Review: Maisie vs Antarctica by Jack Jackman

Maisie vs Antarctica is the first in an exhilarating, action-packed new adventure series that took me to the stunning, wild and dangerous Antarctica landscape for an unforgettable, breath-taking father-daughter expedition that held me utterly enthralled.

Eleven-year-old Maisie has something in common with her father:  they are both writers.  But, whilst Maisie writes exciting, fantastically imaginative adventure stories, her father writes informative books such as ‘How to Wrestle Crocodiles’ and ‘How to Build a Zipwire’.  Surely, there must never be a dull moment with a father who writes such thrilling books, but Maisie knows her father has never done any of these things.  Whilst she clearly loves him dearly, Maisie is sure that her Dad’s life is full of boring pursuits, like making origami triangles or jigsaws of a cloudless, blue sky.

It is the start of the Christmas holidays, and her Dad is off to Antarctica to research his next book.  But this time Maisie convinces him to take her with him … on her first real-life adventure.  But she gets more than she bargained for when they get into trouble on their flight and her Dad manages to crash-land their plane.  To make matters worse, she discovers that no-one knows where they are.  They may be lost with little chance of rescue, but maybe, just maybe, her Dad is not as boring as she first thought and has abilities beyond her wildest imagination!  But are these abilities capable of saving them both, or will they lead them into even more danger?

And so begins the most thrilling, fast-paced adventure that kept me eagerly turning pages as Maisie is determined to uncover her Dad’s secret – is he a superhero with supernatural powers?  Could he have the ability to teleport?  How else could he have saved her from a dangerous encounter with a leopard seal?  This is an absolutely gripping read with oodles of action, danger, excitement and humour within the stunning, but perilous, Antarctica landscape.  I loved the short chapters with cliffhanger endings which makes it hard to put down, but, as a teacher, I know will also make it a brilliant class read. 

I absolutely loved the close bond between Maisie and her father, and really enjoyed their shared adventure.  It is clear that Maisie’s Dad would do anything to protect his daughter and keep her safe, but can he keep his determined and curious daughter from discovering his secret?  Maisie is the most wonderful young girl:  highly imaginative, daring and courageous with a brilliant sense of humour and a thirst for adventure.

Prepare to be lost in an icy, breath-taking adventure where family secrets unfold and true heroes are made … a terrifically thrilling adventure for children of 9+.

Thank you to Hannah at Nosy Crow for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.