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

Wednesday 1 May 2019

Review: Alex and the Alpacas Save the World

Wild, racing, intriguing, addictive — Alex and the Alpacas Save the World is all of these things and more.

It’s summer break, and Alex is heading to her grandfather’s farm with her mother. But Alex’s grandfather doesn’t want them there, and he isn’t exactly subtle about it. 

For some strange reason he wants Alex’s uncle and cousin to spend the summer instead, but Alex has no idea why.

Perhaps it has something to do with the strange whispering wind. Or, perhaps it has something to do with the four strange alpacas that moved in at the farm. Alpacas that can talk! 

Alex thinks she’s going crazy, but the strangeness doesn’t stop there. 

A wild firestorm, extinct animals appearing from nowhere, an evil and ancient threat growing stronger and stronger. Something extraordinary is happening at the farm, and somehow Alex is connected to it.

Can Alex find the courage she needs to battle the evil forces that are taking over the farm? Can she learn to trust those that offer their help? When the time comes, can she make the ultimate sacrifice to save the ones she loves?

Alex and the Alpacas Save the World is an epic middle grade adventure. It had me hooked from page one, and its gripping content did not let me go until I reached the end. 

It’s a fabulous ‘good verses evil forces’ journey, and the content is really cool and fresh. Based in Australia, but with links to ancient cultures around the world, it had me enthralled and hungry for more.

Packed with mysteries, it’s a great book for kids who like to solve a puzzle, as the puzzles really do keep coming right up to the end, and there are so many connections to be made and satisfying ‘aha’ moments to be found.

If the kids like action, adventure and mysteries, this one is for them. 

Title: Alex and the Alpacas Save the World
Author: Kathryn Lefroy
Publisher: Fremantle Press, $16.99
Publication Date: May 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781925815412
For ages: 10 - 14
Type: Middle Fiction