The Expeditioners and the Secret of King Triton's Lair

Gr 4–7—In a world with unusual countries and lands, and a slightly evil tyrannical government in control, Kit West, along with his brilliant and mechanically inclined sister, M. K., and charming animal-loving brother Zander, is settling into life at the Academy—the training school for BNDL government explorers. Kit finds himself increasingly alone and soon follows the clues to another mysterious map left by his father, a famous explorer who disappeared. Beginning to realize that his father was part of a secret, and illegal, mapmaking society, Kit convinces his siblings and their adventurous friend, Sukey, to propose an expedition to explore King Neptune's Lair, the place Kit believes is indicated on the map. This mysterious location had swallowed ships for centuries in a Bermuda Triangle-like way and is full of danger, as well as rumored oil. Their expedition is sponsored by the government at the annual Announcement Banquet but the leader chosen is their archenemy. After being shipwrecked on an apparently deserted island with vicious attack eels, Kit finds a giant telepathic sea turtle who carries him inside its shell to a secret underwater city and a carefully guarded map made of shells. This is an exciting second installment that leaves the door wide open for book three. The characters continue to develop and grow, realistic in their sibling and friendship relationships. It is a unique adventure series that certainly fits into the steampunk genre, but plows its own course with mystery, suspense, and a well-thought out plot. Maps and detailed grayscale drawings throughout give enough of a taste to feed reader's imaginations.—Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA