Breaker (Kelpies) [Paperback]

'This book has bite; it's a gripping story as the twins desperately keep the Professor's secret whilst also risking their lives to help him in his mission. It's part thriller, part sci-fi. But, actually, the science bit I found very convincing rather than fantastical. The plot was exciting, dangerous and had great characters; I loved the premise and the fact that everyone in the town was so concerned about the environment not simply because of the impact on tourism, but demonstrating genuine love for the wildlife that inhabit the sea.' -- Armadillo Magazine, Summer 2009 'This tale for younger readers is set in the small seaside town of North Berwick which is shaken to its core when an oil tanker crashes into the Bass Rock. Tom and Beth meet the eccentric Professor MacBlain and are drawn into a race to save the local sealife from environmental.' --The Scots Magazine, August 2009 'The book was unlike other books I've read... I have never read a book with such exciting adventures. It also helped me as a reader to know the importance of conserving the environment as well as entertaining the reader. I would recommend this book to my best friend'. --Mercy (teenage reviewer), Teen Titles, December 2009 'This book was gripping, captivating, and hilarious. I would recommend this book to my classmates, friends and my mother.' -- Felix Kimathis Wandatho (teenage reviewer), Teen Titles, December 2009 'An escapist adventure story with a different angle, this should prove popular' -- Alison Hurst, The School Librarian, Winter 2009 '"Breaker is a really fun read, aimed at the 8-12 audience and will appeal to both boys and girls ... The best part of the book, without spoiling any of the story and giving anything away, is the underwater adventure. Again this is told through a wonderfully detailed way - I could read the pages over and over again as I was lost to the world of the sea...' -- Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 'By setting this well paced adventure story in real life environment Annemarie Allan adds an extra dimension to the reader.' -- Althea Samuels, Write Away

Tom and Beth are not happy when they move to North Berwick and find themselves facing a rainy, windswept beach, a house that's falling to pieces and a school full of strangers. When they meet Professor Macblain, with his weird and wonderful inventions, little do they know that he has a secret: not only is he a thief, but he has stolen the one thing that can save the Firth of Forth from environmental catastrophe. A daring adventure unfolds in this funny and fast-paced tale of disasters waiting to happen.

Annemarie Allan studied at Stirling University and worked as a teacher and librarian near London. Returning to Scotland, she took up a post at the Scottish Arts Council, and started writing fantasy and science fiction for children in her spare time. She won the Kelpies Prize 2007 with her first novel, Hox, and was shortlisted for the Royal Mail Awards.