Boy X - Hardcover

Growing up, DAN SMITH moved with his family through Africa, Asia, and South America. He now lives in Newcastle, England, with his wife and two children. He made his publishing debut with the novel My Friend the Enemy, released September 2014. Find out more about the author at www.dansmithsbooks.com.

Gr 4–6—Smith's latest middle grade novel is an action-packed jungle thriller. Ash awakens from his father's funeral and finds himself in a stark, clinical-looking facility on a remote island. Disoriented and searching for his mother, Ash stumbles upon Isabel, a courageous girl whose father works in the facility. The two set off together to locate Isabel's father and Ash's mother, soon discovering something is terribly wrong. Gunshots are fired, a helicopter is brought down, and the facility goes into lockdown. In addition, Ash slowly begins to realize that his senses have somehow been enhanced. The two soon find their parents locked in a room and infected with Kronos, a terrifying, horribly contagious, and deadly virus. Isabel and Ash have 24 hours to locate the cure and prevent Kronos from being released upon the masses. From then on, chapters are prefaced with a countdown clock, which communicates a feeling of urgency to readers, increasing the suspense. Ash and Isabel are likable, compelling characters in whom students can become easily invested. VERDICT Suspense fans will be captivated by the twisting, turning plot of this thriller.—Tiffany Davis, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY