PROMETHEUS HIGH 1 - HOW TO MAKE A MONSTER BY STUART WILSON

Athena Strange is intrigued by the idea of reanimation. And that’s where this great adventure begins. After trying to bring a neighbourhood cat back to life and nearly burning down her home in the process, Athena is offered a place at an exclusive school. Prometheus High is housed on a crumbling ocean liner, the SS Unbound. As she has always had trouble fitting in, Athena worries that this school will be no different. But at least she’ll be learning all the things that really interest her – reanimation, robotics and magic.

Teachers like Dr Singh (robotics), Mx Hollybow (earth magic) and Monsiuer Renaitre (reanimation), along with some helpful drones, a golem and a living marble statue, all create a vibrant if somewhat chaotic learning atmosphere. Athena, however is falling back into her old habits, and believing herself more advanced than her fellow students, starts working secretly on her own project. While navigating her way through school relationships she and her fellow students, experience an increasing number of unexplained mishaps. Can Athena survive her first semester at Prometheus High? Can any of them?

Stuart Wilson’s debut middle grade novel is so much fun. The SS Unbound is practically a character in its own right. Inhabited by a rich assortment of quirky characters, the narrative barrels along at a great pace. Wilson’s world building and those who inhabit it, make the reader want to jump aboard and join the fun. Working throughout the novel are the themes of co-operation, teamwork and friendship. Readers will enjoy this high-seas adventure and begin a relationship with this offbeat cast.

 For Ages: 12-14 years

Number of Pages: 288

Published: March 2022 Puffin

Themes: Friendship, teamwork, co-operation