Beyond Infinity : The Imagination Box.
(Ages 10+ )
By : Martyn Ford.
Publisher : Faber & Faber ( April 2016)
Here is an author who possesses a very efficient 'Box of imagination', obviously overflowing with a fantastic array of ideas; revealing the amazing possible beauties and terrors of science & technology through an adventures, mysteries and action-packed fiction. A treat for young tech-freaks but definitely entertaining for others as well; the book is spiced up with all possible flavors and colors! Although this is the second installment in it`s series the story stands alone.
Eleven year old Tim is a highly intelligent but a lonely orphan living with his adopted parents in their guest house. His parents lately became too occupied and busy with their work to pay attention to him at all. The awesome and life changing "Imagination Box" invented by Prof. Eisenstone could provide him with anything he wishes for! All he needs to do is simply wear the mind reading helmet and do a bit of clear and descriptive thinking about his wish. But it is an unresolved wonder why the device only reacts to Tim`s thinking.
However, when Tim breaks Prof. Eisenstone`s rule and takes it to school, things become complicated. He notices many strangers who seem to be staring at him. And then the box gets stolen on the road. Tim decides to find it back for the Professor. As more and more people gets involved and offer him help, Tim gets caught up in a tricky whirlwind of activity. With TRAD (Technology, Research and Defense Agency) people, Businessman Fredric, TV presenter Samantha , the possible existence of a Mind Surfer, and with hi tech 'EcoRama' phones everywhere around the world, Tim finds it hard to trust anyone. His very own creation with the Imagination Box, the finger monkey "Phil" and his only friend from his class "Dee", the granddaughter of Prof. Eisenstone, teams up with him in his search. Dee is a girl addicted to her phone and tries to spend as much time as possible playing her game in it. But she stands by Tim when troubles start. Phil, Tim`s beloved finger monkey keeps company to the lonely boy and keeps him entertained.
Timothy Hart is a beautiful creation by Martyn Ford. In a world powered and driven by utter greed steering some into evil acts, Tim tries to keep his head straight; He tries not to be blinded by greed nor does he use his device to hurt anyone. And tries to be as righteous as possible. He feels nervous about having to do his school work with the help of the Imagination Box. And realizes that creating Phil maybe wrong. The maturity displayed in Tim is very useful in delivering the intended message about self discipline and proper use of technology. Some journalistic thoughts embedded into the story seems sometimes irrelevant yet has very little effect on the story flow.
A fast-paced page turner, and an exciting mind-blowing read for talented readers !
( With many thanks to Farber&Farber Publishers and Net Galley for the ARC )
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