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Rockpools #4
The Island of Dragons
Billy Wheatley is Missing. Presumed Dead.When Billy Wheatley heads off to college, he exchanges small island life for the excitement of the mainland. And while he’s able to ignore the temptations of drink, drugs, and sex which preoccupy the less able students around him, when he attracts the attention of a more sophisticated clique, he is far more at risk.They live within the rarefied air of exclusive restaurants, members-only clubs and exquisite privacy, where they debate the politics, art, and science that Billy yearns to master. But they also harbor a dark secret which funds it all. Except that secret is about to spectacularly implode, leaving Billy perfectly positioned to take the fall.Soon he finds himself accused of a murder - which he just might have actually committed. And with no way out of a net that is closing around him fast, it seems this might be a very premature end for a young man’s promising career, and extraordinary life.The Island of Dragons is the fourth book in the international bestselling Rockpools series by British author Gregg Dunnett. With thousands of five-star reviews in the US and UK, the series is currently being translated into several foreign languages, and is being considered for a major film or TV series.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2021
202 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Gregg Dunnett
37 books493 followersGregg Dunnett is a British author writing psychological thrillers and stories about travel and adventure, usually with a connection to the coast or to the oceans. Before turning to novels he worked as a journalist for ten years on a windsurfing magazine, briefly owned a sailing school in Egypt, taught English in Thailand, Portugal, Turkey and Italy, taught sailing in Greece and Spain, and also had several rather duller jobs along the way.
His brother is the adventurer Jono Dunnett who in 2015 windsurfed alone and unsupported around the entire coastline of Great Britain, and who is currently windsurfing around the coastline of Europe.
Gregg lives in Bournemouth on the south coast of England with his partner Maria. They have two young children, Alba and Rafa, for whom the phrase “Daddy's working” has absolutely no effect.
Gregg's debut novel was an Amazon top 100 best seller in the UK and was downloaded over a quarter of a million times.
Gregg on why he writes:
"I’ve always wanted to do two things in life, to write, and to have adventures. When I was a kid I imagined grand affairs. Kayaking across Canada, cycling to Australia. Whole summers in the Arctic. Did it happen? Well, partly.
I’ve been lucky, I spent some years abroad teaching English. I worked in sailing schools in Greece and Spain. I really lucked out with a job testing windsurfing boards for the magazine I grew up reading. I made a questionable decision (ok, a bad decision) to buy a windsurfing centre in Egypt. I’ve also done my fair share of less exciting jobs. Packing and stacking potatoes on a farm, which got me fitter than I’ve ever been in my life. I did a few years in local government which taught me that people really do have meetings that result only in the need for more meetings, and they really do take all afternoon. I spent a pleasant few months in a giant book warehouse, where I would deliberately get lost among the miles of shelves unpacking travel guides and daydreaming. I’ve done a bit of writing too, at least I learned how to write. Boards Magazine isn’t well known (it doesn’t even exist today) but it did have a reputation for being well written and I shoe-horned articles in my own gonzo journalism style on some topics with the most tenuous of links to windsurfing. But the real adventures never came. Nor did the real writing.
Then, in 2015, my brother announced he was going to become the first person to windsurf alone around Great Britain. I don’t know why. Apparently it was something he’d always wanted to do (news to me). It was a proper adventure. It was dangerous, it was exciting. Even before he set off he was interviewed on TV, in the papers etc... Some people thought he was reckless, some thought he was inspirational. Lots of people thought he’d fail.
But he didn’t. He made it around. He even sailed solo from Wales to Ireland, the first to make the crossing without the aid of a safety boat. I was lucky enough to be involved in a planning level, and take part in a few training sails, and the last leg of the trip. But he did ninety nine percent of it on his own. One step at a time, just getting on with it. That was quite inspiring.
In a way it inspired me to pull my finger out. I’d been writing novels - or trying to write novels - then for a few years. But it was touch and go as to whether I was going to be one of those ‘writers’ with a half-finished novel lost on a hard drive somewhere, rather than someone who might actually manage to finish the job.
I’ve now got two lovely, highly demanding children, so real adventures are hard right now. I still try to get away when I can for nights out in the wilds rough camping, surf trips sleeping in the van, windsurfing when the big storms come. I love adventures with the kids too.
I hope in time to get around to a few real adventures. I want to sail across an ocean. I want to bike across a continent. I definitely want to spend more time surfing empty waves.
