Crookhaven: The Forgotten Maze

Gabriel Avery is returning to Cookhaven for his second year, looking forward to seeing his friends, Amira, the Brothers Crimm, Ade and Ede, and Penelope Crook. But Penelope is far from friendly as her father and the co-headmaster, Caspian Crook, has forbidden her to see them or work as part of their crew. An almost impossible challenge, diving classes and the hidden Maravel’s Maze mean that Gabriel and his crew have a tough year ahead!

I really enjoyed the first ‘Crookhaven’ book which brilliantly set the scene for more adventures to come. Gabriel Avery is a very appealing character. Despite his criminal tendencies, his warm heart, loyalty and ability to see the best in others make him a very rounded, likeable lad. His devotion to his Grandma, the lady who has raised him, and his desire to see her happily settled is really lovely so it is not surprising that his kindness extends to others. Each member of the ‘crew’ brings their own strengths and their personalities complement each other, showing how much stronger they are when they work as a team.

The plot moves along at a very satisfying pace with teachers and pupils alike being pleasingly developed to create an engaging boarding school story with plenty of action and excitement. It ends with another dilemma for Gabriel which will keep readers on tenterhooks waiting for the next instalment! A great read!

Crookhaven: The Forgotten Maze

J J Arcanjo

Hodder ISBN: 978-1444965759

You can read my review of ‘Crookhaven: The School for Thieves’ here.