Are the "I'm bored" comments starting to creep into daily conversation at this point of the summer? Is there a car trip planned before school starts? If so, Raiders' Ransom by Emily Diamand is just the book needed to cure those nothing to do, nowhere to go, are we really going to be stuck in the car for hours blues. Adventure and excitement abound in this science fiction view of England in the 23rd century. Pirates, spies and kidnapping get the action started and the roller coaster never stops! Global warming has taken a toll on the earth, England is underwater and pirates rule the marshes. Technology and computers are wiped out leaving a mostly medieval society that relies upon subsistence fishing and raiding to survive. Sound too grim? Enter the two main characters, Lily and Zeph. The story is told in alternating chapters from each character's point of view. Plenty of verbal sparring, gritty details and action keep the story rolling along at breakneck speed. Lily and her sea cat, Cat, are determined to right the wrongs of the world, while Zech, a raider's son is focused on finding acceptance and love from his father. When these two characters crash together, they must find common ground and a way to work together that will surprise the reader to no end. Both Lily and Zech have troubles that can't easily be wrapped up in a single book but the conclusion is satisfying and plausible.
Emily Diamand won the first London Times/Chicken House Children's fiction competition with this book, beating out 2,000 other entries. The author builds a world that is believable and somewhat terrifying but also tells a story that is fast paced and total entertainment just perfect for those days when there's just nothing to do. Recommended for grades 4th and up. There are a few references that may require explanation as well as a few "british-isms" that may be unfamiliar. The audiobook is an excellent way to pass many miles of driving time for the whole family.
