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The Haven #1
Im Untergrund
Unter den Straßen Londons liegt er verborgen, versteckt vor den Augen der Erwachsenen: The Haven. Ein geheimer Zufluchtsort für Flüchtlingskinder, Straßenkids und Waisen – wie Ollie.
Gerade noch war Ollies Leben vollkommen normal und plötzlich ist er Teil der geheimen Untergrundorganisation Haven. Innerhalb von 24 Stunden muss er gemeinsam mit dem Ermittlungsteam den Sohn des berüchtigten Gangchefs Danny Hunter finden – oder einer von ihnen wird sterben.
Ein turbulentes Rennen gegen die Zeit beginnt, doch je näher Ollie und seine Freunde ihrem Ziel kommen, desto klarer wird ihnen, dass noch eine weitaus größere Bedrohung auf sie wartet.
„Im Wesentlichen helfen wir Kindern und Jugendlichen.“
„Kindern? Was für Kindern?“
„Kinder, die uns brauchen, die nirgendwo sonst hinkönnen.“
„Wie … obdachlose Kinder, meinst du?“
„Obdachlose. Flüchtlinge. Waisen. Kids, die es mit Banden zu tun bekommen. Die Enkelin der Queen, wenn sie unsere Hilfe bräuchte. Wir sind wirklich nicht wählerisch.“
„Und was ist mit den Erwachsenen? Wo sind sie?“
Dodge grinste. „Das ist das Coolste an der ganzen Sache. Hier gibt es keine Erwachsenen.“
Gerade noch war Ollies Leben vollkommen normal und plötzlich ist er Teil der geheimen Untergrundorganisation Haven. Innerhalb von 24 Stunden muss er gemeinsam mit dem Ermittlungsteam den Sohn des berüchtigten Gangchefs Danny Hunter finden – oder einer von ihnen wird sterben.
Ein turbulentes Rennen gegen die Zeit beginnt, doch je näher Ollie und seine Freunde ihrem Ziel kommen, desto klarer wird ihnen, dass noch eine weitaus größere Bedrohung auf sie wartet.
„Im Wesentlichen helfen wir Kindern und Jugendlichen.“
„Kindern? Was für Kindern?“
„Kinder, die uns brauchen, die nirgendwo sonst hinkönnen.“
„Wie … obdachlose Kinder, meinst du?“
„Obdachlose. Flüchtlinge. Waisen. Kids, die es mit Banden zu tun bekommen. Die Enkelin der Queen, wenn sie unsere Hilfe bräuchte. Wir sind wirklich nicht wählerisch.“
„Und was ist mit den Erwachsenen? Wo sind sie?“
Dodge grinste. „Das ist das Coolste an der ganzen Sache. Hier gibt es keine Erwachsenen.“
304 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2019
16 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Simon Lelic
17 books337 followersSimon Lelic was born in 1976 and has worked as a journalist in the UK and currently runs his own business in Brighton, England, where he lives with his wife and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
January 30, 2020
Ollie Turner wird Zeuge, wie seine Ziehmutter Nancy entführt wird und kann selbst gerade noch so entkommen. Auf der gefährlichen Flucht vor den Gangstern trifft er auf Dodge, der ihn in eine geheime Zuflucht für gestrandete Kinder bringt: The Haven. Dort bleibt ihm aber keine Zeit um auszuruhen, denn Kinder verschwinden in London und ein großer Bandenkrieg droht, wenn Ollie und seine neuen Freunde nicht innerhalb von 24 Stunden den vermissten Sohn eines Bandenchefs finden. Ein rasantes Spiel gegen die Zeit beginnt…
Ob Simon Lelic der Hybris verfallen ist und sich gern an Charles Dickens misst oder einfach nur ein großer Oliver Twist Fan ist? Auf jeden Fall sind die Namen seiner Charaktere eindeutig aus diesem Werk! Ollie Turner ist ein schlechter Wortwitz auf Oliver Twist (turn/twist), Sikes ist der OberBösewicht – hier eine weibliche Bösewichtin, Nancy die gute Ziehmutter, Fagin das Oberhaupt der Kindergruppe (hier als Felicitas Fagin, genannt Tante Faye) und last but not least Dodge (The Artful Dodger) als tragischer Held.
