Review: The Secret of Sinbad's Cave by Brydie Walker Bain

THE SECRET OF SINBAD'S CAVE

The Natnat Adventures, Book 1

by Brydie Walker Bain

Middle Grade Adventure

186 pages

Nat Sheppard’s world is turned upside down on the first day of the school holidays by the discovery of a secret room containing cave maps with clues to an ancient treasure. But Nat and her friends soon discover they’re not the only ones chasing the jewels. Professional treasure hunters are on the trail – and they’re prepared to eliminate anyone in their way.

 on SMASHWORDS here

MY TIDBITS

This is a middle grade adventure with all the elements needed to make kids dive in and read it again and again.

The first wonderful thing about this book is the setting, a farm in New Zealand with caves, treasure and mystery abounding. 14-year-old Nat, her brother and her sister want to save the farm from being sold, and when they discover a secret room with maps and clues, the adventure begins.

There are so many great things about this book. The dialogue lets the characters shine and is not only fitting for the age group but also a lovely amount of life and humor to settle in. There's something going on the entire time, insuring that the reader never grows bored. The mystery is layered with tons of twists and turns, and it's hard to guess where things or going or what will happen next. Of course, there's a antagonist, which fits into the entire thing nicely.

Summed up, this is a great read not only for middle graders, but for all ages. The adventure is a treat to dive into and hooks until the very last page. I can highly recommend this, especially right now, during summer vacation. It's sure to wake kids' desire for exploration and who knows, maybe they'll go on a treasure hunt of their own.

And here she is. . .

BRYDIE WALKER BAIN!!!

Brydie Walker Bain is a playwright, poet and children's author. She studied History and Theatre & Film at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, and furthered her studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. 

Brydie's plays have enjoyed readings in London, rave reviews and sell out audiences in Auckland, Hamilton and Waitomo. Her latest project is The Natnat Adventures. This young adult series successfully launched with 'The Secret of Sinbad's Cave,' and continues with 'The Ship of Sight and The Hand of Shadow.'