Agent Nomad: The eleventh hour by Skye Melki-Wegner
![cover image](https://www.readplus.com.au/covers/agentnomadtheeleventhhour.jpg)
Random House Australia, 2017. ISBN 9780143780151
(Age: 14+) The eleventh hour is the first book in the new Agent
Nomad series by Skye Melki-Wegner. At 15 years old a genetic
anomaly has given Natalie Palladino the ability to manipulate a
source of power called quintessence. But Natalie is not your average
sorcerer; she is a rare and hunted witness who can see the
quintessences of other sorcerers, thus bearing witness to the magic
others have performed or are about to perform.
After spending her early years travelling the world with her mother
Natalie was sent to live with her father in the small town of
Hollingvale on the Mornington Peninsular in Victoria. Then, hauled
from an average teenage student life into the world of secret agents
known as HELIX, Natalie Palladino reinvents herself as Nomad and we
travel with Nomad on a fast paced adventure as HELIX endeavours to
protect Nomad and innocents from the Inductors.
Excitedly, I applauded the female protagonist, Natalie, who appears
to be unsure of herself to start, but her character develops into an
independent, feisty and strong individual. Drawing on Natalie's
experiences as she tries to empathise with the people around her and
anticipate what impact her choices will have on others, the author
offers insight into friendships; not only the components of what
makes a person your friend but also how to be a friend to others.
Skye Melki-Wegner makes an attempt to explore important teen issues
such as developing skills in teamwork, maintaining friendship,
valuing your own self-worth and personal sacrifice which will
encourage the reader to think about how their own perspectives and
actions can enhance and confuse their relationships.
Written in a simple yet engaging style I still felt that the
momentum of the story was forced through each key moment, hurrying
to explain history during a crucial event and skimming over
important character development.
All this being said, I was very impressed with the finale when
Natalie and her team want to prevent a sorcerous bomb from exploding
but cannot see a solution... I did not see this twist coming nor
the secrets revealed about her parents! You will have to read The
eleventh hour to find out more. For readers aged 14 and up.
Sharon Smith (Children's and Youth services Librarian Riverina
Regional Library)