The lost defenders by Sam Summers

The Lost Defenders is a roller-coaster fantasy adventure told through the eyes of Jace, a near 12-year-old. Jace has a rare gift called The Sight which gives him the ability to see monsters when others can’t. This leads to all sorts of problems for him, particularly at school. After an earthquake rocks the town of Clover Meadow he meets two other young people with the gift, Alice and Felix. Their meeting is arranged by Mr Madz, a curator at the museum, and he tells them that they have a mission. Due to their lineage, they are known as The Defenders and will be responsible for stopping the world being overrun by monsters. A prophecy says that this will occur on the night of an imminent eclipse. Although Mr Madz can’t see monsters he believes they exist and helps The Defenders, but Jace isn’t sure whether to trust Mr Madz. Before the final showdown the Defenders must face many dangerous situations. There is an interesting epilogue which sets the story up for a sequel.

Sam Summers has certainly created an exciting story with a deluge of monsters and scary situations from the outset. Most of the action takes place at night, thereby adding to the nerve-racking atmosphere. Gradually the Defenders develop good trusting friendships between each other, and they are brave and strong.  The three of them have all suffered some misfortune in the past but have prevailed. This helps us empathise and admire the main characters. Jace’s voice and the dialogue are believable and sometimes humorous, which provides relief from the intensity. At times The Lost Defenders feels frantic, from portals to ancient journals and super power gadgets, but if readers can stay focussed, they will be rewarded with a satisfying, very sensory climax. I really liked Summers message to young readers that The Defenders superpowers are just an extension of their existing abilities and that “… the world doesn’t need superheroes. It needs real ones.” This story may appeal to readers who enjoyed the Percy Jackson series.

Themes: Trust, Friendship, Fantasy.

Jo Marshall