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.” Hello Yellow - 80 Books to Help Children Nurture Good Mental Health and Support With Anxiety and Wellbeing -

Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief by David Owen | Waterstones

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. 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. Author Luke Palmer introduces his new book, Play (Firefly Press) about four boys growing up together, the challenges, the friendships, and what hap... 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 trilogyAlex’s big sister Bridget was giving Luisa from Encanto vibes and I think might have been my fave character - super determined. What Alex sees inside tears at his heart, and blows his mind in equal measure. The mythical story of Haven's beginnings are true! 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. Usborne has acquired two new titles from David Owen in the “funny” and “magical” Alex Neptune series, which follows a schoolboy with the power of the ocean in his hands.

Alex Nepture, Dragon Thief by David Owen - BookWormHole Review - Alex Nepture, Dragon Thief by David Owen - BookWormHole

Alex's best friend is Zoey, a keen inventor and budding engineer. Her father runs a scrap business, but yearns to be a full-time artist. His creations are made from the scrap he collects, and Zoey fears for his artist dreams. The setting is wonderful. A decidedly strange seaside town reminiscent of Eerie on Sea, though with a charm all of its own. Much of this lies in the rich local legends, about a pirate and a dragon and their battle across the bay. It's a place full of mystery too, from lights seen in the old, abandoned aquarium to the rather sinister structure recently built on the harbour. What is poisoning the water in the bay? What is the mayor up to? Why does he have secretive guards all over the place? There's so much to delve into here. Night Mayor Franklefink has vanished from the Transylvanian Express - and it's up to you to solve the case! Part of the Solve Your Own Mystery seri...

Genre

I loved this story and can't recommend it enough. The adventure, humour and magic will hook all readers and I am sure would be a well-read and loved book in any classroom. The story is perfect for children 9+ (Years 5 and 6). Will there be another one? I hope so. Thank you, David! Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Moments The theme of pollution in the oceans is a relevant and crucial topic for schools. However, while the legend provides an explanation for Alex’s powers to emerge, it would be important to question the message that a mythical creature can come and clean up a man-made problem. The positive mindset of the characters in investigating the problem in the first place does demonstrate that we can all help in our own way and provides a good opportunity to discuss what we can do as individuals to help clean up the oceans. Intelligence - Enough to understand humans, control its powers and feel human emotions. Does not talk or to be cleverer than humans (5/10). I loved it! I thought it was a rich and exciting story, with a wonderfully creative and magical blend of folklore and relatable crises. And I badly want my own water-dragon...” - LD Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency

Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief | David Owen | 9781474999236

Alex Neptune lives in a seaside town with his friends Zoey and Anil. All of his life he has believed the ocean is dangerous and is out to kill him. However, he is soon made to overcome this fear when he is dragged to an abandoned aquarium by a sea creature to help a stranded water dragon. Can Alex and his friends save the water dragon? Could the long-told myth be true? And has Alex discovered the magic of the ocean? He will need all the help he can get as the plot twists and turns against evil. 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. There’s a wonderful dragon in David Owen’s thrilling new adventure story, but it’s not the fire-breathing kind; rather it’s a water dragon, a huge and gorgeous, sinuous creature with amazing powers. Honestly, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect going into this! Adorable, mischievous animals and a very (possibly overly) strong “save the ocean” message was what greeted me, and what a fun, chill read it was!There was also a serious message here, about what we're doing to our oceans, our responsibility to them and a scathing criticism of capitalist methods of fixing things for those prepared and able to pay. The new titles – books four and five in the series – Alex Neptune, Zombie Fighter and Alex Neptune, Dragon Champion, are scheduled for publication in 2024. Sarah Stewart, senior commissioning editor acquired world rights to these two titles in a two-book deal from Ella Kahn at Diamond, Kahn & Woods.