Monster Island (George Ivanoff, Puffin)
When Bernie’s mother gets a top-secret new job, it seems too good to be true. So instead of staying behind with his aunt, Bernie decides instead to sneak along—and it’s a good thing he does! Upon arriving at the remote island his mother will be working on, he learns the scientists working there call it Monster Island. Not only is it home to extinct creatures, there are also mythical ones that people believe live only in legend. When Bernie and his new friend Ivy discover mysterious (and hostile) drones spying on the island, no one believes them at first, but they are determined to find out who is spying—not to mention why—and prove that they both deserve to remain on Monster Island. This novel is perfect for fans of franchises such as Jurassic Park, or anyone who has an interest in mythical or legendary creatures. Set so close to home, it almost feels possible that Monster Island is truly out there. This is an incredibly fun and exciting adventure that you won’t want to put down. The action comes thick and fast, and George Ivanoff has done an excellent job of making the reader feel as though they’re right alongside Bernie and Ivy as they’re solving the mysteries of the island. A great collision of science and legend, Monster Island leaves you wanting more in the best way possible.
Books+Publishing reviewer: Anneliese Gates is a writer and works in a primary school library. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.
