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Formats
Ebook Details
  • 01/2016
  • 0996928308 B01AEQA0Z4
  • 240 pages
  • $2.99
Paperback Book Details
  • 01/2016
  • 9780996928304 0996928308
  • 232 pages
  • $10.99
Will Swanepoel
Author
The Drowning Shark: A Sierra Rouge Adventure

Children/Young Adult; Mystery/Thriller; (Market)

When her mother dies unexpectedly, fifteen-year-old Sierra Rouge travels to South Africa, a country she's never been to, to live with her celebrity chef father, a man she barely knows. During a boat tour, she learns from local activists that dead sharks are washing up on the shore without their fins. Sierra decides to take matters into her own hands to find the people responsible. In her efforts to bring down the shark finning operation, the past sneaks up on her and she discovers that there may be more to her mother's death--and life--than she realized. A fast-paced adventure novel rooted in a real-life environmental challenge, The Drowning Shark is the story of one girl's quest to discover answers, find a new sense of normal, and do good in the world.
Reviews
Amazon.com

I am ready for more Sierra Rouge! What a girl! This book was well paced and adventurous with a beautiful, detailed setting of South Africa.

As the story developed, I got more involved with Sierra and was surprised with her quick thinking and how she was able to take on her foes. I enjoyed that she was still a teenage girl who had problems making friends and coping with the feelings of an unexpected crush. Her family dynamics interested me and who doesn't love a hovering, older sister-like character whose flirting is comical but is there when needed most.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the underlying problem of shark finning and the many different reactions to it. There were a vast amount of characters in the story that reacted differently to this problem. Sierra, being the hero, reacted to the proactive extreme of searching and finding solutions. As much as I want to be a hero like Sierra, I felt like I was able to relate to more of the sub characters. You don't have solve the problem to help. If you become aware and do what you can it is something. I didn't want to be the naive tourist in the story, who saw only his benefits and wouldn't be bothered by all the problems. I thought that all of these different types of people and reactions made the story relatable. It showed me how I can be more involved in my own community problems.

This book would be great for any teenager to read. They would enjoy an adventure and learn that you can be involved in what is going on in the world. I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not impact my opinion or the content of my review.

Amazon.com

The Drowning Shark is so full of vivid action packed events, all I can say is buckle up and hold on tight for the ride. Once I started reading I couldn’t wait to discover what happened next.

The authors delved deep into the heart and mind of a teenage girl as she awakens to her new reality of living a life full of loss, mystery, danger and our modern day world that needs what she has to give to put some wrongs right.

This book, although written for teenagers, will appeal to all ages – it’s guaranteed to throw you back to your Nancy Drew and Hardy Boy loving days.

Sierra Rouge, the main character, will spark the curiousity of young readers to learn more about modern day social and environmental issues. It will inspire them to take a stand for what they believe in and show that every action toward making our world a better place to live is well worth the risk of being perceived as “different”.

Sierra is spunky, independent, smart, witty, and strong. She sets a good example to others on how they too can make a difference in their own community.

I recommend this book to young readers who enjoy nonstop action, new adventures and a little bit of violence for a good cause. Although there are some intense scenes, there are light and even funny ones as well. There is a cast of characters that range from evil and greedy to romantic and good hearted souls.

I was gifted this book to read for a review, which I anxiously awaited, and was delighted to devour. I was so impressed with how well it’s crafted line by line. It was easy to lose myself in and embody each of the characters.

I highly encourage you to read this book with your young reader so that you can discuss the pertinent issues it brings to life.

If you’re a teacher, this would be a great book to read as a class or book club –especially during Shark Week! It’s sure to spark some great conversations between adults and young readers on how we all can help make this planet better.

I can’t wait for the next Sierra Rouge adventure! It’s sure to be a thrill!

Amazon.com

Most of the first Sierra Rouge adventure is set in Capetown, South Africa which was a thrilling backdrop for the story especially because of the leaping great white sharks but also the game parks and hikes that are described. Sierra herself is a compelling character. Though she's now making a home with her celebrity-chef father, she honors her mother's memory by continuing her work with an environmentally conscious action group which works largely undercover. In some ways 15-year-old Sierra is in over her head on her first mission but she does bring a lot of skills with her such as a mastery jiu jitsu and a solid knowledge of reconnaissance. Following her as she adjusts to a new city, makes new friends and gets herself in and out of numerous high-intensity situations with Russian mafia thugs made the book a fast-paced read and I couldn't put it down. My daughter is currently zooming through herself and has recommended it to a friend.

If you love Alex Rider, the Young James Bond or the Cherub series then this book is for you. In fact the refreshing international setting, plucky lead character and tackling of environmental issues made it better than those in my opinion. I just ordered the paperback copy for my library and can't wait to share it with my students. Looking forward to #2!

Amazon.com

Reading this book enabled me to visit a place that I will never see, and through a well-crafted, fast-paced adventure story, also made me aware of an important social issue that does not get enough attention. Sierra Rouge is a strong character who at only 15 years old has already experienced personal upheaval in her life. When she learns about a serious injustice befalling sharks, she does not hesitate to spring into action to help make a difference while at the same time trying to unravel a mystery surrounding the death of her mother that has international implications. The vivid descriptions of the various venues in South Africa, the well-defined characters, and the intelligent writing style, make this an enjoyable read for teenagers and adults alike. More importantly, this book’s message, as well as the authors’ commitment to donate five percent of the net profits from its sales to shark conservation organizations, makes this book an instrument for positive change in the world. I am looking forward to the next Sierra Rouge adventure.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Formats
Ebook Details
  • 01/2016
  • 0996928308 B01AEQA0Z4
  • 240 pages
  • $2.99
Paperback Book Details
  • 01/2016
  • 9780996928304 0996928308
  • 232 pages
  • $10.99
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