The BookViral Review: There can be little doubt that the spirit of the children’s adventure stories has crept back into modern society and Pentagon Pirate Gang; The Secret of the Orchard by J W Nelson is a timely reminder that they’re here to stay with a mysterious adventure that’s built on archetypal plot strands which tie together oh so well. In far too many children’s books these days the emphasis is on winning but Nelson breaks with this tradition with a story that allows its kids to be kids, that shows them in the insular world of imagination and dreaming that children create entirely apart from adult domains and values. An idea that is clearly brought to life in Nelson’s School Of Fruit Teaching (SOFT) where teachers and other notable adults are named after fruits! With engaging prose Nelson knows how to excite and involve his readers, wanting them to wonder and dream, and on this level Pentagon Pirate Gang; The Secret of the Orchard never loses its quick pace or its sense of fun. The plot is imaginative and wholly convincing in its execution and there are plenty of unexpected twists and turns along the way. Ostensibly a story about friendship, characters are ably observed and notably more endearing for their flaws which Nelson captures in adroit dialogue and well-crafted personas, each one growing and changing as the mystery evolves. The suspension of disbelief may well be a requisite, but Nelson’s young protagonists always feel real as they attempt to unravel The Secret of the Orchard and the mystery in which they find themselves embroiled. A timeless adventure and rip-roaring read Pentagon Pirate Gang; The Secret of the Orchard is sure to find many eager readers and is highly recommended.

Eleven-year-old Aime Snave and her little brother, eight-year-old Oro, prepare for summer camp at the School of Fruit Learning. Accompanied by Aime’s best friend Gramon and Oro’s friend shy, little Violer, the foursome enters a mysterious world full of mystery and hidden magic. While at the school run by strict headmistress Mrs. Blackfruit, the children meet a new friend: inquisitive Semia, who is certain that all is not as it seems. Navigating the many teachers of the school, all of whom seem to harbor deep secrets, the five soon discover that they are part of something much larger than they ever could have imagined. History soon begins to repeat itself, with five young children caught in the middle of its deadly wake. Pentagon Pirate Gang: Secrets of the Orchard by J.W. Nelson is an engaging read which focuses on a tightly knit group of five friends (the Pentagon) as they struggle to uncover the truth about the Hogwarts-style school and its mysterious past. The story is well-written, with substantial world-building and deep characters. There are no easy answers for brave Aime, her perceptive brother Oro, athletic Gramon, intrepid Semia, or sweet little Violer, who all find themselves in the midst of a mystery with far-reaching consequences. Instead, the Pentagon Pirates must work together to discover the truth in a world where uncertainty reigns supreme. There is so much good to say about this book. Even minor characters and villains have depth, especially the malefic Mrs. Blackfruit and her paramour, Mr. Thornby. However, there are so many characters that it can be difficult at times to keep everyone straight. A bit slow getting started, the book truly finds its stride as the school sporting events begin, and the pace gets more intense as the plot thickens. A quick editorial brush-up to remove a few type errors and naming inconsistencies would make this highly intelligent plot shine even brighter. The complex mystery ends on a serious cliffhanger, leaving the reader dying to know what will happen to the Pentagon Pirates next. A rich world with a myriad of mysteries at our fingertips, Pentagon Pirate Gang: Secret of the Orchard is suitable for readers 12 and up who love a complex setting. The book contains minor language, and children regularly find themselves in harm’s way. A deep setting with memorable characters, an engaging plotline, and unsolved mysteries that challenge the reader to think outside the box, this intrepid tale of friendship and unraveling dark secrets is an incredible beginning to the adventures of the Pentagon Pirate Gang.