Synopsis: The dynamic duo of Tim and Grk go on the best holiday of their lives to the peaceful island of the Seychelles. Only something is not right in paradise, as, on a private island, one of the richest men in the world has hatched an evil plan. Tim and Grk find themselves fighting a private army to rescue a family of giant tortoises.

Review: With the feeling of a boys’ own adventure story and an Enid Blyton romp updated for the 21st century, Joshua Doder’s novel is an enjoyable and captivating read. Whilst the plot lines are not realistic, they are satisfying and hugely enjoyable. Tim and Grk, the dog, are well drawn as characters. Grk is a personable and seemingly intelligent hound. Doder gives him status in his own right and the chapter in which the dog is imprisoned is particularly effective; “If the other dogs were to be believed, Grk was going to spend the rest of his life in here, never seeing the sun, never smelling fresh air, never running on the grass, never chasing a rabbit, never doing any of the things which make a dog’s life worth living.” (P. 163) Tim is a credible protagonist and behaves, in many ways, just how a young boy (and maybe a juvenile quasi James Bond) would – particularly enjoyable was the way in which he left his parents on a deserted island and how they reacted to their situation. The resolution of the story is satisfying and well-written. This is a novel (and series), which is sure to be popular and certainly deserves to be read.

2008-01-03