Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief: Book 1

Product Information

LoveReading4Kids exists because books change lives, and buying books through LoveReading4Kids means you get to change the lives of future generations, with 25% of the cover price donated to schools in need. Join our community to get personalised book suggestions, extracts straight to your inbox, 10% off RRPs, and to change children’s lives. Alex Neptune: Dragon Thief officially releases tomorrow and is Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month for August. Their exclusive edition has a wonderful greeny sprayed and stencilled edge with octopus arms on it (they aren’t tentacles - right David?). There’s also purple foiling on the cover of all editions 💜 and the both the internal illustrations and cover were by George Ermos - and I can’t believe I missed the map until I was looking for the illustrator name! Alex and Zoey have been testing the water of Haven, trying to prove that it's being polluted by a new building on the seafront. Called The Station, no-one knows what goes on in there. What they are sure of, is that their vain, greedy Mayor has something to do with it.

Alex Neptune Dragon Thief - David Owen - whatiread Alex Neptune Dragon Thief - David Owen - whatiread

Size - While the Water Dragon is in a diminished energy-saving-mode size that can fit easily inside an ice-cream van for most of the story, we'll be assessing its size based on the final form when it was returned to fuller (if not full) power. This means while it is possible the bay's shape was indeed like that because the Water Dragon took a bite out of it (leaving it with a 7 or potential 8), the climax size is roughly the size of the boat/ship of the villain. Which isn't huge in dragon numbers (5/10) Featuring a faded seaside town teeming with legend and danger, Alex Neptune is fun and full of heart, perfect for readers who love mysteries and heists.' - Sarah Driver, author of The Huntress trilogy I had an absolute blast with this book, all the characters are a lot of fun, with their own quirks they bring to the story. I adored the animals used in this story, otters, seagulls, octopi, and other marine animals were included, and of course the wonderful water dragon featured on the cover. The story is great to, well written, with a wonderful legend entangled within. There is fantasy and magic involved in the central plot, but a lot of the action involves people putting brain and brawn together to come up with a viable solution. I think the children who do read this will definitely find something to like, and adults who are used to indulging in this genre will also enjoy their time with it.Alex’s big sister Bridget was giving Luisa from Encanto vibes and I think might have been my fave character - super determined. The dragon left to catch up on its work while keeping in touch with Alex at times. The problems of their little town are not over, though.

Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief by David Owen | Waterstones

I loved the subtle chosen one vibes and how Alex’s fear had kept him from realising his potential and how he takes steps to manage this, all whilst doing some very scary things like facing the villainous Raze Callis (excellent villain name btw). The winners of The Farshore Reading for Pleasure Teacher Awards 2023, highlighting the work schools are doing to encourage a love of reading, have... The story itself was quite predictable and nothing really new happened that I haven't seen elsewhere. The villain and his motive are as generic as they come.

Advance Praise

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Alex Neptune, Pirate Hunter by David Owen | Waterstones Alex Neptune, Pirate Hunter by David Owen | Waterstones

This adventure sees all the characters ease into the roles they began with. They help and support each other in the ways that the other needs. The adults continue to assist but, for the most part, are unaware of the dangers that the children are undertaking. Alex may be the central protagonist, but the other Zoey and Anil also are given time and attention as they contribute to the hunt for the missing egg and its importance. We also had new characters introduced who bought mystery and a lesson about making sure things are done the right way rather than by any means necessary. It is a gripping, exciting story which ignites the imagination with sprinklings of humour added in. The underlying eco-friendly themes run throughout the story and make you think about the way in which the marine environment is ever-changing. The book would be perfect to explore themes such as marine life, plastic pollution, littering and caring for our marine life. David has created a wonderfully pacy adventure full of imagination and jeopardy. Its eco themes will resonate with readers and his glittering star the water dragon will be taken firmly to their hearts.' - Jasbinder Bilan, author of Asha & The Spirit BirdAlex Neptune, Dragon Thief is a terrific story which had my son and me hooked; so much so that we nearly missed our train stop because we were... We’re delighted to be growing an initial three-book series that started with Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief in 2022, into a five-book one so soon. David’s imaginative ideas for further adventures were irresistible.”

Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief: Alex Neptune, Book 1 (Audio

A ship made of trash and being spearheaded by a pirate is trying to find the missing dragon's egg, and they think it's still in their town. There is a new member in their small group, one who comes bearing news of the plans of the pirate. Appearance - A snake-like body with fins. Biologically makes sense, but it would then also make sense to call it Water Serpent. The head was at least somewhat faithful (3/10).Featuring a faded seaside town teeming with legend and danger, Alex Neptune is fun and full of heart, perfect for readers who love mysteries and heists.” - Sarah Driver, author of The Huntress trilogy Now the tourists avoid it too. Haven's waters have become polluted and unswimable, making it tough for businesses to survive in Haven. Alex's family have an ice cream van that Alex often helps in, but it doesn't make a lot of money. In book one Alex had to combat his fear and now in book two he needs to work on his self confidence - Alex experiences a serious and nearly debilitating case of imposter syndrome. But the cast of characters from book one including his best friends Zoey and Anil, sister Bridget and Grandpa are all here to support him in his endeavours. David Owen is better known for his YA novels, which tend to have a scifi edge. This is a younger book with a fantasy theme, so I wasn't sure when I started reading it what it would be like.