Details Condition: BRAND NEW Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781848128538 Publisher: Piccadilly Press Age Range: 10+ Overview Cloudburst launches the Jack Courtney Adventures, a thrilling new series from legendary storyteller Wilbur Smith, co-written with Chris Wakling for a younger generation of readers. Fourteen-year-old Jack Courtney has never left the UK, but when his parents vanish during a trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he must journey into the rainforest to rescue them. Packed with danger, family secrets and non-stop action, this fast-paced paperback introduces fans aged 10 and up to the exciting world that made Wilbur Smith a global bestseller. About the Book Jack Courtney has lived in the UK his whole life. But this summer his parents are travelling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a gorilla conference, and they've promised to take Jack and his friends with them. When his parents go missing in the rainforest, abducted by mercenaries, nobody seems to have any answers. Jack is pretty sure it has something to do with the nearby tantalum mines, but he needs to prove it. Along with his friends Amelia and Xander, Jack must brave the jungle to save his parents, facing western gorillas, forest elephants and hippos, as well as bandits, mercenaries and poachers along the way. Standing in his way is a member of his own family — Caleb Courtney. As the first title in the Jack Courtney Adventures, Cloudburst brings the scope and excitement of Wilbur Smith's adult Courtney novels to a new generation of young readers, while remaining entirely accessible as a stand-alone adventure. The story moves at a relentless pace, blending real-world issues like conflict minerals and conservation with classic thriller elements — kidnapping, betrayal and survival against the odds. It's an ideal introduction for readers who love adventure fiction and are ready to step up to a longer, more complex story. First book in the acclaimed Jack Courtney Adventures series Written by bestselling author Wilbur Smith with Chris Wakling Fast-paced African adventure with kidnapping, mercenaries and family secrets Perfect for confident readers aged 10 and up moving into longer fiction Introduces themes of conservation and real-world issues alongside the action Great gift for fans of adventure, thriller and action fiction About the Author Wilbur Smith was born in Central Africa in 1933 and educated at Michaelhouse and Rhodes University. Following the success of When the Lion Feeds in 1964, he became a full-time writer, going on to publish over thirty meticulously researched novels translated into more than twenty-six languages. For the Jack Courtney Adventures, Smith partnered with author Chris Wakling to bring his signature African adventure storytelling to a younger readership, launching a brand-new series inspired by his own bestselling Courtney family saga. Why You'll Love This Adventure A gripping, cinematic thriller set against the wild backdrop of the Congo rainforest, Cloudburst combines heart-pounding action with genuine emotional stakes — perfect for young readers ready for their first taste of Wilbur Smith's storytelling. Please Note: Cover image shown is the UK edition. ISBN and edition are as stated above.