Mission Microraptor

Imagine how cool it would be if the British Museum of Natural History had its own special agent branch in charge of rescuing and protecting important scientific and natural phenomena. In this new action adventure for children, Finn and Milo learn that, not only is there such a special branch, but that they are about to need its help if they are going to stay alive!

Finn and his reluctant partner, Milo, are not enjoying their school trip in the French Alps. Things get much more exciting, though, when Finn discovers a prehistoric egg preserved in ice, which hatches to reveal a flying dinosaur… a microraptor! The unique new species draws the attention of more than one group of terrifying and extremely well-financed special operative teams and Milo and Finn find themselves at the heart of a breathtaking effort to flee from villains and save Artemis…Finn’s very special new pet.

This book has a breathless, exhilarating pace. From the very first chapter, Finn and Milo perpetually leap from frying pan to fire. In the first 90 pages alone they fall from cliffs, smash into glaciers, escape attacks from ninjas, survive an exploding van, build a snow cave and learn to pilot a helicopter!

Obviously the children couldn’t do this all alone. Their guardian angel is the Natural History Museum secret agent – Lara – who is a fierce, resourceful, steely soldier full of ideas for how to evade capture from a brutal band of stereotypical super-villains. Refreshingly, Lara and her special forces pals value the ideas of Finn and Milo, giving them space and encouragement to solve problems and develop their own special skills. Readers will enjoy accompanying Finn on his journey from wise-cracking, game-addicted couch-potato to focused, fearless field agent. His odd couple-partner, Milo, is good company, too. He is adorably geeky, with an interest and curiosity for every imaginable subject, which is very useful when the boys suddenly need to make a fire in a snowy forest… or fly an aeroplane!

Adrenaline pumps from start to finish in this story. Just when a reduction in pace seems likely, there is another explosion or plot twist and the roller coaster starts again! The book also raises interesting, environmental questions (should we bring back extinct species just because we can?). Moreover, Finn’s bond with the feisty (and, occasionally, life-saving) microraptor is endearing and demonstrates the strength of relationship that can exist across species.

If Kavvadias can maintain such a high standard of fun and excitement, this could become a very popular series indeed.