Femi isn’t that keen on travelling with his older brother and father to an island resort named Darlenia. Things have been strained lately between them, but Femi’s mum believes some time together to re-bond will be beneficial to them all.

The island is said to be something truly amazing, and Femi admires the entrepreneur who has built the resort. Richard Jenkins has the aura of someone successful as he draws everyone’s gaze to him whenever in a room.

Femi’s dreams are in music production, and he has made some influential musicians take notice, but is determined to keep his own sound. At only 17, his father and brother have been questioning him on his choice for his future. This constant undermining of his dream and an event the previous year has pushed the brother’s relationship to breaking point. When on the island, Femi prefers to keep to himself.

He does seek out a girl he knew back on the mainland. He’s had a thing for her for a while, but isn’t sure where he stands with her.

He meets others whose company he enjoys – one being a clever seven year old girl called Mui. She knows the island well as her father works for Richard Jenkins. She proves to be a great guide to behind the scenes of the spectacular resort.

But Femi goes a little too far ‘behind the scenes’ and discovers something Richard Jenkins is hiding from the public and the island’s guests. The history of Darlenia is far from what he claims in his glossy brochures. Secrets are everywhere and Femi has stumbled right into the explosive centre of them.

Main character Femi isn’t a likeable character to begin with. He’s 17, with a dream, and refuses to listen to anything that interferes with it. His selfishness and fiery temper has caused a rift between him and his brother and father, layered with guilt over his rash actions in the past.

We Were Hunted has a very real Jurassic Park vibe, so if you’ve seen even just one of those movies, you’ll be able to imagine the setting of this speculative thriller.

Lots of gory creature violence throughout, so probably best to avoid this one if you’re squeamish, but a riveting read if it’s your thing. I enjoyed Femi’s character arc and the conclusion is far from predictable.

Something refreshingly different.

Author – Tomi Oyemakinde

Age – 12+

(Graphic creature violence)

(2024, Macmillan Publishers, Action, Adventure, Animals, Betrayal, Conflict, Courage, Crime, Environment, Fantasy, Family, Growing up, Music, Revenge, Sibling Rivalry, Island, Resort, Unresolved actions, Brothers, Luxury, Conference, Bonding, Holiday, Lies, Secrets, Wealth, Greed, Grandeur, Ego, Exotic creatures, Attack, Survival, Speculative, Thriller)