Review
'I have never read anything like this before. I could not put this book down because I found it amazing. Annemarie Allan is an amazing writer. In the future I will absolutely read more of her novels.' -- Nathalie Black, Queensferry High School, reporting for Teen Titles Magazine 'Hox is a breathlessly paced, action adventure, set, as all Kelpies Prize winning books have to be, in contemporary Scotland. An excellent debut novel by Annemarie Allan.' -- Books for Keeps, May 2008 'This is a superb, intelligent and gripping novel. The strange bond between a boy and an animal draws you in and you will be desperate to know what happens next.' -- John Baker, Waterstone's Guide to Children's Books 'Young readers will love this' -- Stuart Peterson, The Greenock Telegraph 'The impressive details creates an atmosphere that is unmistakeably Scottish ... Touching on the complex topical issue of genetic engineering, this is a faced paced and intriguing adventure with a satisfying but simple plot and a pleasing, if predictable ending.' -- writeaway.org.uk 'A satisfying resolution of mysteries and an easy-to-follow plot, suitable for animal lovers of 10 to 13.' -- Alison A. Maxwell-Cox, The School Librarian, Spring 2008 'To find a plot which is politically correct and inclusive without being patronising, exciting for 8-12 year olds but acceptable to their grannies is a real challenge and 2007 Kelpies Prize winner has certainly met that challenge. Hox is science fiction, a mystery, an adventure, all rolled together through the world of genetic engineering.' -- Suse Coon, Lothian Life
Product Description
Faced with a cold Saturday afternoon stuck at the Institute for Animal Research, Robbie is angry and frustrated at yet another weekend ruined by his father's job. Then a disturbing encounter in the animal house thrusts him into a perilous journey through the stunning but inhospitable landscape of a Highland winter; alone but for two enigmatic travelling companions. Robbie's world implodes as he tries to make sense of a hostile environment, his old life slowly unravels, and a shocking realization emerges. This title is winner of the Kelpies Prize 2007.
About the Author
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 was shortlisted (for a different book) for the Saga/HarperCollins Children's book award in 2006. Hox is her first published novel.