Schade, echt schade. Sowas nervt mich. Das ist nicht lustig oder so, sondern stört meinen Lesefluss immens. Denn die Handlung ist eigentlich ganz anders als bei Oliver Twist – klar, es spielt in London und geht um Straßenkinder – das war’s dann aber auch schon.
Der Autor hat sich damit meiner Meinung nach keinen Gefallen getan. Leser, die noch nie Oliver Twist gelesen haben, stören sich an den Namen nicht. Das sind sicher einige, besonders die Zielgruppe ab 12. Aber die, die Dickens Roman kennen, sind sicher genauso genervt wie ich und können sich nicht voll auf die mega spannende Handlung konzentrieren.
Die ist nämlich wirklich klasse! Eher James Bond für Kinder als trauriges Gesellschaftsdrama. Coole Technik, noch coolere Kinder und richtig viel Action!
Abseits der rasanten und actionreichen Jagd auf Sikes und dem Versuch, die Einwohner Londons zu retten sind mir weitere positive Aspekte des Buches aufgefallen…
The Haven ist die Zukunft der Bildung. Die Kinder dort lernen gern und konzentriert – und das ohne Erwachsene. Jeder kann etwas besonders gut und gibt es an die anderen weiter, den Rest erarbeiten sie sich selbst. Das ist Montessori Pädagogik par excellence. Auch haben die Kinder eine Form des Miteinanders gefunden, von der wir Erwachsenen uns gern eine Scheibe von abschneiden können!
Die Altersempfehlung ab 12 Jahre ist passend – jedoch nur für nicht allzu zart besaitete Leser. Die Brutalität wird zwar nicht explizit beschrieben, aber es sterben einige Menschen – und selten sind es die „Bösen“.
Es ist fast unmöglich The Haven NICHT in 24 Stunden zu lesen. Spannung, Action, Freundschaft, Witz und super Charaktere – der perfekte Cocktail! (geschüttelt, nicht gerührt!) Klare Lese-Empfehlung!
Ob Simon Lelic der Hybris verfallen ist und sich gern an Charles Dickens misst oder einfach nur ein großer Oliver Twist Fan ist? Auf jeden Fall sind die Namen seiner Charaktere eindeutig aus diesem Werk! Ollie Turner ist ein schlechter Wortwitz auf Oliver Twist (turn/twist), Sikes ist der OberBösewicht – hier eine weibliche Bösewichtin, Nancy die gute Ziehmutter, Fagin das Oberhaupt der Kindergruppe (hier als Felicitas Fagin, genannt Tante Faye) und last but not least Dodge (The Artful Dodger) als tragischer Held.
Schade, echt schade. Sowas nervt mich. Das ist nicht lustig oder so, sondern stört meinen Lesefluss immens. Denn die Handlung ist eigentlich ganz anders als bei Oliver Twist – klar, es spielt in London und geht um Straßenkinder – das war’s dann aber auch schon.
Der Autor hat sich damit meiner Meinung nach keinen Gefallen getan. Leser, die noch nie Oliver Twist gelesen haben, stören sich an den Namen nicht. Das sind sicher einige, besonders die Zielgruppe ab 12. Aber die, die Dickens Roman kennen, sind sicher genauso genervt wie ich und können sich nicht voll auf die mega spannende Handlung konzentrieren.
Die ist nämlich wirklich klasse! Eher James Bond für Kinder als trauriges Gesellschaftsdrama. Coole Technik, noch coolere Kinder und richtig viel Action!
Abseits der rasanten und actionreichen Jagd auf Sikes und dem Versuch, die Einwohner Londons zu retten sind mir weitere positive Aspekte des Buches aufgefallen…
The Haven ist die Zukunft der Bildung. Die Kinder dort lernen gern und konzentriert – und das ohne Erwachsene. Jeder kann etwas besonders gut und gibt es an die anderen weiter, den Rest erarbeiten sie sich selbst. Das ist Montessori Pädagogik par excellence. Auch haben die Kinder eine Form des Miteinanders gefunden, von der wir Erwachsenen uns gern eine Scheibe von abschneiden können!
Die Altersempfehlung ab 12 Jahre ist passend – jedoch nur für nicht allzu zart besaitete Leser. Die Brutalität wird zwar nicht explizit beschrieben, aber es sterben einige Menschen – und selten sind es die „Bösen“.
Es ist fast unmöglich The Haven NICHT in 24 Stunden zu lesen. Spannung, Action, Freundschaft, Witz und super Charaktere – der perfekte Cocktail! (geschüttelt, nicht gerührt!) Klare Lese-Empfehlung!
