Ross Bentley has the gift of telekinesis but has always kept it hidden, even from those closest to him. When he learns of The Million Dollar Gift, a contest to find people with superhuman skills, he can’t let the chance go by, and enters. But all is not as it seems and soon he must use his skills to protect himself in a dark, dangerous world.
Category: Children's fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Top 10 Reads for Teens, Young Adult Fiction
Themes:
Adventure, Issues, Family Relationships, Personal Challenge, Fantasy, Other worlds, Boy/Girl/Teen Relationships, Other People and Lands
Series:
Ross Bentley's Hidden Gift
Ross Bentley is a skateboarding slacker, who has hardly any real friends, communicates with his father by grunting and hates his job in the local supermarket. Ross also has the gift of telekinesis but has always kept it hidden, even from those closest to him. That all changes when he learns of The Million Dollar Gift, a contest in which the organisers have challenged anyone to prove they have a superhuman skill. Any applicant who is successful will receive one million dollars prize money.
Ross can't let this opportunity go by and enters the contest. He stuns the organisers by passing every test and wins the prize money. All does not go according to plan though; Ross's identity was supposed to be kept secret but when his test videos are leaked onto the internet he becomes a sensation.
Within twenty four hours the entire world knows his name and what he can do. But fame is not all he has to deal with. He has attracted the attentions of others who have the gift, and not all of them are happy about his arrival on the scene.
an explosive page-turner … a must for every teenage boy who wants captivating adventure from beginning to end
strong action thriller … had me glued from start to finish
really enjoyed the clever world-building … Somers does a great job of explaining the 'gifts' to his readers
'a fast-paced thriller for ages 12+'
'young teens will love the book's modern feel, with its awareness of current technologies and social media, exciting streamlined prose and explosive action sequences'
'a wonderfully assured debut from a talented author'
'readers will quickly be drawn into the exciting world of Ross Bentley and his Million Dollar Gift. I for one am looking forward to reading the next instalment'
'many teenage boys will enjoy the story with its focus on the paranormal, the exciting fights and the thriller element'
'very humorous, action packed, thrilling and very intriguing'
'fast-paced and very interesting and makes the reader continuously eager to turn to the next page!'
a gripping story ... a fast-paced thriller
'tantalizing'
'a young man’s journey from childhood into the exciting, often daunting world of adulthood'
'a modern day Catcher in the Rye'
'lovely!'
'11+ boys will lap it up! Really loved seeing the history of all the different gifts'
'5/5. I cannot wait for the sequel!'
'a must-read for lovers of adventure, the supernatural, romance, crime and teen novels!'
'an absolutely brilliant book, really easy to read and will keep you hooked'
Ian Somers has created brilliant characters and a captivating plot ... his writing will draw you in and keep you hooked. This book is electric!
Perfect for Anthony Horowitz fans. A gripping thriller.
'looking forward to book 2, which I suppose says it all!'
'fast-paced read, with plenty of action, mystery and well-thought out background'
'a breath of fresh air for teenage boys'
'fast-paced, riveting and insightful ... highly recommended gripping read'
'an adrenaline rush to the very end'