October 17, 2005
In debut novelist Fardell's (whose cartoons have appeared in Viz
and the Herald
, among other publications) lightning-paced, skillfully streamlined caper, he introduces Professor Ampersand, an affable, absent-minded inventor. The professor tells great-niece Zara, great-nephew Ben and their 11-year-old houseguest, Sam, how he and six other academics, all scientists or inventors, were once tapped to be the founding professors of a new university located on the Arctic island of Nordbergen. After the others discovered that Professor Murdo was planning to perform deadly experiments on a baby, the villainous fellow forced his six colleagues onto a plane and abandoned them in the icy wilderness. Now, 35 years later, Murdo, headquartered in Nordbergen, has discovered a way to create a superhuman species and a virus that will eradicate the existing human race. While gathering at Ampersand's Edinburgh home to discuss Murdo's current lethal research, the six remaining professors are kidnapped by the villain's men. Zara, Ben and Sam make a plan to rescue Ampersand and his friends, and the journey takes up most of the novel. Plenty of excitement accompanies them across Europe into Russia, followed by a ski-boat trip across icy waters and a thrilling ride in a submarine, and finally to Nordbergen, where a dramatic showdown awaits. Demonstrating a sure hand at fantasy, adventure and suspense, debut novelist Fardell has shaped a novel that smoothly blends all three. Ages 9-up.