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Cool Nukes
286 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
4 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Des Hunt
34 books49 followersDes Hunt was a science and technology teacher for many years, interspersed with periods of curriculum development both in New Zealand and overseas. During this time he had several textbooks published to support the New Zealand curriculum. In recent years he has looked at other ways of interesting youngsters in science, creating computer games and writing non-fiction and fiction with scientific themes.
After living in Auckland for much of his life he moved with his wife, Lynne, to Matarangi on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula. He retired from the classroom in 2007 to concentrate on writing fiction for children. He continues his aims of fostering young peoples’ natural interest in the science of their surroundings by visiting schools and libraries where he runs workshops and presentations.
After living in Auckland for much of his life he moved with his wife, Lynne, to Matarangi on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula. He retired from the classroom in 2007 to concentrate on writing fiction for children. He continues his aims of fostering young peoples’ natural interest in the science of their surroundings by visiting schools and libraries where he runs workshops and presentations.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 10, 2015
I received a copy of Cool Nukes from Scholastic New Zealand in exchange for an honest review. I've never read a book set in New Zealand before even though I live here. It was great to be able to picture the place mentioned in the book because I'd been there, not just seen it on TV shows or movies.
I'm not really into science but this book never bored me. I didn't
understand some of the science but most of it was explained. I can't believe how much happened in this book, and the lengths people would go to to gain control and power.
I have heard of cold fusion before but never knew what it was until now. Science wasn't my favourite subject at school. Now that I know what it is, because it's explained pretty well in this book, and why some crazy professor wanted to claim this invention as his own.
I did see the part with Max's dream coming happening when he was attacked at the university. The ending, what Max, Jensen and Cleo did with the Newclex was perfect. I really liked that they didn't just let the adults push them aside.
I really enjoyed Cool Nukes and couldn't put it down. There was so much going on that I needed to know what happened. I can't really go into details with out giving the whole thing away so if you're into science, gangs and evil scientists then you should check this out.
I'm not really into science but this book never bored me. I didn't
understand some of the science but most of it was explained. I can't believe how much happened in this book, and the lengths people would go to to gain control and power.
I have heard of cold fusion before but never knew what it was until now. Science wasn't my favourite subject at school. Now that I know what it is, because it's explained pretty well in this book, and why some crazy professor wanted to claim this invention as his own.
I did see the part with Max's dream coming happening when he was attacked at the university. The ending, what Max, Jensen and Cleo did with the Newclex was perfect. I really liked that they didn't just let the adults push them aside.
I really enjoyed Cool Nukes and couldn't put it down. There was so much going on that I needed to know what happened. I can't really go into details with out giving the whole thing away so if you're into science, gangs and evil scientists then you should check this out.
April 14, 2018
Once again author Des Hunt has managed the perfect mix of characters, both good and bad, setting and plot. Max, Jensen and Cleo are gifted Year 9 students who are working well above their age group in some subjects, and receiving after school mentoring from Professor Walter Mayhew.
When the prof’s life is in danger because of the research he is undertaking and he goes into hiding, their search for him leads to them noticing his research as their topic for their school Science Fair project. Their search for him also leads them into danger as they come to realise the van that was parked opposite the Prof’s house is the key.
The adults in these children’s lives, both at home and at school, provide the love and support they need to make wise decisions, keep themselves out of danger, and ultimately defeat the “baddies”.
There is humour and tension aplenty. Some is incidental to the plot, such as Max’s longwinded description of why dogs have such sensitive noses and Jensen's play with long words: Olfactory bilaterality. This interplay on just the third page of the first chapter pulls the reader into the story and illustrates the intelligence of the teens.
While the science of cold fusion may seem beyond the understanding of most young teens, the way they reason their way through the science is clear, with disagreements and doubt worked through rationally.
This book deserves to be in all libraries, in classroom book boxes, and bought for the intelligent enquiring mind of 10-14 year olds.
Reviewed by Chris Wright (Bookrapt)
When the prof’s life is in danger because of the research he is undertaking and he goes into hiding, their search for him leads to them noticing his research as their topic for their school Science Fair project. Their search for him also leads them into danger as they come to realise the van that was parked opposite the Prof’s house is the key.
The adults in these children’s lives, both at home and at school, provide the love and support they need to make wise decisions, keep themselves out of danger, and ultimately defeat the “baddies”.
