Thunderbolt: A Jack Courtney Adventure

By Author / Illustrator

Wilbur Smith

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

Publisher

Templar Publishing

ISBN

9781848128552

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

04-03-2021

Synopsis

Second in a brand new action adventure series starring 14-year-old Jack Courtney - a hero to rival Alex Rider - from worldwide bestselling author Wilbur Smith.Jack and his friends Amelia and Xander are in Zanzibar diving for lost treasure to support Jack's mother's coral protection project. Going further than usual on their last day, their dive boat is lured into a trap and captured by Somali pirates. Determined that his mother shouldn't pay a ransom for their release, Jack won't give up his attempts to escape. Transferred to a militia training camp for boy soldiers, the trio's only hope is the resourceful Somali boy Mo who befriends them. Can they outwit the ruthless General Sir and his merciless troops in the second gripping adventure from the authors of Cloudburst?

Reviews

A fast-paced, immersive adventure story that delves into harrowing issues that plague the world. Thunderbolt, sequel to Cloudburst, does not disappoint. Join Jack, Xander and Amelia on another adventure set in the rich, deep seas off the coast of Zanzibar.

Recovering from their latest ordeal in Cloudburst and the revelation that his dad was a crook, the trio search for treasure in the hope of supporting the coral reef protection programme set up by Jack's mum, who has lost more than just her husband in the Congo. One last dive, further off the coast than usual, leads to disaster and thrusts the trio into horrifying depths; lured in and captured by Somali pirates, their captain thrown overboard in the middle of a storm.

Determined that his mum shouldn't pay a ransom, Jack, Amelia and Xander must keep their wits about them and work together in order to survive. Transferred to a militia training camp for boy soldiers, weakened by a lack of nutrient-rich food and set to gruelling work in the height of the beating African sun, new friend Mo, a captured Somali boy, is their only hope of survival. Can they outwit the ruthless General Sir and his loyal troops?

Although this is a sequel, it works seamlessly as a stand alone story and offers plentiful opportunities for rich discussions. A thought-provoking story of contrasts, perfect for fans of Alex Rider and Percy Jackson. Brimming with themes of friendship, strength, determination, courage and centred around overcoming evil, this story is a must for all adventure seekers wishing to explore hidden depths on the African continent.

288 pages / Reviewed by Kelly Buxton, teacher