Thrilling read for young teens

‘Libertalia Lost Fortunes’ is based on African legend and set at a school in the Eastern Cape

LIBERTALIA Lost Fortunes is a thrilling read for young teens.

Based on African legend and set in a private boarding school in the Eastern Cape, two best friends – Karabo and Isla – stumble upon the ancient legend involving the last ruling king of the Matabele and his hidden treasure.

They soon find themselves drawn into this mystery thanks to two boys from school – William and Mzi – whose lives are problematically linked.

What appears to be a normal high school year reveals a cunning plan devised by William’s father to steal this hidden treasure, he believes to be rightly his. As a descendent of English pirates – who were in cahoots with Cecil

John Rhodes and were promised the Matabele treasure in return

– his ultimate goal is to settle this ancient debt, as final payment for his family’s betrayal by the Matabele and British.

The pace at the start of the book is seemingly slow as author Mel Lewis introduces us to the main characters. Once you have become intimate with them and how they all link together, the pace of the story quickens and ramps up to an exciting, action-packed ending – with a bit of a surprise!

As a first time YA writer, Lewis, keeps readers captivated by the tricky situations and difficult choices the main characters are faced with. Will they betray each other, will they fall in love, will they surrender to their calling, will they stand up to their parents? First in a series of three books, we will have to wait and see if these four make their way to Libertalia, and how it is that they get there.

Overall, it’s a fun read for young teens that brings in a wide range of relatable aspects of both black and white South African teen life. Add to that some fascinating history and lots of excitement, and Libertalia makes for a fantastic holiday read.