H.I.V.E. Higher Institute of Villainous Education

H.I.V.E. Higher Institute of Villainous Education
Walden, Mark
978416935711

A school that trains students to be either henchmen, techno savvy criminals, or crime bosses. This is Harry Potter, (Otto Malpense is an orphan) meets Artemis Fowl at Hogwarts, oops I mean H.I.V.E. That is not to say this book is not worth reading, it is, but the similarities are easy to spot.
How does a student end up at such a school? Good question. Many students are kidnapped or taken against their families wishes. Few are following in the family's footsteps and are actually sent by their parents. If a child shows 'potential' then he or she is sought out and brought to the school.
This story is lively and exciting.Otto makes friends with Wing, Shelby and Laura. Each with special talents that landed them a spot at H.I.V.E. Good children's fiction shows kids as powerful beings with the ability to work through obstacles and be successful. This success can be a physical challenge or personal growth for a character. This is the first book in a series of six and author Mark Walden does a great job setting the stage for further adventures.