There is humour and tension aplenty. Some is incidental to the plot, such as Max’s longwinded description of why dogs have such sensitive noses and Jensen's play with long words: Olfactory bilaterality. This interplay on just the third page of the first chapter pulls the reader into the story and illustrates the intelligence of the teens.
While the science of cold fusion may seem beyond the understanding of most young teens, the way they reason their way through the science is clear, with disagreements and doubt worked through rationally.
This book deserves to be in all libraries, in classroom book boxes, and bought for the intelligent enquiring mind of 10-14 year olds.
Reviewed by Chris Wright (Bookrapt)
December 20, 2015
A great read for 12 to 15 yrs involving LOTS of science, physics, etc., probably a bit too much. Kids vs adults in a battle to responsibly refine and test a formula for cold fusion.... Which can save the world from running out of energy and from global warming to a certain extent. Tightly plotted, keeps you captured and without most of the self consciousness of the writing many of Hunt's previous works. And the over plugging of environmental concerns.
Also involves NZ city setting , bullying of main character who has a disfigurement, successful manipulation of social media, Asian boy who suffers a lot of parental pressure to succeed in school subjects and a girl who is good at science, yay. Plus they are all responsible and don't want personal gain for the successful outcome., but are not goody goodies.
Without adding a spoiler , the final piece of good news is probably unnecessary for the successful conclusion of an already very good story.
Thinking about 4 and a half stars
Also involves NZ city setting , bullying of main character who has a disfigurement, successful manipulation of social media, Asian boy who suffers a lot of parental pressure to succeed in school subjects and a girl who is good at science, yay. Plus they are all responsible and don't want personal gain for the successful outcome., but are not goody goodies.
Without adding a spoiler , the final piece of good news is probably unnecessary for the successful conclusion of an already very good story.
Thinking about 4 and a half stars
May 31, 2021
Amazing book! But I've gotta say, the ending was a bit disappointing. This book was amazing, and the characters are unique, but the ending? Oh well.. it was not the best. Sure, this book made me go back to read it again and again, but the ending wasn't what I wanted.
This book is about three gifted students; Max Taylor, Jian Xin Lin (Usually called Jensen), and Cleo Martin, who are tasked to make the Newclex. A supposedly world-changing invention that could solve all of the world's energy problems by creating an explosive mix of hydrogen and oxygen. The problem was that this invention involves cold fusion; a theory that was received negatively by the scientific community. The person that designed the Newclex was none other than Professor Walter Mayhew. When he suddenly vanished into thin air, he left his students (Max, Cleo, and Jensen) clue to make the Newclex while calling himself Cool Nukes. In the process of making this invention, Max's life was turned upside down. He had been attacked by gangsters, robbed, threatened by both criminals and lawyers and assaulted by a maniac. his computer had been hacked, his workshop vandalised, and his dog kidnapped. But in the end, it seemed like nobody cared about his, Jensen, and Cleo's work with the local university taking over the invention. They claimed that Max, Jensen, and Cleo's work had been much appreciated, but Max suspected that the names Max Taylor, Jian Xin Lin, and Cleo Martin wouldn't go down in history as the people who introduced cold fusion to the world. So he came up with a plan. They would make another Newclex and made a video of it to post on Youtube for the whole world to see.
Despite this though, I wasn't satisfied with the ending. Why? Because I feel like Max could've rebelled when Dr. Chan and Dr. Hudson (Two lecturers from the university) talked about the end of his, Jensen and Cleo's involvement in the production of the Newclex. Considering all that he went through, I think he should've speaked his mind to the two idiotic lecturers. I know I would've. I mean, yeah, Max, Jensen, and Cleo were still kids and maybe should stay out of this part, but COME ON! Their whole lives, for eighteen days straight, was catastrophic because of this one invention, and all they get is a thanks? They could've at least got part of the profits from the Newclex! After the ending, I was convinced that Dr. Chan and Dr. Hudson were actually a little bit evil because they were planning to sell the Newclex (With a sky-high price if I do say so myself). So, Mr. Des Hunt, what I'm trying to say is, next time, PLEASE make the ending of your books with a more exciting ending.
Anyways, I reccommend this book for 10 year olds and above, especially for people who love science-fiction stories. In summary, I would think again when buying another Des Hunt book.
