Robyn Ballantyne and her younger brother Ralph have grown up on their family ranch called Crocodile Lodge in South Africa.

Along with their ex-soldier father, they are passionate about the animals that roam free on their land, and vehemently against poaching or any kind of hunting for sport.

Their neighbour Josef Gerhard is the exact opposite, specialising in trophy hunting and charging wealthy clients from around the world exorbitant fees to kill one of the Big 5.

Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and African Buffalo are on this list, which infuriates the Ballantyne family. Little do they know, Gerhard has something even more heinous in mind.

Suddenly Ralph’s favourite video game has come to life right in front of their eyes – providing a true nightmare while wide awake.

This in turn has kicked off something far bigger than the Ballantyne/Gerhard feud – encompassing thousands of unsuspecting Africans.

Can it be stopped? They will have to survive what Gerhard throws at them first – teeth, tech and monsters beyond their worst imaginings.

The 1st book in a new series for middle grade readers by this giant of adult-adventure-literature (since his death in Nov 2021.)

Prey Zone is also another series set around Wilbur Smith’s iconic Ballantyne family. This series is targeted at readers 10+ looking for high stakes action, plenty of menace, cunning, corruption and courage.

Siblings Robyn and Ralph have developed their own special skills whilst growing up in the wilds of Africa.

Ralph is an accomplished marksman with many trophies on the shelf to prove it, and Robyn has a special way with animals which helps her aid any when required.

Both these sets of skills are needed in an unexpected survival mission involving not only themselves.

A riveting read from start to finish, this fast-paced novel is to be followed by the second instalment in the story in September 2023. Will they survive to tell the authorities?

Author – Wilbur Smith (with Steve Cole & Keith Chapman)

Age – 10+

(2022, Series, Ballantyne Family, Action, Animals, Virus, Soldiers, Assassins, President, Hunting, Poaching, Trophy Shooting, Africa, Wildebeest, Impala, Technology, Video Games, Dinosaurs, Guns, Cameras, Digital, Recording, Monsters, Courage, Crime, Murder, Gun shots, Bites)