Let's Hear It for the Boys - Seven Wonders: The Colossus Rises by Peter Lerangis

Published: February 5th, 2013

Publisher: Harper Collins

Pages: 348

Copy: Library

Summary: Goodreads

One Boy

Jack McKinley is an ordinary kid with an extraordinary problem. In a few months, he’s going to die.

One Mission

Jack needs to find seven magic loculi that, when combined, have the power to cure him.

One Problem

The loculi are the relics of a lost civilization and haven’t been seen in thousands of years.

Seven Wonders

Because they’re hidden in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

I picked up The Colossus Rises when I was tidying the shelves at work yesterday because I had forgotten to take my Ipad to work and I didn't have anything to read.  It's aimed at a little younger readers than we normally review for, but it was fun to read and I finished it at work today. 

This was a really fun adventure story, full of young teenagers coming into their previously unknown powers.  There's Jack, who doesn't actually think he has any power, but in fact he's a bit of a genius at making crazy gadgets - a la McGyver style for those who remember that far back.  Then there's Marco, who's very strong and athletic; Aly who is the computer whiz - there has to be at least one, hasn't there - and then Cass, who is a bit of a wimp really, but he has an absolutely prodigious memory. 

The four kids are really under the guard of Torquin, whom I loved.  He's really the comic relief - a huge man with a long beard and who likes to run around with bare feet.  I loved him.   Then there is the father figure, Professor Bhegad - I think he's a good guy, but there are a few weird things about him.  The kids of course have to end up working together  to defeat the Great Gryphon and find the first of the 7 stones they need to bring back Atlantis. 

Of course, there are all sorts of obstacles and adventures to overcome with several very convenient co-incidents, but really the book was just great fun to read and should be a sure-fire hit for fans of Percy Jackson and the like.  A perfect fit for younger teens, particularly the boys, but girls should enjoy it too.