June 12, 2020
The haven by Simon lelic.
Snatched from his bed in the middle of the night, Ollie Turner is thrust into a world of danger and excitement.
Below the streets of London he discovers a secret city: a network of tunnels that lead him to the Haven, a sanctuary for kids run by kids, and the headquarters of an organisation that fights for justice everywhere.
A brilliant read. Loved the story and some of the characters. What a twist. Didn't expect that. I hope there is more to come. 5*.
Snatched from his bed in the middle of the night, Ollie Turner is thrust into a world of danger and excitement.
Below the streets of London he discovers a secret city: a network of tunnels that lead him to the Haven, a sanctuary for kids run by kids, and the headquarters of an organisation that fights for justice everywhere.
A brilliant read. Loved the story and some of the characters. What a twist. Didn't expect that. I hope there is more to come. 5*.
January 7, 2019
I've awarded this book 3 stars because of the writing quality but I'm afraid the story just didn't gel with me. Understand that this is entirely subjective and I can imagine others will love it. I found the 'Oliver Twist' framework while clever a bit ham-handed and obvious. I couldn't relate to any of the characters and they felt a bit forced as if genders had been changed to tick some boxes. I'm all for diversity in literature but it needs to be authentic.
I really wanted to love this book and I'm disappointed that I couldn't finish it which has only happened a handful of times in my life. I won't be reading any more of this series but I still urge readers to give it a go because I think it will have mass appeal and do very well.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.
I really wanted to love this book and I'm disappointed that I couldn't finish it which has only happened a handful of times in my life. I won't be reading any more of this series but I still urge readers to give it a go because I think it will have mass appeal and do very well.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.
February 5, 2019
An action-packed thriller which will thrill readers of a certain age.
Ollie Turner is nobody special. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time causes a mysterious set of circumstances. This results in Ollie’s guardian being shot and him kidnapped. Ollie then finds himself busy out of the place he’s been held, by a character called Dodge.
Early on the Oliver Twist links were something I was unsure about. This isn’t a retelling of the classic, but it borrows heavily from it. And, as the story progresses this lends another dimension to the story.
I’m not sure how credible the plot is and there are some parts I get needed further explanation, but it was an exciting read that looks like the beginnings of an interesting series.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.
Ollie Turner is nobody special. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time causes a mysterious set of circumstances. This results in Ollie’s guardian being shot and him kidnapped. Ollie then finds himself busy out of the place he’s been held, by a character called Dodge.
Early on the Oliver Twist links were something I was unsure about. This isn’t a retelling of the classic, but it borrows heavily from it. And, as the story progresses this lends another dimension to the story.
I’m not sure how credible the plot is and there are some parts I get needed further explanation, but it was an exciting read that looks like the beginnings of an interesting series.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.
February 8, 2019
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
A simply written YA action thriller.
The plot is very simple and has no great surprises.
Ideal for the younger readers.
A simply written YA action thriller.
The plot is very simple and has no great surprises.
Ideal for the younger readers.
August 4, 2019
This story puts children in charge - empowering them to make a difference. Exciting adventure - an alternative for my students who love the CHERUB series.
March 4, 2020
It has been a while since I last read some YA fiction (and this is pretty solidly into that catagory). This one feels a little generic in its take - the standard tropes of a group of kids saving the city whilst slightly comically evil adults bumble around. It is a fun read, but nothing that can be taken to seriously. Something that I can treat as filler between meatier stories. I am not really the target audience for this, but it was a pleasant enough distraction for a couple of hours.
November 25, 2018
Born and raised in London, i was never aware of so many tunnels! I can see my 10 yr old grandson loving this book and capturing his imagination. A very enjoyable book and although aimed at 11 yrs and above, i am sure that this story will be a fun read for many adults too.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
November 8, 2018
Not the most writerly of books but it's YA fiction. A good potboiler with a fast, engaging plot.
July 31, 2020
I really loved this story, it's always wierd reading about my own countries capital city. But this is done so well.
The characters are well on there way to being really complex characters for the next book, the group is so lovely and funny to read about together.
The writing is supperr to get along with. I think anyone could fly through this.
The characters are well on there way to being really complex characters for the next book, the group is so lovely and funny to read about together.
The writing is supperr to get along with. I think anyone could fly through this.
