WE DO NOT WELCOME OUR TEN-YEAR-OLD OVERLORD BY GARTH NIX, PUBLISHED BY ALLEN & UNWIN
Welcome to Canberra circa 1975. Kim and his very smart, know-all, younger sister Eila, live with their parents on an experimental farm. The Basalt family live a natural life, tending plant beds and hot houses with everybody included in the chores. Kim’s best friend Bernie lives just down the hill with her little sister Madir and their busy executive parents.
One night as the four friends are sitting by Lake Burley Griffin, Eila surprises them all by walking into the water and picking up a strange orb. It’s the size of a basketball and glows. But more than that, it seems to be invading their minds. Kim and Bernie try to separate Eila from the ball and have to fight off its controlling voice. Eila refuses to put the ball back, insisting “Aster” is just on Earth to learn. Strange things start happening and Kim has to figure out how to stop Aster. This is turning into a real-life Dungeons & Dragons game, the same he plays with Bernie, Theo and Tamara but with seriously bad consequences.
Garth Nix has given Middle Grade readers a wonderfully eerie story. I don’t know if it’s because it’s set in 1975, but it has the feel of those great old Sci-fi movies. You can picture the glowing orb shooting out jets of light trying to take over the world. Kim’s character who always worries, must lead his friends to overcome the hold Aster has on not only Eila but others in the community. The descriptions of the weird orb and its power create a fast-paced adventure that will keep readers thoroughly wrapped up in the tale. Garth Nix’s sense of humour can be spotted throughout the narrative, especially at the end. Readers who enjoy Dungeons & Dragons battles will be able to immerse themselves in between the pages of this novel, as will, those who love creepiness and mind-altering aliens.
For Ages: 9-13 years
Number of Pages: 256
Published: October Allen & Unwin
Themes: Sci-fi, family, friendship, bravery, siblings
Purchase here: https://www.dymocks.com.au/we-do-not-welcome-our-ten-year-old-overlord-by-garth-nix-9781761180491