Last year I took part in the blog tour for book one in the Alex Neptune series – you can read my review here https://kirstyes.co.uk/2022/08/03/alex-neptune-dragon-thief-by-david-owen-blog-tour-book-review/

This year I’m happy to be back with a review of book two, an interview with author David Owen and need that we will be getting not one but two Alex Neptune books this year.

About the Book

Join Alex Neptune, the boy with the power of the ocean in his hands, on his second adventure – perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Dragon Realm!

Alex Neptune is struggling to get to grips with his new oceanic powers…so the last thing he needs is Haven Bay being attacked by pirates in a ship made of rubbish. The marauders are hunting for the missing egg of the elusive water dragon – and Alex is determined to reach it first to stop them stealing its power.

Along with friends Zoey and Anil – plus a clumsy seal, a lock-picking hermit crab and some seriously menacing otters – Alex sets out on a treasure hunt to a secret shipwreck where they must face three monstrous challenges.

Indiana Jones meets Pirates of the Caribbean in this ultimate treasure-hunting, puzzle-solving ocean adventure!

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.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/davidowenauthor
Instagram: http://instagram.com/davidowenauthor 

Interview with David Owen 

How did you firstly find the transition from writing YA to writing MG?

I actually started out writing MG before I ever wrote YA, but could just never get them published! Between my published YA books I wrote MG books that got close to being picked up by publishers but never quite made it. I was determined to keep trying because I love writing for this age group and I felt I was good at it. I just needed the right idea! Thankfully, that seems to have been Alex Neptune.

And now from writing standalones to writing a series?

I was quite worried about this, because I knew nothing about writing a sequel. Thankfully, I had plenty of ideas that could fill a series, so inspiration wasn’t a problem. And in the end, I’ve really enjoyed writing the next books in the series. There’s a sense that I can hit the ground running because the characters, setting, back story etc. are already established, though it took a little bit of practice to get the right balance with recapping.

It’s also been a pleasure to get the chance to develop characters over multiple books. I love thinking about how their adventures will change them individually, as well as how the group dynamic changes.

What are your writing habits?

I’m a major plotter! I write long and quite detailed chapter outlines so I know exactly what’s happening next. Though sometimes, in the course of writing, things change naturally as I realise the plan doesn’t work as well as I’d thought.

I write at home, pretty much whenever I have the time around work and other life commitments. I just try to get my head down and get it done! I generally write in order, going back over previous chapters when I don’t quite have the energy to tackle a blank page.

 

What other MG authors do you recommend and why?

There’s too many to mention! Recently, I’ve loved L.D. Lapinski’s StrangeWorlds series – they’re so imaginative and packed with great characters. I love Jason Reynolds because he captures time and place so well and with a great sense of humour. I also love the Loki books by Louise Stowell because they’re so much fun.

 

Book 3 already has a cover and a title. How is the writing going?

Monster Avenger is going well! It’s out in July, so I’m pretty far into the editing process to make sure it’ll be ready in time. I’ve managed to raise the stakes even higher and create a really unique setting, which has been a huge amount of fun to write. It might be my favourite in the series…

 

What do you do in your downtime from writing?

I’m an incredibly boring person. I’m very into board games and now own almost 100 different games. So I try to play those as much as possible! Otherwise I like reading, going for nice walks in the countryside or at the beach, and hanging out with my cats. Simple pleasures are my favourite.

What I Thought

In book one Alex had to combat his fear and now in book two he needs to work on his self confidence – Alex experiences a serious and nearly debilitating case of imposter syndrome. But the cast of characters from book one including his best friends Zoey and Anil, sister Bridget and Grandpa are all here to support him in his endeavours. 

And there are lots of them. From Eco pirates, to sea monsters with teeth for days. The gang need to find the fabled water dragon’s egg before someone else can take control of it and whilst the water dragon is in hibernation gathering the strength it used at the end of book one. 

With more than a dash of Goonies vibes this story is an action packed treasure hunt and a fitting continuation of the story. 

We also had new characters introduced who bought mystery and a lesson about making sure things are done the right way rather than by any means necessary. 

I also enjoyed how Zoey and Anil really had their own character development arcs in this book too. Both of them bought splashes of humour back again too. 

And of course the animals are back. Loaf, Pinch and the Otter gang who have their moments to help save the day. 

There’s a sneak peek of book 3 at the end and I’m getting Inner space vibes.  

Thanks to Bee at Kaleidoscopic Tours and the publisher Usborne for the gifted copy for the purposes of an honest review. Do check out the rest of the tour stops to find out more.