December 16, 2018
Thank you to netgalley for my copy of this book.
The Haven
Fans of Alex Rider will be familiar with the premise - young, promising teenage boy thrust into the midst of a criminal world he has to learn about on the hoof as he strides around being generally heroic.
The characters, Oliver, Dodge, Nancy, Sikes (and dog!) are familiar ones - although this isn’t just a direct retelling of Dickens, it does give you a sense of what to expect! It does make me wonder where the series will go next, and if it will continue to be a type of pastiche of the orginall!
This is typical teenage action writing - and not in a bad way - it has echoes of the Cherub series, and even the Gone series - although the Haven kids aren’t completely without adult influence, they do come close.
I think the series shows promise - as it is, we only get to know a couple of the characters well. I’d like to see some of the other members of Haven get more of a central role.
Being a book written for young adults, there’s not a huge amount of detail in the characters. Sometimes it feels like there are your typical ‘token’ characters - pretty girl, angry boy, clever kid, hero... however, the action is well written and engaging, the characters likeable and generally believable - so if you like this sort of thing, it’s definitely worth a read!
I’d recommend it to my students aged 11-14 ish who like action, adventure and spy books - it will be right up their street! I will be keeping out an eye for the rest of the series.
The Haven
Fans of Alex Rider will be familiar with the premise - young, promising teenage boy thrust into the midst of a criminal world he has to learn about on the hoof as he strides around being generally heroic.
The characters, Oliver, Dodge, Nancy, Sikes (and dog!) are familiar ones - although this isn’t just a direct retelling of Dickens, it does give you a sense of what to expect! It does make me wonder where the series will go next, and if it will continue to be a type of pastiche of the orginall!
This is typical teenage action writing - and not in a bad way - it has echoes of the Cherub series, and even the Gone series - although the Haven kids aren’t completely without adult influence, they do come close.
I think the series shows promise - as it is, we only get to know a couple of the characters well. I’d like to see some of the other members of Haven get more of a central role.
Being a book written for young adults, there’s not a huge amount of detail in the characters. Sometimes it feels like there are your typical ‘token’ characters - pretty girl, angry boy, clever kid, hero... however, the action is well written and engaging, the characters likeable and generally believable - so if you like this sort of thing, it’s definitely worth a read!
I’d recommend it to my students aged 11-14 ish who like action, adventure and spy books - it will be right up their street! I will be keeping out an eye for the rest of the series.
February 18, 2019
A reimagined Oliver Twist, works without the references as well.
I've read 4 or 5 takes on Oliver Twist in the last year, from dramatised sequels to other contemporary versions. It's a tale that never fails to give, with such indelible characters and the theme of children fending for themselves.
Here, Ollie Turner doesn't run away, he's stolen from his London bed, his police-officer foster-parent along with him, and he ends up escaping from some unknown criminals, with the aid of some fellow teenagers. Brought to a hidden underground refuge, where young people run a network that protects other kids, Ollie and his own saviour, Dodge, get caught up in a plot to take over the city, with Ollie's own kidnapper, Maddy Sikes.
With the major names from Dickens' novel all given new personas here, though roughly corresponding to their roles and characteristics in the novel, the scene is set for an exciting book (and start of series) with an 'agency' of programmers/detectives/spies that can utilise their combined skills and thrill the reader with a 'Cherub'-like (Muchamore's series) plot of underage adventure and excitement.
It didn't need the comparison to Dickens to work, but as a fan, I did enjoy spotting the familiar names and plot points. Ollie is a little more assured a protagonist than in the book, Dodge as gregarious as ever. I enjoyed Fagin's role, a nice 'twist'.
Readable and moves along at a quick pace, the technology and high-octane drama will capture the interest of the target market.
With thanks to Netgalley for the sample reading copy.
I've read 4 or 5 takes on Oliver Twist in the last year, from dramatised sequels to other contemporary versions. It's a tale that never fails to give, with such indelible characters and the theme of children fending for themselves.
Here, Ollie Turner doesn't run away, he's stolen from his London bed, his police-officer foster-parent along with him, and he ends up escaping from some unknown criminals, with the aid of some fellow teenagers. Brought to a hidden underground refuge, where young people run a network that protects other kids, Ollie and his own saviour, Dodge, get caught up in a plot to take over the city, with Ollie's own kidnapper, Maddy Sikes.
