PAX and the Forgotten Pincher by David Barker

Book Summary

Cut off from the rest of the country, New London life is tough, the truth is slippery and friendships are vital.

Pax has made it through the trials of his first year at Scholastic Parliament, but any hopes of a quieter second year are quickly dashed when he makes a shocking discovery in the school’s basement. A new student also joins the school, acting suspiciously and muscling in on Pax’s friendship with Samuel. At least being reigning champions in the Parliamentary Polls allows Pax and his friends the freedom to explore the city at weekends. But drone raids and cyber-attacks disrupt life in New London while a paranoid mayor cracks down hard on terrorism.

The second book in the Pax series is even better and more gripping than the first! Adventurous and emotional with just a little touch of romance.

The characters are more defined now and Pax, Samuel and Megan have built up a great friendship after the events in book one, but the introduction of a fourth student to their little group mixes everything up and causes havoc.

I love the references to what was the distant past for them. An iPhone is an ancient bit of technology to Pax, but still looks modern to Albert. And the way words are contorted, Pincher sounds far more sinister than pensioner. No wonder people are terrified of them!

Today I've made a Bee-Bop's Knees (renamed for the robot Bee-Bop, you'll see why when you read the book). In a shaker with ice, add 60ml gin, 22.5ml lemon juice, 15ml honey syrup (reduce if you don't want it too sweet) and 10ml orange juice.