Alex Neptune: Pirate Hunter by David Owen

Book Summary

Join Alex Neptune, the boy with the power of the ocean in his hands, on his second adventure - perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Dragon Realm!

Alex Neptune is struggling to get to grips with his new oceanic powers...so the last thing he needs is Haven Bay being attacked by pirates in a ship made of rubbish. The marauders are hunting for the missing egg of the elusive water dragon - and Alex is determined to reach it first to stop them stealing its power.

Along with friends Zoey and Anil - plus a clumsy seal, a lock-picking hermit crab and some seriously menacing otters - Alex sets out on a treasure hunt to a secret shipwreck where they must face three monstrous challenges.

When I started reading I didn't realise this was actually book 2 of a series but luckily it didn't matter. It works fine as a standalone and there's enough explanation at the start to know what's going on. First off, I loved the friendship between Alex, Zoey and Anil. They were all so supportive of each other, despite any differences they had. Though Alex kept doubting his powers and strength, the other two were great at boosting his confidence. I thought there were quite a few suspicious characters, and it was hard to know who to trust. I could just imagine how hard it was for Alex! I'm not entirely sure about sea otters living in a boy's bedroom and hiding in his trousers but a grandpa with an ice cream van definitely gets my vote.

Author Bio

Having worked as a freelance games journalist and taught on a BA Creative Writing course for three years, David Owen's debut novel, Panther, was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal, and was followed by three further highly acclaimed YA novels. Alex Neptune is his first series for younger readers, born of his love for nail-biting heists, fantastical monsters and heartfelt friendships. Find him on Twitter or Instagram

To make a Funky Pirate Daiquiri, shake the following ingredients with ice - 50ml rum, 15ml cinnamon schnapps, 15ml lime juice, 7.5ml grenadine and 15ml chilled water. Then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.