With the major names from Dickens' novel all given new personas here, though roughly corresponding to their roles and characteristics in the novel, the scene is set for an exciting book (and start of series) with an 'agency' of programmers/detectives/spies that can utilise their combined skills and thrill the reader with a 'Cherub'-like (Muchamore's series) plot of underage adventure and excitement.
It didn't need the comparison to Dickens to work, but as a fan, I did enjoy spotting the familiar names and plot points. Ollie is a little more assured a protagonist than in the book, Dodge as gregarious as ever. I enjoyed Fagin's role, a nice 'twist'.
Readable and moves along at a quick pace, the technology and high-octane drama will capture the interest of the target market.
With thanks to Netgalley for the sample reading copy.
December 10, 2018
A fantastic series opener. It took me far longer than it should have to realise what it was based on - I should have got it after Nancy and Ollie, I definitely should have got it after Dodge showed up, but it wasn't until we were introduced to Maddy Sikes that I caught on. This is a brilliant adventure and I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next in the series.
Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.
"At first we figured the Haven was just another gang," said Lily, "and we'd had enough of gangs by then to last a lifetime. But then Dodge showed us what the Haven really was. What it stood for. And since then we've never looked back."
"And that scar," said Ollie, tentatively tipping his head towards Dodge. "Danny Hunter gave you that? As, what? Punishment?"
Dodge fingered the line of scar tissue that crossed his face. "As punishment, yes. But as a warning, too, for us to stay away from his property. Because that's basically how he views his Razors. Not as people, but as things."
Ollie found himself frowning. In spite of the danger they had known they'd be walking into, Dodge, Flea and Lily - Sol and Erik, too - had gone willingly into Danny Hunter's lair, for the sake of other kids they didn't even know. It was the kind of selfless heroism you only ever read about in comic books.
For a moment the Haven kids appeared taller, unless maybe it was Ollie who felt shorter.
Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.
"At first we figured the Haven was just another gang," said Lily, "and we'd had enough of gangs by then to last a lifetime. But then Dodge showed us what the Haven really was. What it stood for. And since then we've never looked back."
"And that scar," said Ollie, tentatively tipping his head towards Dodge. "Danny Hunter gave you that? As, what? Punishment?"
Dodge fingered the line of scar tissue that crossed his face. "As punishment, yes. But as a warning, too, for us to stay away from his property. Because that's basically how he views his Razors. Not as people, but as things."
Ollie found himself frowning. In spite of the danger they had known they'd be walking into, Dodge, Flea and Lily - Sol and Erik, too - had gone willingly into Danny Hunter's lair, for the sake of other kids they didn't even know. It was the kind of selfless heroism you only ever read about in comic books.
For a moment the Haven kids appeared taller, unless maybe it was Ollie who felt shorter.
January 4, 2019
I received an advanced reading copy of this book.
Needed a break from a biography I was reading and this one took my fancy...3 hours later, it was read and my reading bug has come back :)
This book is excellent for fans of the Alex Rider and the Cherub series. It is loosely based on Oliver Twist with a modern day take. Action packed and adrenaline fueled, this will keep 11+ readers enthralled in wanting to know what happens to Ollie and his new found friends.
This book is about kids looking out for kids. It is taking care of one another in a world where homeless and abandoned children are forgotten about. Enter, The Haven. This is a home for kids with no where else to go and with no one else to care for them. At The Haven, they are fed, clothed and schooled. They can learn how to be the people that they need to be, knowing that the people who have their backs are in the same situation.
Enter Ollie. A young boy who loses the person closest to him in the world and is suddenly thrust into this underground 'safety' world. He doesn't plan to stay but as usual, nothing ever goes to plan.
I can highly recommend this book.
Needed a break from a biography I was reading and this one took my fancy...3 hours later, it was read and my reading bug has come back :)
This book is excellent for fans of the Alex Rider and the Cherub series. It is loosely based on Oliver Twist with a modern day take. Action packed and adrenaline fueled, this will keep 11+ readers enthralled in wanting to know what happens to Ollie and his new found friends.
This book is about kids looking out for kids. It is taking care of one another in a world where homeless and abandoned children are forgotten about. Enter, The Haven. This is a home for kids with no where else to go and with no one else to care for them. At The Haven, they are fed, clothed and schooled. They can learn how to be the people that they need to be, knowing that the people who have their backs are in the same situation.
