl may be our last defence.
As the world edges toward conflict, Cass is drawn into a family mystery stretching back to the Second World a missing boy, a hidden weapon, and a family secret.
Because whatever has lain dormant on Dreadnought goes deep into our past … and it isn’t finished with us yet.
Dreadnought is a story of loyalty and hope, where the courage of one small girl may be our last defence.
312 pages, Hardcover
Published October 15, 2026
About the author
Robin Bennett
32 books20 followersRobin Bennett is an author and entrepreneur who has written over twenty-five books for children. He has also written books on the swashbuckling world of business: How to Make a Good Living Running Your Own Business, Kicking the Property Ladder and Start up Smart, all published by Harriman House.
In 2024 Cracking was shortlisted for a Week Junior Book Award and Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year for Children. His YA novel 'XII' was shortlised for a British Book Award in 2023 and his very popular Monster Max Series is a Book Trust pick and won Coventry Inspiration Book Awards in 2022. Picus the Thief, won the Writer's News Indie Published Book of the Year Award in 2012.
When Robin grew up he thought he wanted to be a cavalry officer until everyone else realised that putting him in charge of a tank was a very bad idea. He then became an assistant gravedigger in London. After that he had a career frantically starting businesses (everything from dog-sitting to cigars, tuition to translation)... until finally settling down to write improbable stories to keep his children from killing each other on long car journeys.
In 2024 Cracking was shortlisted for a Week Junior Book Award and Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year for Children. His YA novel 'XII' was shortlised for a British Book Award in 2023 and his very popular Monster Max Series is a Book Trust pick and won Coventry Inspiration Book Awards in 2022. Picus the Thief, won the Writer's News Indie Published Book of the Year Award in 2012.
When Robin grew up he thought he wanted to be a cavalry officer until everyone else realised that putting him in charge of a tank was a very bad idea. He then became an assistant gravedigger in London. After that he had a career frantically starting businesses (everything from dog-sitting to cigars, tuition to translation)... until finally settling down to write improbable stories to keep his children from killing each other on long car journeys.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 20, 2026
Generally speaking, I rarely pick up a book which looks eerie. However, as we are now in spooky season, I thought I would give this one a try.
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
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If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
October 19, 2026
The blurb is intriguing but edging towards a genre I would say that I'm less comfortable reading. However, it's by Robin Bennett and I've loved his children's books, so fingers crossed, I dived into Dreadnaught.
Reading through the first couple of chapters I wondered whether this was aimed at a YA audience rather than an adult one. While still debating that, I came across content that to my mind was only suitable for adults. It was then that I realised that the chapters headed 'Cass' were toned down and more simply delivered because they were written from the point of view of a seven-year-old, and that was what was making it feel like the book was aimed at Young Adults.
I found the storyline gripping but I had no idea where it was heading. Even Quintus's letter did not answer all the questions I needed answered to help me round this story off in my own mind, in particular about the unworldly goings-on.
My favourite character was local farmer Tom. He seemed to be the most balanced of the all characters and deserved better than he got.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a slightly futuristic, edge-of-war tale with a side helping of the supernatural.
Reading through the first couple of chapters I wondered whether this was aimed at a YA audience rather than an adult one. While still debating that, I came across content that to my mind was only suitable for adults. It was then that I realised that the chapters headed 'Cass' were toned down and more simply delivered because they were written from the point of view of a seven-year-old, and that was what was making it feel like the book was aimed at Young Adults.
I found the storyline gripping but I had no idea where it was heading. Even Quintus's letter did not answer all the questions I needed answered to help me round this story off in my own mind, in particular about the unworldly goings-on.
My favourite character was local farmer Tom. He seemed to be the most balanced of the all characters and deserved better than he got.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a slightly futuristic, edge-of-war tale with a side helping of the supernatural.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dreadnought by Robin Bennett is a gripping novel set in the near future but with its’ roots firmly in the past.
The world is on the brink of World War III as a family move from London to the North Yorkshire coast, near Whitby, as they stay in the family home on Dreadnought.
Here, the veil between the past and present draws thin. Seven-year-old Cass is in touch with those whom the adults cannot see. The whole area has a dark and brooding presence. Three generations of the family inhabit Dreadnought.
Dreadnought seems to be a place of secrets. Ancient voices from the past, call out as the fog rolls in.
Cass is amazingly brave. She faces her fears in order to free her friend.
There are elements of the Gothic horror tradition found within the novel – strange creatures lurking in dark corners; sea mists; caves; and of course, the folk lore of Dracula surrounding Whitby Abbey.
The tale is told over several different voices and in several different time periods. As we read, we wonder how it all hangs together – until we reach the jaw-dropping moment towards the end of the book! All the pieces slot into place.
Dreadnought pulls the reader in from the start as we hang onto every word in the tale. Robin Bennett has constructed a superb story that, like an onion, has many layers to it.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The world is on the brink of World War III as a family move from London to the North Yorkshire coast, near Whitby, as they stay in the family home on Dreadnought.
Here, the veil between the past and present draws thin. Seven-year-old Cass is in touch with those whom the adults cannot see. The whole area has a dark and brooding presence. Three generations of the family inhabit Dreadnought.
Dreadnought seems to be a place of secrets. Ancient voices from the past, call out as the fog rolls in.
Cass is amazingly brave. She faces her fears in order to free her friend.
There are elements of the Gothic horror tradition found within the novel – strange creatures lurking in dark corners; sea mists; caves; and of course, the folk lore of Dracula surrounding Whitby Abbey.
The tale is told over several different voices and in several different time periods. As we read, we wonder how it all hangs together – until we reach the jaw-dropping moment towards the end of the book! All the pieces slot into place.
Dreadnought pulls the reader in from the start as we hang onto every word in the tale. Robin Bennett has constructed a superb story that, like an onion, has many layers to it.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dreadnought by Robin Bennett was a book I really wanted to like. The setting—an isolated part of Yorkshire—immediately ignited my desire to read it. I love reading stories that take place in isolated English areas. Touted as literary mystery and suspense, I eagerly signed up for an ARC.
The premise of a small child somehow holding knowledge through her visions that could impact the world also intrigued me. The almost paranormal aspect promised me an eerie, atmospheric read.
And while I enjoyed the book, it just didn't live up to the expectations I'd formed in my head. I found it difficult to really connect with the characters, which, for me, blunted the experience. The storyline was solid and the writing polished, but I never became emotionally invested in what was happening.
Ultimately, this was one of those books I appreciated more than I connected with. There was plenty to admire, but the overall experience left me feeling a little meh. I gave Dreadnought 3.5 stars.
The premise of a small child somehow holding knowledge through her visions that could impact the world also intrigued me. The almost paranormal aspect promised me an eerie, atmospheric read.
And while I enjoyed the book, it just didn't live up to the expectations I'd formed in my head. I found it difficult to really connect with the characters, which, for me, blunted the experience. The storyline was solid and the writing polished, but I never became emotionally invested in what was happening.
Ultimately, this was one of those books I appreciated more than I connected with. There was plenty to admire, but the overall experience left me feeling a little meh. I gave Dreadnought 3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews