Cloudburst

Fans of Enid Blyton rejoice as Wilbur Smith’s first in a series of children’s literature is released. Cloudburst is a gripping adventure story with geographical and environemntal links encassed in friendship, loss and love. Most suited to those aged 10+ this book would make a great addition to teaching children more about the world around them and opening their eyes up to a world full of adventure.

Meet protagonist Jack, a fourteen year old boy, who joins his parent’s on a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in aid of an environmental conference. Joined by his friends Amelia and Xander, Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure, one that he was not prepared for. There is more than gorilla tracking planned for Jack.

Upon overcoming turbulence and diversions set to throw them off course, arriving in the DRC Jack finds himself face to face with his insufferable cousin, Caleb, who at a lose end joins him and his friends on a safari that unfurls, revealing dark twists and turns that will leave you gripping your seat, unable to predict what is going to happen next.

Arriving back to base, Jack is blown another curveball, as it arises that his parent’s have gone missing – kidnapped, it later transpires. Feeling alone and helpless in the DRC, Jack with the help of Amelia, a brainbox character, who see’s the world in black and white (will resonate with many), and Xander fight to uncover the truth in an unforgiving environment.

Sprinkled throughout the book are sparkling gems – rebirth of characters, secrets forging closer relationships, determination, perseverance and strength, which shine through, making Cloudburst a great teaching resource camouflaged in an adventure story for children.

Cloudburst is available to purchace from 19th March 2020, printed by Piccadilly Press. Review copy received with thanks to Reading Zone.