Shark Seas

The Falcon Chronicles #4

by Steve Backshall

Saker and Sinter continue their quest to save the world's endangered animals in the fourth thrilling adventure in TV presenter Steve Backshall's Falcon Chronicles, this time swimming in shark seas. . .

Perfect for fans of Anthony Horowitz, Charlie Higson and Bear Grylls. This is the fourth adventure in the Falcon Chronicles , filled with intrigue, danger, exotic wildlife and dramatic locations.

224 pages, Paperback

Published December 20, 2016

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Shark Seas,” is the fourth book in a series and my son had not read the previous novels, so I think he found this a little difficult to get into as the characters are already established. Saying that, the beginning of the book has an introduction to the characters and of the secret organisation named, the Clan. Members of the Clan are raised in ancient forests and are trained to be thieves, fighters, renegades, spies and assassins. The members are loyal to their leader, the Prophet and each Clan member are named for a predatory wild animal.

Our two main characters are Saker (named after the Saker falcon) who is obsessed with righting wrongs against animals and Sinter, who is a defender of the vulnerable. Saker was a member of the Clan, but Sinter was not brought up as a member. In this adventure, we have Sinter who is attempting to protect sharks, dolphins and sea turtles from illegal fishing boats in the Pacific. As well as the danger posed by the fishing boats, there is also a baddie in the form of Wolf. Saker has turned against the Clan and he needs Sinter’s help to fight against them.

This book is obviously a book with a message about protecting wildlife, but Backshall has wrapped it up with an exciting and fast paced plot. I think my son would like to go back and read the earlier books, as he felt that some of the story was hard to follow without knowledge of the back story between the characters. Still, an enjoyable read and one which will appeal to children of 9+.

Rated 3.5

[Julia Bennett-Everington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially I found the characters lacked something for me but it maybe because I hadn’t read earlier books that might have given them more depth, but they grew on me as the book progressed.
I love the message that the book is putting across, but at times it did feel akin to being in a lecture theatre with facts being pushed at me from all angles. It’s an important message but it was at times a bit full on and almost took something away from the storyline rather than adding to it.

[Angela Gostling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst I enjoyed this book I appreciate that it was intended for older children/young adults. I felt the messages were strong and appropriate but it was still a good adventure story. I won’t read others in the series but I would buy it for family members who enjoy this sort of read.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read and a good ending to the series there was just 1 little thing that didn’t end the way I wanted it too though and now I am sad!

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all the books in this series! Easy to read, easy to enjoy and a great concept.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good, shame I didn't have a chance to read about Saker and Sinter adventures from the beginning.

[Harry · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an OK story with a good concept.

[Cocoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible in that it inspires you so much to want to make a difference in the world. While some of the imagery was pretty intense, gory and upsetting, the fact that the events that happen (regarding wildlife and the environment) aren't just a works of fiction inspires and motivates you to want to create change. I think this is a book children should read so they know what's going on in the world and feel motivated. If only one person choose a career to help the planet then this book would be made very valuable of course.

[Miriam Atkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aimed at teens, I didn't realise this was the fourth/last book in a series when I picked it up which provided it's own challenges. It is a fictional story but a realistic one filled with interesting wildlife and environment facts. With a dual narrative split between the two protagonists of Sinter and Saker, there is plenty going on in this novel to keep the reader entertained to the final page.