Review: The Wanderdays: Journey to Fantome Island

The Wanderdays:  Journey to Fantome Island is an exciting, enthralling aquatic adventure that completely captured me.

Twelve-year-old Nellie Wanderday is making breakfast, wondering when her mum, Nellie, will phone, when she is given the most terrible news by her best friend, Funmi.  Her mum, a famous ocean explorer and documentary maker, has been reported missing whilst on her latest expedition in the North Atlantis Ocean.

After receiving an enigmatic message from an environmental journalist and friend of their mum, Flo and her brother, Joseph discover that their mum is involved in a dangerous mission.  She is searching for proof that local TV presenter, Sir Frederick Titan, is not the environmental hero that he claims to be, but rather that he has been exploiting and destroying habitats for profit.  Could Titan have discovered that Nellie was investigating him?  Could he be responsible for the disappearance of her boat?  And, what is the secret project he is hiding from the world on the mysterious Fantome Island?

So begins the most brilliant, edge-of-your-seat, exciting adventure.  Flo, Joseph and their best friends, Funmi and Isaac, join Nellie’s friend, Marianne de la Mer, aboard a submarine in search of Nellie, and to discover the secrets of Fantome Island and proof of Titan’s crimes against the natural world.  I loved the clever uncovering of clues along the way which allowed the children to follow Nellie’s trail.  There is plenty of danger, threat and tension that kept me eagerly turning pages and I must admit I was completely taken by surprise at some of the twists and turns – utterly brilliant.

There is a powerful and pertinent environmental message weaved throughout the adventure which addresses exploitation of natural resources, damage to ocean life caused by ghost nets and the climate crisis. 

I really liked the strong sibling bond between Flo and her younger brother, Joseph.  Flo is incredibly supportive and protective of her brother who has OCD and is there for him when his intrusive thoughts and worries becoming overwhelming.  Joseph has a natural curiosity and a love of marine life and doesn’t let his OCD hold him back from exploration and adventure.  All four children have their own strengths and talents which make them a great team as they show courage and determination in standing against a vile villain.

A fantastic start to an exhilarating new series where friendship, teamwork and courage meet danger and dastardly villains – perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you to Usborne for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.