This book is about three gifted students; Max Taylor, Jian Xin Lin (Usually called Jensen), and Cleo Martin, who are tasked to make the Newclex. A supposedly world-changing invention that could solve all of the world's energy problems by creating an explosive mix of hydrogen and oxygen. The problem was that this invention involves cold fusion; a theory that was received negatively by the scientific community. The person that designed the Newclex was none other than Professor Walter Mayhew. When he suddenly vanished into thin air, he left his students (Max, Cleo, and Jensen) clue to make the Newclex while calling himself Cool Nukes. In the process of making this invention, Max's life was turned upside down. He had been attacked by gangsters, robbed, threatened by both criminals and lawyers and assaulted by a maniac. his computer had been hacked, his workshop vandalised, and his dog kidnapped. But in the end, it seemed like nobody cared about his, Jensen, and Cleo's work with the local university taking over the invention. They claimed that Max, Jensen, and Cleo's work had been much appreciated, but Max suspected that the names Max Taylor, Jian Xin Lin, and Cleo Martin wouldn't go down in history as the people who introduced cold fusion to the world. So he came up with a plan. They would make another Newclex and made a video of it to post on Youtube for the whole world to see.
Despite this though, I wasn't satisfied with the ending. Why? Because I feel like Max could've rebelled when Dr. Chan and Dr. Hudson (Two lecturers from the university) talked about the end of his, Jensen and Cleo's involvement in the production of the Newclex. Considering all that he went through, I think he should've speaked his mind to the two idiotic lecturers. I know I would've. I mean, yeah, Max, Jensen, and Cleo were still kids and maybe should stay out of this part, but COME ON! Their whole lives, for eighteen days straight, was catastrophic because of this one invention, and all they get is a thanks? They could've at least got part of the profits from the Newclex! After the ending, I was convinced that Dr. Chan and Dr. Hudson were actually a little bit evil because they were planning to sell the Newclex (With a sky-high price if I do say so myself). So, Mr. Des Hunt, what I'm trying to say is, next time, PLEASE make the ending of your books with a more exciting ending.
Anyways, I reccommend this book for 10 year olds and above, especially for people who love science-fiction stories. In summary, I would think again when buying another Des Hunt book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2017
Hunt always produces fast paced and exciting adventures for kids 10+ and Cool Nukes is no exception. It is chock - full with chemistry and physics, but also has an eccentric professor, a criminally unstable scientist and three smart kids. oh and a loveable dog. Highly enjoyable and fast paced - although I prefer Hunt's more ecologically themed books.
August 27, 2020
A little boring but funny at the end and cool.
September 7, 2017
This book is about how a boy named max and his friend Jensen two science geek boys get sent packages from their tutor who was supposed dead when he jumped of a bridge. These packages get max and Jensen (also Cleo who helps out later in the story) caught up in many adventures including making a cold fusion machine, gang who will have nothing get in their way and a lot of mystery!
This book was great I loved it, it had lots of adventure and mystery.
This book was great I loved it, it had lots of adventure and mystery.
March 5, 2017
Action packed thriller perfectly for Grade 6s. I particularly enjoyed the way science was woven through the plot with the protagonists having to solve science problems to beat the bad-guys.
January 19, 2016
This is a great book for 10 to 15 year old readers. It's set in Hamilton (but they do take a trip out to beautiful Raglan). The mix of characters makes for an exciting story: school age science nerds, gangs, university professors of which one is an insane criminal and family including a much-loved dog. The plot involves kidnapping, car chases, a science fair, huge explosions and legal battles over plagiarism.
I enjoyed it and I'm sure many others would too.
I enjoyed it and I'm sure many others would too.
December 13, 2015
I loved this book because I love des hunt books he is one of my favourite authors. I loved this book even thou it was about science the characters were evil but it was great read it only took me 4 days to read I got given from my local library to read as its only just come out and they wanted it read and what I thought of the book
April 4, 2016
3.5 stars
December 28, 2016
This was a great yarn and adventure. I enjoyed the New Zealand setting and the science based plot.
August 27, 2016
This was a great yarn and adventure. I enjoyed the New Zealand setting and the science based plot.
February 21, 2017
Neat book, kept you engaged and it was nice to see a book set in New Zealand.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews