I’ve been searching for a great read recently.

I know I may be crucified for this, but I simply have not been pleased with the quality of reading that has recently been praised in society. You may or may not have noticed the popularity of the trilogy. First Twilight, then The Hunger Games and finally 50 Shades of Grey. The first one, I only read to be able to discuss it with my Luv Luv’s little cousin who was raving over it. I thought it was “meh” and I found that the last book was the best – only because (SPOILER ALERT) Bella became a vampire. The Hunger Games I found the opposite with the first book being the best and the other two making me want to tear all my hair out. As for 50 Shades, I was avoiding reading it because of all the compla9ints I heard from fellow bloggers – but caved when I needed a book for a flight to Trinidad recently. I regret having bought it. My Mom was laughing at me the entire time I was reading at it because, apparently every time she passed by when I was reading it I commented “This is such a stupid book”.

So when I was approached to review Gasparilla’s Treasure, I did so with much trepidation – all the great literature seemed to have disappeared, and this was teen fiction – how boring would it be? How much would I groan? Would I be bald by the end of it?

I was pleasantly surprised, I have to tell you.

Here’s why.

One of my favourite genre of books is historical fiction where a fictional event and/or a character is placed into a real historical event. The mix of imagination and reality just envelopes me in reading pleasure. This is what Gasparilla’s Treasure did for me – not because it would be historical fiction, but because the author, Scott Clements (who is a very pleasant man over email by the way!) managed to tickle that little part of my brain that is fascinated by the realistic mixed with the imaginary. Not to mention that Gasparilla’s Treasure was written spectacularly with an captivating plot, exciting characters and just a touch of intrigue that fascinated me completely – and I’m way past my teenage years, so just imagine how your teen will react to the book!

Okay, here’s the SPOILER ALERT for the next paragraph –>;

The main character, Trip, along with his friends Josh and Sarah are sent on a treasure hunt by Pappy, Trip’s ailing grandfather. This treasure hunt sends them all around their town to all the historical landmarks of the area in search of Gasparilla’s Treasure. This treasure hunt was one that was started by Trip’s family generations before, and which had fallen into his hands to complete as a matter of life or death. Of course, a young student cannot just avoid his resp0nsibilities of school and home life and go traipsing off to go find treasure, so the story is kept on the realistic side when Trip manages to get himself grounded. More than once. The touches of humour added a perfect break to the sometimes breath-holding adventure that these three teens were undergoing.

END OF SPOILER ….

This is the type of novel I definitely would have picked up when I was younger. My Mother used to make us purchase a new book every Saturday to read, and this one is exciting, interesting and certainly catches your attention. I read it all in one sitting, not wanting to put it down, just so I could see what comes next!

I could easily see this book turned into a movie or a cartoon – and I would go to the theatre to watch it – with Josh’s comic relief, Trip’s innocent infatuation, Trip’s Mom’s motherly worrying, Josh’s geeky clumsiness and all the ins and outs of the high school experience (while um…searching for treasure?), the book is gold. Pure. Gold.

I would advise you to go pick a copy up ASAP! And to help you out, here’s the opportunity to win a Gasparilla’s Treasure prize from the author himself to help you do so. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below. The contest runs from August 13 – 31st, 2012. Good luck and happy reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway