Great little action adventure book set in Africa and first of a series I think. Jack and his activist parents come to Africa for a conference where Jack's Mum will try to have a law about mining in areas of endangered wildlife habitat overturned. This is a complicated matter because Jack's uncle owns a mining company and this means that Jack is stuck with his older annoying cousin on a safari while his parents go to inspect his uncle's model mining operation. During the safari to see gorillas, there is a terrible accident that is all Jack's cousins' fault..Then, when Jack and his friends get back to the hotel after the safari, they discover that Jack's parents are missing, having never arrived at the mine. Jack has only his shifty uncle to rely on for help.

Action-packed novel with a bit of intrigue. I partly guessed who was behind the kidnapping of the parents but did not see the little curve-ball Smith sent at the end, coming. Jack's friends are an interesting addition with the almost autistic like Amelia grating a bit with her facts and lack of social cues. One that I think younger readers will like. ( )

I was interested to read "Cloudburst" as it was Wilbur Smith's first foray into children's fiction. The mystery, pace and adventure was great and kept this reader interested from the start. I liked the three teens - Jack, Amelia and Xander. While Jack was the main protagonist, Amelia provided some humorous moments with her social awkwardness and her incredible wealth of knowledge while Xander was the calm, stable member of the group.

I enjoyed experiencing the Congo through the eyes of the three teens with its lush jungles, colourful markets, extreme poverty and dangerous bandits. Filled with danger and intrigue, "Cloudburst" will appeal to tweens who are looking for an exciting read. ( )