Dreadnought

One-sentence summary: The fourth book in the H.I.V.E (Higher Institute of Villainous Education) series continues the adventures of a group of good kids attending a secret school run by a league of supervillains (the Global League of Villainous Enterprises).

This is an entertaining, energetic read that I sped through in a couple hours. It won't connect with everyone, because the writing is a bit stiff and entirely too wordy for the intended audience, but otherwise, this would be perfect for kids who like graphic novels, high-energy action adventures, and parodies of superhero stories. I'm thinking of things like the Alex Rider series, Catherine Jinks' Evil Genius series, and movies like The Incredibles and Doctor Horrible. The story is show more really fast-paced, has a lot of one-liners and cool tech and stuff blowing up, and is packed with over-the-top plots (for example, the bad guy in this one kidnaps the U.S. president in order to gain the nukes to blow up the supervolcano in Yellowstone and pin it on G.L.O.V.E.). The characters (the "good" villains, of course, who are loyal, selfless, kind, and brave, which is a disconnect from the series premise that I am willing to accept) are stylishly designed (I mean, they would look cool in a graphic novel) and likable, if flat. It's all very tongue-in-cheek, but maybe a little too serious at the same time -- still, I had a good time reading it and I'll probably go back and look for the earlier books. show less

After a brutal opening that made me doubt that I was reading an episode in the series of juvenile adventures, this installment rolled into the easy excitement of its predecessors. With the characters established, the narrative can focus on action as Walden takes us on a witty mild parody of 1960s high espionage adventure stories. Pacy, and laced with mildly geeky referential jokes, it is gripping fun.

In Mark Walden’s Dreadnought, the fourth book of the Higher Institute of Villainous Education series, Otto, Wing, Laura, and Shelby’s adventures continue. The students, training in the art of villainy, are on their way to an Artic exercise with their headmaster Nero when they are attacked by Jason Drake, a member of the Global League of Villainous Enterprises who has gone rogue. Suddenly, the friends find themselves in grave danger. On the run from the world’s most vengeful millionaire, they uncover a plot that has the potential to destroy the United States of America and create a sinister new world order. Otto’s unique abilities to interface directly with technology may be the only way to stop this evil plan and save the world show more as they know it. The cover of this book has an appealing comic book-like feel which offers a glimpse of the exciting action scenes within. I recommend this book to anyone who loves action and adventure. Teens looking for an easy, entertaining read will find Dreadnought to be a very enjoyable book. show less

The adventure continues! Otto and Co., plus their new friend Lucy, set off for an arctic training expedition (commonly referred to as the 93 percenter, for the number of students who survive), but training takes a backseat when Diabolus Darkdoom and his new ship, the Dreadnought, are kidnapped by a rogue GLOVE agent. Otto and his friends have the unique skills to complete this new mission, but will they make it in time, and what will the consequences be?

This is the fith book in the Hive series. there is alot of technolowgy use in this book. there is also a new charecter that is in this book with an intreresting back story that you would like.
This is a geat book it has action on every page. you will wish the action would never stop if you read this book.

Oh my gosh !!!!!!!!!
Damn, damn, damn.

Ok. At first I was only going to give this book 4/5 as it was okay compared to the other books BUT ... That ending. I mean BLOODY HELL.

I mean I knew Sebastian would come back but seriously.
Now I REALLY NEED THE NEXT BOOK.

My kids ages 11 & 14 love this series.