'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday 28 November 2013

Review: Mind Games and Tomb of Doom (Zac Power)


Zac Power books have brought many reluctant readers to words and literacy. They have little literary merit but are filled with action, excitement, terrific gadgets, imagination and adventure, and hold the reader’s interest. They are aimed mainly at boys but many girls will certainly find them to their liking.

Twelve-year-old spy Zac Power and his family work for the GBI (Government Investigation Bureau). With his SpyPad that has built in GPS and code-breaking apps, Zac is able to retrieve from his disc — containing classified information and encrypted passwords — a breakdown of what his current mission entails.  

There are enemies to conquer, traitors to uncover, and daring feats of courage and persistence. All the missions usually have short timeframes. This intensifies the action and keeps the story going at breakneck pace. There is no time to lose interest or get bored because so much keeps happening. 

In Mind Games, hackers have broken into GIB’s computer system. One firewall remains. Zac must locate the hackers, discover what they’re searching for and why, and secure the last firewall. Every step holds a new danger, but the challenge is thrilling for Zac. Will he catch the hackers on time?

Tomb of Doom sees the Power family on holiday together in the desert. GIB agent Trackstar has gone MIA while following a raider of the Vanishing Pyramid. Zac’s mission is to find Trackstar. As always, it’s a race against time.

Zac’s brother Leon sends the necessary coordinates. Can Zac find the missing agent? Will ultra-violet light, invisible stamp pad, and paint bombs be enough amidst a pyramid full of mummies and curses, scorpion attacks and traitors in disguise?  His backpack always seems to hold everything he needs, but will it save the day for the resourceful Zac Power? 

Title: Mind Games; Tomb of Doom (Zac Power)
Author: H.I. Larry
Illustrator: Craig Phillips
Publisher: Hardie Grant, $9.95 RRP
Publication Date: October 2013
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781742977515; 9781742977522
For ages: 7+
Type: Junior Fiction