This is the first book in a series lots of boys are going to love. Though that’s being a bit sexist really. Better to say a lot of young readers who prefer a slimmish novel, well illustrated, action packed and whose main characters are contemporary superhero types will love this series.

What eight to ten-year-old does not dream of being a Jay Casey type, leader of a group of kids, a movie and TV superstar, idolised by the media and one whose presence in an advertisement ensures the product’s success? Enter Professor Pestilence who is determined to use Jay to sell his wicked ideas. In the battle against him, Jay is joined by five brave and amazing kids: three boys (a werewolf, a zombie and a robot) and two girls (a ninja and an animancer).

It is all the stuff of popular culture, computer games, anime and movies, but unlike much of the usual spin-off merchandise this has a strong narrative and deliciously unexpected plot. One of the strengths of the writing is its thrilling high-powered action, which is always going off in an unexpected direction. Such fun. Zac Power readers, here’s a great new series to try. The other titles are Curse of the Werewolf (Book Two), Raising the Dead (Book Three) and The Ninja Code (Book Four).

Kathy Kozlowski is from Readings Carlton.