But fo
His brother is the adventurer Jono Dunnett who in 2015 windsurfed alone and unsupported around the entire coastline of Great Britain, and who is currently windsurfing around the coastline of Europe.
Gregg lives in Bournemouth on the south coast of England with his partner Maria. They have two young children, Alba and Rafa, for whom the phrase “Daddy's working” has absolutely no effect.
Gregg's debut novel was an Amazon top 100 best seller in the UK and was downloaded over a quarter of a million times.
Gregg on why he writes:
"I’ve always wanted to do two things in life, to write, and to have adventures. When I was a kid I imagined grand affairs. Kayaking across Canada, cycling to Australia. Whole summers in the Arctic. Did it happen? Well, partly.
I’ve been lucky, I spent some years abroad teaching English. I worked in sailing schools in Greece and Spain. I really lucked out with a job testing windsurfing boards for the magazine I grew up reading. I made a questionable decision (ok, a bad decision) to buy a windsurfing centre in Egypt. I’ve also done my fair share of less exciting jobs. Packing and stacking potatoes on a farm, which got me fitter than I’ve ever been in my life. I did a few years in local government which taught me that people really do have meetings that result only in the need for more meetings, and they really do take all afternoon. I spent a pleasant few months in a giant book warehouse, where I would deliberately get lost among the miles of shelves unpacking travel guides and daydreaming. I’ve done a bit of writing too, at least I learned how to write. Boards Magazine isn’t well known (it doesn’t even exist today) but it did have a reputation for being well written and I shoe-horned articles in my own gonzo journalism style on some topics with the most tenuous of links to windsurfing. But the real adventures never came. Nor did the real writing.
Then, in 2015, my brother announced he was going to become the first person to windsurf alone around Great Britain. I don’t know why. Apparently it was something he’d always wanted to do (news to me). It was a proper adventure. It was dangerous, it was exciting. Even before he set off he was interviewed on TV, in the papers etc... Some people thought he was reckless, some thought he was inspirational. Lots of people thought he’d fail.
But he didn’t. He made it around. He even sailed solo from Wales to Ireland, the first to make the crossing without the aid of a safety boat. I was lucky enough to be involved in a planning level, and take part in a few training sails, and the last leg of the trip. But he did ninety nine percent of it on his own. One step at a time, just getting on with it. That was quite inspiring.
In a way it inspired me to pull my finger out. I’d been writing novels - or trying to write novels - then for a few years. But it was touch and go as to whether I was going to be one of those ‘writers’ with a half-finished novel lost on a hard drive somewhere, rather than someone who might actually manage to finish the job.
I’ve now got two lovely, highly demanding children, so real adventures are hard right now. I still try to get away when I can for nights out in the wilds rough camping, surf trips sleeping in the van, windsurfing when the big storms come. I love adventures with the kids too.
I hope in time to get around to a few real adventures. I want to sail across an ocean. I want to bike across a continent. I definitely want to spend more time surfing empty waves.
But fo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 14, 2021
Terrific entry in the Rockpools series finds Billy off to college at BU but getting into more trouble as he gets involved with a bunch of rich kids out of his league and finds himself accused of murder as a result of a bomb going off at a chemical plant back on Lornea Island. Detective West, who helped investigate the murder of a young girl in the first book in the series, is back as an FBI agent, as is Billy's best friend Amber, who moves to Boston with Billy to start a new job. This has become one of my favorite series. The characters feel like family. I do wish Dunnett would clean up the many punctuation errors in the book (please, learn how to use a comma!) and some spelling mistakes as well. It is a bit distracting. Nonetheless, this is a fast read and one I enjoyed thoroughly. Looking forward to the next one, although Dunnett has indicated he's taking a short break to work on another series. 4.5 stars. Highly recommended for fans of the series.
June 1, 2024
Mi libro menos favorito por el momento. Se que está saga no se caracteriza por ser thrillers escabrosos ni por tener un ritmo frenético, pero realmente sentí está cuarta parte un tanto floja, además no ayuda que la trama tarde tanto en arrancar.
Billy es un personaje que me encanta, pero aquí no me agrado tanto, creo que esa frescura que tanto me agrado en el primer tomo se esfumó a la vez que su personaje cumple años.
La premisa tampoco me resultó tan interesante. Es cierto que el desarrollo es correcto y que el autor hace un muy buen trabajo hilando cada detalle, pero simplemente a mí la trama de esta novela no me entusiasmo.
