Luridiumstyven

Luridiumstyven William Wenton and the Luridium Thief

William Wenton #1

Meet William Wenton, the world’s greatest code breaker. The only thing is, he doesn’t yet know he is…

William has always wondered why his family suddenly had to change their name and address eight years ago, moving from England to sleepy little Norway. And he can’t help but miss his grandfather, who mysteriously went missing just as they left their old home. It isn’t until William solves the Impossible Machine, the toughest code in the world, that he begins to see the danger that’s been nipping at his heels all these years. If he’s to survive the coming confrontation, he’ll have to find his grandfather right quick, not to mention make full use of his uncanny talent for code breaking.

William Wenton and the Luridium Thief is a wild ride through a fantastical new universe. Bobbie Peers’ imagination has created a world rich in detail and humor, not to mention excitement. The novel has already caught the eyes of the literary sphere and received Ark’s Children’s Book Award 2015. 10,000 Norwegian children participated in the vote to chose the best book of the year.

Awards

Shortlisted for the Fantastic Book Awards 2018-19 UK 2019
Parents’ Choice Award recommended title US 2017
The Bokslukerprisen Award Norway 2017
Children’s Book Award Norway 2016
Book of the Year Norway 2016
The Ark’s Children’s Book Award Norway 2015
Close award list

Reviews

  • “A Norwegian fantasy hero of international proportions. /…/ If there’s one thing Norway’s world of children’s books needs, it is an international bestseller. Here it is. Bobbie Peers’ William Wenton and the Luridium Thief has the potential to become the new Percy Jackson.”

    Dagbladet, Norway

  • “Film director Peers has brought to life a universe that would be well suited as a Hollywood movie with spectacular computer animated special effects.”

    Verdens Gang, Norway

  • “Exhilarating and action-packed. The language is easy to read and the plot flows nicely. Those who love technology, robots and code will be richly rewarded.”

    BTJ, Sweden

  • “There is something cinematic and visual about the way [William Wenton and the Luridium Thief] is written. Not too many adjectives, but a solid plot with an abundance of quite clever ideas that would do equally well on the screen. It is certainly very easy to see it before one’s eyes while reading. /…/ [William Wenton and the Luridium Thief] is a book that delights with all its energy and vitality. It will be fun to follow William on his onward journey.”

    Weekendavisen, Denmark

  • “An adventure story that will send children on a breathtaking journey.”

    Rüsselsheimer Echo, Germany

  • “This fast-paced, engaging novel grabs readers’ attention right from the get-go. /…/ Part “Alex Rider,” part “Artemis Fowl,” part Da Vinci Code for kids, this title will captivate action and mystery enthusiasts.”

    School Library Journal, US

  • “Peers’ first novel follows the pattern of many such school and adventure stories — think Hogwarts with robots and carnivorous robotic plants — but there are plenty of twists to keep readers guessing. Appealing, resilient William makes realistic mistakes in judgment that often test that resilience. The crisp narrative will appeal to readers of different levels, and more adventures involving William Wenton will be welcome.”

    Booklist, US

  • “An involved story for book and action-loving girls and boys.”

    BuchMarkt, Germany

  • “Alex Rider-level thrills and a host of amazing gadgets, many of them animate, give this the page-turner prize and it’s definitely a case of brains over brawn.”

    LoveReading, April 2017 Debut of the Month, UK

  • “Exciting, crazy and full of humor.”

    NDR, Germany

  • “Full of wit and crazy ideas.”

    Event Magazine, Germany

  • “A pacey code-breaking’n’cyborgs thriller that shirks conventions.”

    The Guardian, UK

  • “Award winning adventure bristles with excitement, humour and some jaw dropping cliff hangers. /…/ Da Vinci Code meets Alex Rider.”

    The South Wales Evening Post, UK

  • “This series opener is a gripping story from early on, and the wonky twists and turns ramp up the excitement as readers learn more about William’s family and this crazy metal at the core of the drama. /…/ any kid who likes ciphers and codes will be drawn in, and there’s plenty here to lure them back for the next outing.”

    BCCB, US

  • “Full of secrecy, intrigue with an element of fantasy, this really is a pageturner – think Harry Potter meets Dan Brown with a hint of John Grisham!”

    The Guardian’s Best New Children’s Books Guide 2017, UK

Author
Photo: Sofia Runarsdotter Bobbie Peers
Published
2015
Genre
  • Children's
Pages
238
Reading material

Norwegian edition

English edition

Rights sold

Brazil, HarperCollins

Bulgaria, Emas

Catalonia, Estrella Polar

China, Shanghai 99 (Simplified Chinese)

Croatia, Naklada Ljevak

Czech Republic, Zlin

Denmark, Gyldendal

Estonia, Helios

Faroe Islands, BFL

France, Pocket Jeunesse

Germany, Carlsen

Greece, Kedros

Hungary, Libri

Iceland, Bjartur & Veröld

Israel, Armchair Books

Italy, Il Castoro

Japan, Say-Zan-Sha

Korea, Gobooky Books

Latvia, Zvaigzne ABC

Lithuania, Baltos Lankos

Netherlands, Gottmer

North Macedonia, Bata Press

North Sami, Davvi Girji

Norway, Aschehoug

Poland, Znak Emotikon

Portugal, Porto

Romania, Nemira

Russia, AST

Spain, Destino

Sweden, B Wahlströms

Taiwan, Eastern Publishing (Complex Chinese)

Türkiye, Epsilon

UK, Walker Books

Ukraine, Ababagalamaga

US, Simon & Schuster

Film rights sold

US, Norse Code

More From Bobbie Peers

The Explorers’ Club

William Wenton

Stand-alone