If you, like me, are
a little squeamish around things that scuttle, then you might be in for a
surprise with this book. Beetles - apparently - are intelligent, courageous and
caring creatures!
Darkus Cuttle, the
book’s hero, isn’t bothered by ninja insects - he’s got something far more
pressing to worry about - the strange disappearance of his dad from a locked
vault. But the discovery of a hamster-sized (don’t freak - he’s friendly!)
rhinoceros beetle called Baxter introduces him to a whole new world and also gives
him a brand new problem: the dastardly villainess, Lucretia Cutter. Lucretia
has an altogether unpleasant interest in Darkus’ new beetle friends and Darkus
and his school mates must find a way to save them. Could there be a link
between Lucretia and the disappearance of Darkus’ dad? Well, you’ll have to
read the book to find out!
If I’m honest, I was
just a little disappointed by the explanation of how Darkus’ dad disappeared
from the vault - BUT the book has so many wonderful characters and lots of
great drama, that it didn’t spoil it too much in the end. And, although I still
wouldn’t want to cuddle a beetle, I’m looking at the bugs in my garden with a
lot more curiosity - you just never know when you might need a beetle to save
the day...
