Overview
After he thwarted the Vermian ruler Odoursin's plans to wipe out humans on earth, Sam Palmer thought he could relax. But four years later, Sam and Skipper are called upon once again to help their friends in Aurobon fight Odoursin and what might be the fiercest insect army imaginable, including robber flies so vicious they all but annihilate the Rebellion's squadron of fighter wasps. Their mission becomes heart-stoppingly urgent when they discover that Odoursin is plotting to destroy humankind, this time by using the President of the United States as a pawn. An action-packed adventure of good versus evil, wisdom and preservation versus greed, and bursting with danger, heroism and ferocious insects, this is the explosive sequel readers have been waiting for.
Synopsis
After he thwarted the Vermian ruler Odoursin's plans to wipe out humans on earth, Sam Palmer thought he could relax. But four years later, Sam and Skipper are called upon once again to help their friends in Aurobon fight Odoursin and what might be the fiercest insect army imaginable, including robber flies so vicious they all but annihilate the Rebellion's squadron of fighter wasps. Their mission becomes heart-stoppingly urgent when they discover that Odoursin is plotting to destroy humankind, this time by using the President of the United States as a pawn. An action-packed adventure of good versus evil, wisdom and preservation versus greed, and bursting with danger, heroism and ferocious insects, this is the explosive sequel readers have been waiting for.
VOYA
Web of Fire presents believable characters in the captivating world of Aurobon. A humorous narrative balances well with the bleak tale of a country in political upheaval. Although aimed at younger readers, the book does not ignore the Vermian government's brutality in suppressing the Vahlzians and working to annihilate Earth humanity. It also stresses the goodness one can find in the midst of corruption.
Editorials
From the Publisher
From VOYAFans of undemanding, fast-paced SF adventure will enjoy this book mostly for its nonstop action and the high coolness factor of insect cyborgs. More astute readers might appreciate Voake's wonderful, descriptive language and meticulous entomological details. —VOYAFrom VOYA
A humorous narrative balances well with the bleak tale of a country in political upheaval. —VOYA, teen reviewer
From School Library Journal
Packed with action. …A high-flying sci-fi/fantasy/adventure. —School Library Journal
VOYA -
Web of Fire presents believable characters in the captivating world of Aurobon. A humorous narrative balances well with the bleak tale of a country in political upheaval. Although aimed at younger readers, the book does not ignore the Vermian government's brutality in suppressing the Vahlzians and working to annihilate Earth humanity. It also stresses the goodness one can find in the midst of corruption.VOYA -
Alex Rider meets Gregor the Overlander in this predictable sequel to The Dreamwalker's Child (Bloomsbury, 2006/VOYA April 2006). Aurobon is a Lilliputian world with access to Earth, where the Aurobonites steal insect eggs to create mindless insect cyborgs for transportation and warfare. Vermia wants to exterminate humans on Earth-for vague and unconvincing reasons mentioned late in the story-and Vahlzi does not, resulting in war between the two cities. Help for Vahlzi comes in the unexpected form of Earth boy Sam and the spunky and resourceful girl Skipper, whose derring-do constantly eclipses Sam's. Both have saved Aurobon before, and they now find themselves mysteriously and magically returned (in appropriate sizes) to prevent the Vermians from using parasites to invade military officers' brains and cause a nuclear holocaust on Earth. Adventure, violence, torture, betrayal, attacks of conscience, and razor-edged escapes ensue. Fans of undemanding, fast-paced SF adventure will enjoy this book mostly for its nonstop action and the high coolness factor of insect cyborgs. More astute readers might appreciate Voake's wonderful, descriptive language and meticulous entomological details. The most astute readers, however, will likely be frustrated by the telling-not-showing prose, one-dimensional characters, and simplistic morality that makes the book feel like the work of a developing writer. An additional flaw is that it does not stand alone well. The lack of vital background information will leave new readers confused and questioning. Buy where the first was popular.Children's Literature -
Four years have passed since the Vahlzian resistance thwarted the efforts of Vermian ruler Odoursin to destroy Earth's human population. Now, he is out for revenge. Not only will he wipe out the humans; he will eliminate the Vahlzian population, too! Or will he? Four years ago, Sam Palmer and his co-pilot Skipper helped prevent Odoursin from succeeding in his evil plans. Now, somehow, they are back to stop him again. They are not sure how they have returned, nor do they know where they have been in the interim, but here they are, as committed to fight for good as they ever were. Unfortunately, commitment alone will not be enough. In their absence, Odoursin has developed a formidable insect army. Unless Sam and Skipper can find a new, more powerful insect weapon, the Vahlzian rebellion (and humans) will not have a chance of surviving. The search is sure to be a difficult one. After all their time away, are Sam and Skipper up to this immense challenge? Steve Voake melds action movie dynamics with fantasy novel imagination in this sensational sequel to The Dreamwaler's Child. With friendship, loyalty, determination, and humor, this book is sure to please those who enjoyed Voake's earlier novel.School Library Journal
Gr 5-8
This sequel to The Dreamwalker's Child (Bloomsbury, 2006) is packed with action. Sam Palmer has returned to Aurobon, not remembering the four intervening years on Earth. Skipper, believed dead, also reappears. In the meantime, Vermia has taken over the city of Vahlzi, and Captain Firebrand and other Vahlzians have fled into the mountains to form a secret resistance force. Of course, Sam and Skipper are needed again to save the day, but will they thwart Emperor Odoursin's evil plan to kill all humans back on Earth? Web of Fire is every bit as wild a ride as its predecessor. Reluctant readers are likely to get hooked by the action and the fascinating descriptions (and occasional pen-and-ink illustrations) of the gigantic insects used as aircraft in Aurobon. The climactic scene in the White House is a little flat, but the finale makes up for it. Boys will relate to Sam and girls will find a heroine in Skipper. While reading the first book will add to the enjoyment and understanding of this title, it's not strictly necessary. A high-flying sci-fi/fantasy/adventure.
—Nancy KunzCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information.