En mi opinión, a The Island Of Dragons le falta más acción y suspense, y aunque la resolución de el crimen estuvo bien, también es cierto que es predecible.
En resumen, un cuarto libro que entretiene y no se vuelve largo, no obstante, no me atrapó tanto como los otros libros de Gregg Dunnett que he leído.
2.75 Estrellas!
May 13, 2021
Great read. Lots of twists and turns that makes it such a page turner.
Just enough reviewing when he describes scenarios from the other books in the series to be a memory jogger.
Highly recommend
Just enough reviewing when he describes scenarios from the other books in the series to be a memory jogger.
Highly recommend
February 4, 2025
Una aventura más del pequeño Billy y por ahora el último libro de la saga. Aunque es cierto que la acción tarda mucho en empezar, me ha gustado como se introduce el nuevo mundo de Billy. Si sale algún otro libro de la saga sin duda lo leeré.
November 27, 2023
Another good adventure for our quirky young hero, Billy Wheatly. He's off to college, and is still smarter than most people around him. Even those rich jerks at Yale.
I still love and highlight all the British phrasings that some kid in the US would never say.
In all the below examples, I much prefer the British wording to the American.
"... interrupting the discussion before it could turn into a row." (argument)
"...mom's (sic) with prams," (stroller)
"...she's wearing a kind of a pleated skirt thing with a white jumper." (sweater)
"... who packed the hamper" (basket)
"...as if they're in a shampoo advert" (ad, commercial)
And two of my favorites from the world of billiards!
"The two final spot balls on the table..." (solid, but I *love* spots and stripes better!)
"Oscar pots ball after ball..." (sinks, pockets, makes)
I still love and highlight all the British phrasings that some kid in the US would never say.
In all the below examples, I much prefer the British wording to the American.
"... interrupting the discussion before it could turn into a row." (argument)
"...mom's (sic) with prams," (stroller)
"...she's wearing a kind of a pleated skirt thing with a white jumper." (sweater)
"... who packed the hamper" (basket)
"...as if they're in a shampoo advert" (ad, commercial)
And two of my favorites from the world of billiards!
"The two final spot balls on the table..." (solid, but I *love* spots and stripes better!)
"Oscar pots ball after ball..." (sinks, pockets, makes)
June 7, 2021
THIS IS THE 4TH STANDALONE BOOK IN THIS SERIES. AS BILLY GOES OFF TO COLLAGE HIS FATHER SAYS “ DON’T GET INTO TROUBLE”, REALLY? BILLY HAS BEEN GETTING INTO TROUBLE FOR 17 YRS. AND KEEP IN MIND HE IS ONLY 17 YRS. OLD. I STARTED OUT WITH BABY BILLY IN "ROCK POOLS" AND I STILL WONDER HOW HE WAS ABLE TO REACH THE RIPE OLD AGE OF 17. HA-HA-HA! BILLY HAS BEEN IN SO MANY SCRAPES AND WILD ADVENTURES, SOME PEOPLE DON’T EXPERIENCE IN A ENTIRE LIFETIME. BUT I LOVE HIS CHARACTER AND LOVE GOING ON HIS EXCITING ESCAPADES. I KNEW THIS WAS GONNA BE A NAIL BITTER FROM THE WORD BOOM! BILLY IS GROWING UP, SIGH! ;D
September 3, 2021
Another excellent book in the Rockpools Series, I really look forward to reading the exploit's of Billy Wheatley. Billy is 17 now and on his way to Boston University to start his degree. He can't wait for his classes to start. He is already knowledge of marine biology. Unfortunately, he soon gets bored as he is not being taught anything he doesn't already know. He gets side tracked, missing lessons when he meets a girl while outside another college where Billy has to attend for one of his lessons. His life is changed. Easy to read and good story line with Billy involved is solving the case even though he is the main suspect.
September 2, 2025
Creo que es el libro más flojo de la saga, la gracia de estos libros estaba en un niño superdotado que resuelve crímenes o misterios de manera bastante lógica y con ese punto de suerte que sólo puede tener un niño.
Cuando la trama madura y avanza en un adolescente/adulto que se mete en temas más adultos y se envuelve en misterios que ni siquiera el termina por resolver...
La historia me cojea desde que se centra en Amber resolviendo, en basar toda la trama a que el FBI escuche a un niño que tienen pruebas de que es un asesino... No sé, creo que no ha sido para mi.
No sé si continuaré con la saga a medida que el autor vaya sacando libros o dejaré este final como el definitivo.
Cuando la trama madura y avanza en un adolescente/adulto que se mete en temas más adultos y se envuelve en misterios que ni siquiera el termina por resolver...
La historia me cojea desde que se centra en Amber resolviendo, en basar toda la trama a que el FBI escuche a un niño que tienen pruebas de que es un asesino... No sé, creo que no ha sido para mi.
No sé si continuaré con la saga a medida que el autor vaya sacando libros o dejaré este final como el definitivo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2021
This is the fourth is a series, and one of the things that makes it enjoyable to me is that I feel like I know the protagonist. When the series started, Billy Wheatly was a child prodigy living on an island with his father. He is now in college and still a genius in his chosen field, marine biology. These books are not deep thinking, book club type books, but are just plain fun to read. In fact, it could almost be a young adult novel. I rated it high because it kept my interest up. I was almost done with the book and couldn't imagine how he was going to get out of this situation.
July 14, 2021
Gregg Dunnett has done it again. Another fantastic book in the rockpool series. Billy Wheatley has certainly grown up since the first book and is now a young man. He still has his quirks but does seem to be making a bit more sense of the world, unfortunately he still seems to attract trouble with a capital T. Amber his friend, is still involved in his life and some of her sharper edges have softened and she really cares and supports Billy. Read the book to find out what exploits she and Billy find themselves embroiled in this time.
December 29, 2022
Even though the storylines are somewhat improbable I thoroughly enjoy these books and this was no exception . I just find I like Billy and his quirky ways - the story is always fast paced and I just can’t put it down . This one was a little predictable, though couldn’t work out what had happened to Billy until it was explained . I do wonder if all these magical electronic gizmos he has actually exist or are created out of poetic licence but as I say something keeps bringing me back to read the next book in the series .
April 11, 2023
The fourth in this series. I find the books very readable, but this one was slower to hook me. The later part of the book is very exciting and really grabs the reader. Without saying too much and spoiling it, Billy goes to college a year earlier than his peers, and gets in with a very sophisticated group of older students. Therein lies his problem. Fingerprints suggest he's responsible for a murder back on Lornea Island, and he's known to be a nature-loving activist. Can he get out of the problem? Read it and find out.
July 15, 2023
He terminado de leer los cuatro libros de la serie Isla de Lornea. Me han súper encantado, muy ágil lectura, aventura, suspenso, acción, intriga, amistad , crimen, en fin, tiene la serie todos los ingredientes para gustar.
Realmente se nota el crecimiento de Billy a lo largo de la serie, lo conocimos de 11 años y tiene en el último libro 17, realmente es un chico excepcional.
Gregg Dunnett dará un descanso a esta serie; pero ojalá no tarde mucho en volver con las aventuras de Billy en la Isla de Lornea.
¡Felicidades!
Realmente se nota el crecimiento de Billy a lo largo de la serie, lo conocimos de 11 años y tiene en el último libro 17, realmente es un chico excepcional.
Gregg Dunnett dará un descanso a esta serie; pero ojalá no tarde mucho en volver con las aventuras de Billy en la Isla de Lornea.
¡Felicidades!
May 22, 2025
I hate to say this..
I love Greg and so far every book, this one however was a little disappointing as Billy lacked depth. The plot was a little predictable. The use of English-British terms used by Billy was off putting, as it's not how Billy would speak even in his thoughts..like calling his shirt a jumper. I did love that he and Amber were together again, I hope Billy has another adventure left in him.
I love Greg and so far every book, this one however was a little disappointing as Billy lacked depth. The plot was a little predictable. The use of English-British terms used by Billy was off putting, as it's not how Billy would speak even in his thoughts..like calling his shirt a jumper. I did love that he and Amber were together again, I hope Billy has another adventure left in him.
May 5, 2021
Excellent
I love every one of this series. Billy Wheatley! He always manages to get himself involved with some kind of craziness! This author always makes me happy with just the right amount of humor, suspense, and thrill! I pick one of these up and I can’t quit til I’m finished! Dang it, now what am I going to read?
I love every one of this series. Billy Wheatley! He always manages to get himself involved with some kind of craziness! This author always makes me happy with just the right amount of humor, suspense, and thrill! I pick one of these up and I can’t quit til I’m finished! Dang it, now what am I going to read?
