Life is good for Michael, Atarangi and Siu. They have been travelling at a relaxed pace with Atarangi’s mum and uncle, and Michael & Siu’s fathers. Ending up in the small mining town of Hokitika, it seems to be the best place to settle. Now at 14 years old, it is deemed they are old enough to look after themselves while their parents visit whanau and look for work.

Enjoying their independence doesn’t last long. The two faces they least expect to see arrive on a boat with lots of fanfare. None other than Jacob Jones and his son Silas have come to town.

Full of fear and shock to see the two men that terrified their entire family, the young teens hunker down out of sight. Should they tell the local constable what they know?

They soon discover the Jones’ seem to have charmed the locals into thinking they are successful businessmen, keen to invest in the growth of Hokitika. Michael, Atarangi and Siu have a decision to make. Hide or fight back to save their new home from the evil of the Jones’.

Working together, they do all they can to defeat their past nemesis – not only to save the town, but their parents, local miners and each other.

James Russell has saved the best for last!

Non-stop, pulse pounding, riveting action all the way through the final novel in the Children of the Rush trilogy.

Friends, Michael, Atarangi and Siu draw on their past experiences with the evil Jacob Jones and his son Silas, knowing they must do something to stop them hurting others again.

Despite being threatened and their frightening past with the Jones’, the resourcefulness, quick thinking and courage of the heroes of the story add layers of tension, intrigue and danger. This is never far fetched or unbelievable and the tale races along, with continuing challenges and plans going right and wrong.

The setting and plot is well written, well paced, placing me right with the characters in their mission. Raging seas, galloping horses, rifle toting henchmen and giant dogs snapping at their heels, are just some of the situations the young teens find themselves in.

Brilliant Kiwi middle grade fiction that will enrapt any tween from around the world.

Author – James Russell

Age – 8+

For more exciting reads by James Russell, see here

(2024, Dragon Brothers Books, New Zealand, Action, Adventure, Animals, Betrayal, Bullies, Courage, Crime, Family, Friendship, Greed, Historical, Series, Trilogy, Aotearoa, NZ, Hokitika, Sth Island, Gold mining, Horse, Dogs, Bravery, Hokitika Bar, Sea, Paddle Steamer, Henchmen)