Enter Ollie. A young boy who loses the person closest to him in the world and is suddenly thrust into this underground 'safety' world. He doesn't plan to stay but as usual, nothing ever goes to plan.
I can highly recommend this book.
March 24, 2019
Ollie can't believe what's happened to him in the last few hours. Men with guns, murder, strange teens appearing from nowhere, and deep, dark tunnels beyond the sewers underneath London.
Ollie is full of rage and wants revenge on the gunmen, but he is soon convinced otherwise. At least, not just yet. He has been caught up in a devious plot orchestrated by a mad woman called Maddy Sikes.
And just like Bill Sykes in Charles Dickens' novel Oliver, Maddy also has a vicious dog called Bullseye, who she relishes setting on her victims.
But she's not their only problem. Teens are being abducted from the streets. Teens that belong to the London gangs. When the gangs begin to blame each other, trouble simmers, then boils over.
Ollie and his new friends know why this is happening and know what they need to do. How can they convince the gangs to work together against the looming fate of London's entire population?
Dive straight into the action and hold on tight. Have you ever thought there might be a whole system of tunnels and people underneath your feet? Living, learning and looking after one another when the system has failed them? Fans of Cherub, AWOL, and Alex Rider will love this!
Ollie is full of rage and wants revenge on the gunmen, but he is soon convinced otherwise. At least, not just yet. He has been caught up in a devious plot orchestrated by a mad woman called Maddy Sikes.
And just like Bill Sykes in Charles Dickens' novel Oliver, Maddy also has a vicious dog called Bullseye, who she relishes setting on her victims.
But she's not their only problem. Teens are being abducted from the streets. Teens that belong to the London gangs. When the gangs begin to blame each other, trouble simmers, then boils over.
Ollie and his new friends know why this is happening and know what they need to do. How can they convince the gangs to work together against the looming fate of London's entire population?
Dive straight into the action and hold on tight. Have you ever thought there might be a whole system of tunnels and people underneath your feet? Living, learning and looking after one another when the system has failed them? Fans of Cherub, AWOL, and Alex Rider will love this!
June 13, 2019
This was a well-structured story with quite a few twists and turns to it and a plot that holds the attention throughout. The characters are fleshed out reasonably well given that there are a number of central characters taking an active role in plot development.
The big frustration with this story is the apparent attempt to re-write Oliver Twist. The characters have names that echo those of Dickens' despite the fact that there is little to suggest a parallel. This echo completely disturbed any attempt at empathy as there is always a comparison being made to a classic story. The story would have held up just as well, if not better, without this.
The story's conclusion requires much to be resolved in the background. All threads are handled, but there is a sense of dilution to the denouement. Nevertheless, the final confrontation and twist offered good pace and interest. The book rounds off without the requirement for a sequel but is sufficiently vague in some areas to leave a possibility.
The big frustration with this story is the apparent attempt to re-write Oliver Twist. The characters have names that echo those of Dickens' despite the fact that there is little to suggest a parallel. This echo completely disturbed any attempt at empathy as there is always a comparison being made to a classic story. The story would have held up just as well, if not better, without this.
The story's conclusion requires much to be resolved in the background. All threads are handled, but there is a sense of dilution to the denouement. Nevertheless, the final confrontation and twist offered good pace and interest. The book rounds off without the requirement for a sequel but is sufficiently vague in some areas to leave a possibility.
January 13, 2019
Read with my 11 year old daughter. Her review:
Me and my mum have loved this book, we have read it aloud to each other each night and we knew in the first few pages it would be a book we would both enjoy.
The Haven is a place for kids, run by kids and these kids are good, they want to help other children like them. This book has a lot in common with Oliver Twist but at the same time is completely different. The biggest similarity are the names, Ollie and Dodge, Fagin, Sikes and Bullseye all appear in Haven but not as the characters we knew in Oliver.
This book is going to be big. It's fun, it's current and its enjoyable. I'd recommend this book to children in year 6 and up, and grown ups (as my mum loved it too).
Thank you to lovereading4kids and the publisher for the advance book to read and review
Me and my mum have loved this book, we have read it aloud to each other each night and we knew in the first few pages it would be a book we would both enjoy.
The Haven is a place for kids, run by kids and these kids are good, they want to help other children like them. This book has a lot in common with Oliver Twist but at the same time is completely different. The biggest similarity are the names, Ollie and Dodge, Fagin, Sikes and Bullseye all appear in Haven but not as the characters we knew in Oliver.