June 8, 2021
Another great Rockpool story
I've enjoyed each of the now four books in Mr. Dunnett's Rockpool series. His narrative abilities put you right in the middle of the action. His characters are finely crafted. The stories are solidly thought out. Start with the first book and you'll be hooked!
I've enjoyed each of the now four books in Mr. Dunnett's Rockpool series. His narrative abilities put you right in the middle of the action. His characters are finely crafted. The stories are solidly thought out. Start with the first book and you'll be hooked!
March 23, 2022
Loved this story
This is another Billy story and I hope there are more to come. Billy is no longer a child, but the thoughtful, deep thinking little boy is still there, facing his demons. My only criticism: no child finds his father cool, even when he gets offered drugs by his roommate. Poor kid would have had a crisis, right there!
This is another Billy story and I hope there are more to come. Billy is no longer a child, but the thoughtful, deep thinking little boy is still there, facing his demons. My only criticism: no child finds his father cool, even when he gets offered drugs by his roommate. Poor kid would have had a crisis, right there!
May 8, 2022
Loved it, wasn’t a fan of book 3, not enough Billy and Amber turned into a fool, but this one was 100% Billy, only reason for it not to be a 5 was that the whole explanation and working it all out seemed to happen pretty quick right at the end of the book and I kinda wanted Billy to outsmart the enemy rather than to just be good at faking stuff!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2025
i love it, i love it, i love it. it's one of those books that when you start reading you don't want to stop. it's one of those books that if you stop reading for a couple of days when you start you don't have to go back a couple of pages to refresh your memory of the story you were reading. i hope i can read many more, although i confess that Billy is giving me green hairs.
June 12, 2025
I need more of Billy!
Reading this book had me feeling all the feels. I love getting to watch Billy grow up from such a smart awkward little kid into this college kid in a big world. So many new things and maybe a little less action in this one but the story didn't disappoint! How quickly Dunnett has become my go to author!
Reading this book had me feeling all the feels. I love getting to watch Billy grow up from such a smart awkward little kid into this college kid in a big world. So many new things and maybe a little less action in this one but the story didn't disappoint! How quickly Dunnett has become my go to author!
May 8, 2021
Not good at devises
Yes best book so far, a real page turner. Can't wait to see how Billy turns out but however he does you are a brilliant writer. Have read all your books so far and hopefully ,ore
Yes best book so far, a real page turner. Can't wait to see how Billy turns out but however he does you are a brilliant writer. Have read all your books so far and hopefully ,ore
May 8, 2021
Brilliant read
After reading the first Rockpools book, I thought it would be difficult to produce another brilliant book about the same character. I was wrong. This is the fourth in the series and as good as the first.
After reading the first Rockpools book, I thought it would be difficult to produce another brilliant book about the same character. I was wrong. This is the fourth in the series and as good as the first.
August 30, 2021
Loved all the books in the Rockpools series. Just because Billy has gone off to college don't think his adventures are over and done with. Read all the Rockpools books in order. You'll love them and Billy.
September 20, 2022
good read in the series
I have been following Billy growing up in the series and I love that. Also like the connection between Billy and his father. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I have been following Billy growing up in the series and I love that. Also like the connection between Billy and his father. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
June 24, 2025
Before you go.....
You know that feeling when you get to the end of a really good book, and it has a satisfying ending? I have that feeling now, except it was a series of four books, that followed a young man from age 11 to 17. I'm wondering if the author will right more.
You know that feeling when you get to the end of a really good book, and it has a satisfying ending? I have that feeling now, except it was a series of four books, that followed a young man from age 11 to 17. I'm wondering if the author will right more.
May 5, 2021
Absolutely loved the latest in the Rockpools series. Honestly struggled to put this down as I was desperate to know what happened. Great read.
May 6, 2021
Good addition to the Rock pools series
Enjoyed catching up with Billy as he goes off to college. Worried about some of his choices early on but he came through.
Enjoyed catching up with Billy as he goes off to college. Worried about some of his choices early on but he came through.
May 10, 2021
Gregg Dunnett never disappoints! Loved ' The Island of Dragons'.
May 15, 2021
I’m absolutely loving this Rockpools series. It’s great to see Billy growing up and the adventures he ends up in. This latest book is another page turner that I couldn’t put down.
May 24, 2021
Great summer read
A creative story line. I enjoyed the plot and how it all turned out at the end of the book.
A creative story line. I enjoyed the plot and how it all turned out at the end of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews