Brainboy and the Deathmaster by Tor Seidler (0-06-029181-8)
This is the first new book I have ever read that my son, now 6, said, “Hey Mom, I already read that!” He had been the first to check it out at the school. Though he was dying to chat all about the plot while I was reading it, now he doesn’t want to talk about it anymore. Kids. 🙂
The basic plot, while giving nothing away, is that Darryl is an orphan living in a home after his family died in a fire. He is also a whiz at computer games. At the home, they are provided with a laptop in every room and when Darryl starts playing the new version on one of his favorite games, strange things start happening.
I enjoy Seidler’s writing. It is fast reading, fun and always exciting and quirky. This book has the added draw of being all about computers and computer games. The cover will be inviting to kids, and I see why my son picked it up immediately, with the boy playing on a laptop and a frightening head looking over his shoulder.
I would recommend the book to kids into computer games, adventure books, and just to anyone interested in a good read. Reluctant readers will appreciate the fast moving plot and the subject matter.