"It’s 1861, and gold fever is sweeping the world. Otherwise sensible adults have gone mad and will do anything to get their hands on the precious metal.
But two children have been caught up in the rush.
Michael and Atarangi couldn’t be more different, but they share one thing: each has a remarkable and magical talent.
Circumstances conspire to bring the children together in the remote and inhospitable goldfields, and they’re thrust into a world where lawlessness, greed, and cruelty reign.
When the children find out that a cut-throat gang stalks the goldfields, preying upon the innocent, they have a choice to make: turn a blind eye, or fight back?
Gritty, thrilling, and yet beautiful. I loved this, and you will too!
Weng Wai Chan, author of Lizard’s Tale, winner of the NZ Junior Fiction Award
“Rich characters and nail-biting action, with a sprinkling of fantasy. There's gold in this here book!”
Tom E. Moffatt, award-winning author of books and jokes for kids"
"Atarangi, Michael, and Siu have crossed the Southern Alps and settled in Hokitika just as a new gold rush takes a firm grip of the town. There they’d hoped to carve out a new life in peace.
But they’re about to get the shock of their young lives.
When a ship crosses the notorious Hokitika Bar there are some unwelcome visitors aboard, and they come with wicked intentions.
The children are totally on their own, powerless against the forces of evil. Or are they?
“James has saved the best for last. This book is positively riveting - I was gripped from the first page to the last!”
Adele Broadbent
whatbooknext.com
“Excitement, adventure, action, friendship – a perfect mix of what you look for in a great story!”
Rosemary Tisdall
Children’s literature consultant / Trustee, Storylines Children’s Literature Trust"
"The Dragon Defenders series is a best-selling, rip-roaring, page-turning series of dragons and their brave child guardians.
Evil boss The Pitbull has wasted nine months waiting for the dragon’s egg he stole from Flynn and Paddy’s paradise island to hatch. But when he discovers it’s nothing more than an egg-shaped rock, he flies into a terrible rage and returns, hell-bent on revenge. How will Flynn and Paddy ever be able to stop him this time?
“Filled with action, wonderfully written, and contains positive messages about teamwork, courage, and sticking up for others. A rollicking adventure!”
Antony Millen, author
'A modern-day Famous Five... parents and children alike will love it!'
Angela Travers, Unity Books
“Another thrilling tale!”
Rachel Eade, Scorpio Books, Radio NZ critic
“Amazing! Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop!”
Jarvis Skilling, aged 10
“So exciting!”
Liam Harvey, age 9
“Unputdownable! We can't wait for the next one!'
Dylan and Luie Townsend, age 8
“Can’t wait ’til it’s a movie!”
James Charlesworth, age 11
“A great book!”
Caleb Woodfield, age 9"
