Castle Grim

'Castle Grim', set in a future New Zealand, presents a harsh and intriguing world where families in Wellington are struggling to survive a famine within the city walls. With no internet or cell phones, communication relies on dogs and pigeons. The book follows Herman, a young boy determined to prove that he's more than just a sheltered child from Nelson. Alongside Herman’s journey, we learn of the conflict between the Wellington guard and pirates, fighting for control of Cook Strait.

The novel takes time to fully develop. The first half is quite slow, and it may be difficult for some readers to stay engaged early on. However, the second half is more action-packed, with satisfying plot development as the different storylines gradually come together. The themes of survival, friendship, and bravery are clear throughout the story, and the reader is like to grow attached to many different characters.

Overall, this book is best suited for a specific audience. Readers who enjoy dystopian settings, pirates, and darker survival stories will likely appreciate it, while others may find the slow start challenging. There are also teachers' notes and activity ideas for Castle Grim on the Scholastic New Zealand website.