H.I.V.E. The Overlord Protocol by Mark Walden

This is the second part in the H.I.V.E series which stands for Higher Institute of Villainous Education. In other words it is a school for villains playing good guys against even worse villains.

Complicated? You bet! There is action aplenty and enough convoluted technology and villains with sinister objectives to gladden the hearts of readers who love hi tech action.

Otto Malpense and his friend Wing are duped into leaving H.I.V.E headquarters with super warrior Raven, on a false pretext, and immediately comes into conflict with an even more super villain, Cypher, who wears a mask. Cypher has developed an army of robotic Ninja warriors with which to destroy Doctor Nero and the H.I.V.E organisation. But there is mystery behind the mask and just when all seems lost Otto and his fellow villainous students come to the rescue.

In the last pages Mark Walden introduces a new plot which means there is going to be another book.

An acquired taste this type of book but plenty to enthuse the Sci/fi hi-tech brigade who want a step up from Alex Ryder. Will appeal to Intermediate and Secondary school students.

Published by Bloomsbury

Reviewed by Bob