This book is going to be big. It's fun, it's current and its enjoyable. I'd recommend this book to children in year 6 and up, and grown ups (as my mum loved it too).
Thank you to lovereading4kids and the publisher for the advance book to read and review
June 26, 2020
Similar writing style to Alex Rider....but more toned down, simple and for a younger age. The writing quality for the age group for brilliant and keep that young adult feel but worded for age 10-12.....really clever. However, the plot itself...I struggled with. The main character's plot line flow was great, but everything in the background felt a bit pieced together. I struggled to grasp the meaning, reasons and the whys. This is why as the story carried on, I felt less and less like I cared what happened to the characters. The obviously and brilliant twist on 'Oliver Twist' you read at the beginning suddenly disappears and becomes irrelevant. As a whole I was disappointed with the story, and so frustratingly as the writing style itself is really good and feel like it could have been so much better with a more solid and plausible plotline.
December 20, 2020
This was a very good book. It reminded me very much of Alex Rider, I don't really know how - the plot wasn't very similar. Maybe it was that Ollie and Alex were similar in themselves (Nancy, Ian Rider; both their parents dead).
I also found it cool with the similarities to Oliver Twist. For example: Ollie Turner and Oliver Twist, Nancy in both books being someone to help the boys, Maddy Sikes and her dog Bullseye and Bill Sikes with his dog Bullseye, and Aunt Fay's last name being Fagin which of course is like Fagin in Dickens' (both being the, sort of, leader of the groups).
I was not expecting the twist at the end, well until just before it happened - I could guess who the person was going to be that was what made the twist. I liked the whole concept of it, with kids being the ones looking after each other and being happy without adults. I would definitely recommend!
I also found it cool with the similarities to Oliver Twist. For example: Ollie Turner and Oliver Twist, Nancy in both books being someone to help the boys, Maddy Sikes and her dog Bullseye and Bill Sikes with his dog Bullseye, and Aunt Fay's last name being Fagin which of course is like Fagin in Dickens' (both being the, sort of, leader of the groups).
I was not expecting the twist at the end, well until just before it happened - I could guess who the person was going to be that was what made the twist. I liked the whole concept of it, with kids being the ones looking after each other and being happy without adults. I would definitely recommend!
March 2, 2020
As an action novel, the read was ok, with enough events to make it entertaining or at least not fully boring. The story was quite unrealistic, but worked nonetheless and was probably believable as a "save the world" kind of fiction for children. The characters' development was disappointing, everybody was unidimensional and I liked none of the heroes. However, I appreciated that there were boys and girls in the cast, it's nice to have one that is a little balanced. Sadly, the villain was a full cliché (I think even Sauron wasn't as evil as her), with her sadistic personality and her lack of motivation that made sense, making her uninteresting. Overall, it was an average read, that should work better with young readers than adults who usually enjoy children books.
June 11, 2020
Este livro, mais direccionado para os mais jovens, tem uma história bem interessante, bem estruturada, com uma fluidez boa na narrativa o que faz com que se leia bastante rápida está aventura. Ollie Turner fica a conhecer Haven, um refúgio para crianças, após a morte da sua tutora e descobrirá que Londres é mais do que mostra à primeira vista. A grande vilã Maddy Sikes tem um propósito que ninguém está à espera até ao momento em que Ollie coloca os pontos nos "i's", juntamente com a equipa de Haven. A única crítica que tenho é como é possível um grupo grande crianças estar completamente fora da rede e ninguém dar conta. Por último, apesar de já não ser uma história propriamente para a minha idade, gostei bastante deste mistério e aventura.
November 24, 2018
Described as a must read for fans of Robert Muchamore, this inventive updating of Oliver Twist is an entertaining, tense rollercoaster of a read. The reader is plunged straight into the action when Ollie sees his guardian, Nancy, murdered in front of him. He manages to get away with the help of a strange boy and finds himself in The Haven, an underground home for kids with nowhere else to go, led by the charismatic Dodge. There he finds out that kids have been kidnapped all over London and all the signs point to one woman, the person his guardian was investigating, crime lord Maddie Sykes. Full of twists and turns, this is a very promising start to a very promising new series.
February 17, 2019
I want to like this book, but I don't think I can.
On one hand, the premise is great. On the other, the premise is just like every other teen-saves-the-world novel.
I couldn't get straight into it; the first chapters were dull despite trying to be exciting and to finish was a testament to my perseverance skills. I just wanted it to end. The traitor was obvious, despite Ollie thinking it was someone else - a classic blame the blamable innocent guy move pulled by authors when they don't have any other idea how to make it interesting.
I wish I had more to say but to be honest it was a bit of a waste of time.
On one hand, the premise is great. On the other, the premise is just like every other teen-saves-the-world novel.
I couldn't get straight into it; the first chapters were dull despite trying to be exciting and to finish was a testament to my perseverance skills. I just wanted it to end. The traitor was obvious, despite Ollie thinking it was someone else - a classic blame the blamable innocent guy move pulled by authors when they don't have any other idea how to make it interesting.
I wish I had more to say but to be honest it was a bit of a waste of time.
May 18, 2020
This is a great book for Young Adults. A mix of Oliver Twist (on which it is very loosely based, really only borrowing character names) Alex Rider, and 101 Dalmatians, it is a thrill a minute adventure where the kids are in charge and it is only they who can save the world. I enjoyed being a part of the camaraderie of The Haven, and although I am a little (quite a lot!) over the age at which this is marketed, I found myself completely caught up in the plot and rooting for the youngsters as they battled the forces of evil.
Thank you to the publishers for letting me have a copy via NetGalley, in return for an honest review.
Thank you to the publishers for letting me have a copy via NetGalley, in return for an honest review.
February 2, 2019
I seriously didn’t get the Oliver Twist link at all. I read this as a story in its own right and I’m so glad I did as I didn’t draw any conclusions as to how the story would go.
At its heart this is a well written young adult dystopian story. I found myself enjoying the story as it went on and willing the characters to triumph over the adults. I think teenagers will really take to the story.
I’m happy to see this is the first in a series and I look forward to reading more. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.
At its heart this is a well written young adult dystopian story. I found myself enjoying the story as it went on and willing the characters to triumph over the adults. I think teenagers will really take to the story.
I’m happy to see this is the first in a series and I look forward to reading more. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.
March 12, 2019
I was pleasantly surprised about this book. Cross Spy Kids and Oliver Twist, and you get The Haven. Perfect for upper primary and young adults (10+).
Action from the first page, this is a great book for those the love the genre but may be reluctant to read. The story is written in a way that doesn’t deter lower readers, while upholding the twists and turns a spy / mystery book needs.
And though the story wraps up nicely by the end, there is still room to expand into a series and hold reader’s attention.
Definitely recommend!
Action from the first page, this is a great book for those the love the genre but may be reluctant to read. The story is written in a way that doesn’t deter lower readers, while upholding the twists and turns a spy / mystery book needs.
And though the story wraps up nicely by the end, there is still room to expand into a series and hold reader’s attention.
Definitely recommend!
August 7, 2019
Good rollicking fun, if a little simplistic in parts. I'm not sure it needed the Oliver Twist names, as it made me try to work out how they reflected the original - sometimes yes, sometimes no - so kept pulling me outside the story. And I wonder, for the age group, how many would have read Dickens? Not so many, these days, I think. But worth recommending especially for pre-teen boys who are infamously difficult to find stuff for.
April 1, 2020
Simon Lelic’s children’s book for readers aged 11+ (the first in a series) is a fast-paced and solid action thriller that has a neat underlying idea (an underground network of kids helping kids who the authorities let fall through the cracks) but the OLIVER TWIST references didn’t work for me, none of the characters have any depth and the plot is pure hokum that requires you to suspend your disbelief, although I’d probably check out the sequel.
February 10, 2019
A gripping, action-packed adventure story. Oliver is woken from his bed by men capturing both his guardian, Nancy, and himself. He manages to escape, with a little help from a group of children from The Haven. But he gets caught up in their own plans that lead to even more danger.
A great, fast-paced read that I would recommend for Year 5-10.
A great, fast-paced read that I would recommend for Year 5-10.
October 3, 2019
Loved this book. If you have a year 5-6 reluctant reader give them this, It is fast paced and the action does not stop. Great characters and an especially awful baddie and her equally mean dog.
Could not put this down, can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
There is a little bit of violence in this so be careful of giving it to very sensitive kids.
Could not put this down, can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
There is a little bit of violence in this so be careful of giving it to very sensitive kids.
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