Lionboy: the chase

Zizou Corder (author)

Puffin Books, UK: 2004; 320pp

ISBN: 0141380535

Genres: adventure,animals, fantasy, science-fiction

Issues: corruption, friendship, power

Charlie Ashanti and his six lion friends are fleeing the temperamental lion trainer, Maccomo, and the floating Circus from which they've escaped. The unpleasant Rafi will soon be out of hospital, too, and looking for revenge on the lions that attacked him when he tried to capture Charlie.

Although his new friend, King Boris, has promised them safe haven in Venice, Charlie soon realises that he and the lions are in just as much danger as they were before. He must plan an escape that will allow the lions to travel safely to their homeland and also give him the time and opportunity to rescue his parents. Although he knows that Magdalen and Aneba, famous scientists and his beloved parents, have been kidnapped in order to steal their asthma cure, Charlie doesn't realise that they, too, are trying to escape. They fight the brainwashing messages of the Corporacy Community Education Centre and fight desperately to be reunited with their son. Helped by the various cats he encounters, Charlie struggles across the Empire and into the Poor Lands where he hopes to be safe from those who pursue him, and where the lions can run free.

The Chase is a better-written novel than the original Lionboy. The characters are more three-dimensional and the narrative more consistent. There is plenty of action but also a subtle subtext that will interest gifted readers. There is some interesting commentary on the wide divisions of wealth in our global community, as well as a few sly digs at the use and abuse of genetic manipulation, and the uncaring and impersonal attitude of large pharmaceutical companies.

This is an entertaining novel and great for reading aloud. Recommended reading for all but especially for boys.