"I loved it! A rich and exciting story." LD Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency

"A wonderfully pacy adventure full of imagination and jeopardy." Jasbinder Bilan, author of Asha & the Spirit Bird

"Hilarious - full of humour, friendship, and mythical adventure." Sarah Driver, author of The Huntress trilogy

Meet Alex Neptune, the boy with the power of the ocean in his hands - a brand-new hero for fans of Percy Jackson and Dragon Realm!

For as long as Alex Neptune can remember, the ocean has been trying to kill him. So he's not too happy when a bunch of sea creatures drag him to the abandoned aquarium on the hill, where an imprisoned water dragon needs his help. But how can he say no to a magical myth?

Recruiting his tech-genius best friend Zoey, legend-lover Anil, a sharp-shooting octopus, four acrobatic otters and a thieving seagull, Alex plots a heist to break the dragon out. And suddenly discovers the power of the ocean at his fingertips...

About the Author
Having worked as a freelance games journalist and taught on a BA Creative Writing course for three years, David Owen's debut novel, Panther, was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal, and was followed by three further highly acclaimed YA novels. Alex Neptune is his first series for younger readers, born of his love for nail-biting heists, fantastical monsters and heartfelt friendships.

Reviews
Confident readers will adore this imaginative story. * The I *
I loved it! I thought it was a rich and exciting story, with a wonderfully creative and magical blend of folklore and relatable crises. And I badly want my own water-dragon... * LD Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency *

David has created a wonderfully pacy adventure full of imagination and jeopardy. Its eco themes will resonate with readers and his glittering star the water dragon will be taken firmly to their hearts.

* Jasbinder Bilan, author of Asha & The Spirit Bird *
Featuring a faded seaside town teeming with legend and danger, Alex Neptune is fun and full of heart, perfect for readers who love mysteries and heists. * Sarah Driver, author of The Huntress trilogy *
With as much mystery and intrigue as the ocean itself, readers will be swept away by this adventure. * Clare Povey, author of The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bonlivre *
This book has all the elements to make the perfect MG adventure - it's funny, it's got strange and familiar creatures and a brilliant cast of characters. * Maisie Chan, author of Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths *
A funny, original and exciting new series that will sweep you away in its aquatic adventure. * WRD Magazine *
An enjoyable and humorous middle-grade fantasy adventure with important themes * The School Librarian *


Awards
Short-listed for Portsmouth Book Award 2023 (UK) and The Week Junior Book Awards 2023 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9781474999236
Author David Owen
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Usborne Publishing Ltd
Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd
Weight(grams) 210g
Dimensions(mm) 204mm * 156mm * 17mm