The Light Thieves: Search for the Black Mirror

The Light Thieves: Search for the Black Mirror is book 2 in The Light Thieves series and is a hugely ingenious, futuristic sci-fi fantasy adventure by Helena Duggan, author of the sinisterly brilliant A Place called Perfect series. In this story, we return to a world where the future hangs in the balance, at the brink of possible destruction. The sun is gradually being stolen and obliterated by huge shadows that across it and darken the earth.

We return also to the trio of young heroes from the first book. Grian, Jeffrey and Wilde native Shelli, who know already know that it is tech genius and evil mastermind Howard Hansom who is the powerful enemy behind the malevolent plot to steal the sun's energy. Now the trio are being falsely cast as the villains to the world by Hansom and his all-pervading grip on the world's news sources and social media. The fake news means they must frantically and furtively hide, run and fight their way to the next clue that may help them destroy their billionaire enemy and save their world. A black mirror may reflect a secret to a chosen few - if they can find it first.

This is such a cleverly inventive eco adventure that resonates immediately with current reality. There are environmental issues about the damage our planet faces; how fragile the balance has become between man and nature and how much natural energy is needed to sustain all life. The technology giant himself, Hansom, looms more terrifyingly over the young characters and certainly puts the reader in mind of current social media owners and those who seem to seek to control public opinions and knowledge. The story is as thought- provoking as it is action packed. The 'big' themes are complex, intriguing and not ones to be easily solved.

The adventure creates vivid, detailed worlds on many levels. There is a wealth of new technology - ThoughtTech gloves worn by police, forests of fake trees - set against intricately created Wilde communities that live, 'off grid' and shun all technology. The author has created an almost cinematic experience for the reader.

Within this landscape are the characters themselves, of course. Grian, Jeffrey and Shelli are a formidable trio and it is the relationship between them that drives the connection with the story. They are all so different. There is Jeffrey with his (sometimes annoying!) precise nature, Shelli's emotional boldness that always comes with fierce bravery and a sense of conscience, and Grian who is becoming more and more in tune and aware of the wider world and his responsibility to stand against Hansom, despite all his fears. There is a sense of warmth, humour and loyalty amongst them that is the heart of the story.

Search for the Black Mirror is exciting and fast-paced with fresh inventions and ideas for the reader to explore. The plot challenges the reader as times but the characters guide us through, comprehending and questioning what we learn. It is sinister and darkly perilous at times but, like Shelli and Grian's crystals, there is always a glimmer of hope in each chapter that spurs the story on with hope and the promise of new beginnings. Book three is eagerly awaited…

336 pages / Reviewed by Jennifer Caddick, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+