I would not recommend reading this book without having read the first. Although explanations are given, the world turned from ordinary to extraordinary by the time we left the three friends the last time.
In the previous book, Alex discovered his history and the powers that come with it. The trio of friends, with help from some people and water creatures, restored a dragon back into the water and cleared some of the pollution in their seaside town.
The dragon left to catch up on its work while keeping in touch with Alex at times. The problems of their little town are not over, though.
A ship made of trash and being spearheaded by a pirate is trying to find the missing dragon's egg, and they think it's still in their town. There is a new member in their small group, one who comes bearing news of the plans of the pirate.
This adventure sees all the characters ease into the roles they began with. They help and support each other in the ways that the other needs. The adults continue to assist but, for the most part, are unaware of the dangers that the children are undertaking. Alex may be the central protagonist, but the other Zoey and Anil also are given time and attention as they contribute to the hunt for the missing egg and its importance.
It is a fun story that maintains the pace that began in the first book.
The book focuses on cleaning up the oceans and general pollutive activities as a background. It is the ultimate goal that the series is working towards, a cleaner world.
The book is appropriate for middle schoolers, although, as an adult, I appreciated it as well.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

I really liked the first in this series and this one didn't disappoint. Alex and his friends are joined by a few new characters and animal companions, all of which worked really well. The story was great fun and I loved seeing how Alex is learning to use his developing powers. Adding pirates to the mix was great fun and the underlying messages about the importance of the oceans was nicely done. Really looking forward to the next in the series!

Dragons

A fantastic sequel to Alex Neptune Dragon Thief in which Alex is adjusting to his new abilities. He must prevent a group of pirates from attacking the bay in quest of the egg. Really well written and entertaining for children aged 7 and up. My son like mythology, stories, and Percy Jackson, so he enjoyed this as well. Alex and his buddies have returned, and after the thrills of the previous book, Alex must struggle to grasp his newfound abilities. Alex is swimming in the sea when a female who looks just like a mermaid appears to warn him that he is sought for his abilities. Soon later, he discovers that pirates in a ship made of garbage are chasing him because they believe he will bring them to the water dragon's egg.

A great sequel to Alex Neptune Dragon Thief where Alex is getting used to his new powers. He has to stop a group of pirates attacking the bay in their search for the egg. Really well written and enjoyable for children aged 7 up. My son loves myths, legends and Percy Jackson so loved this too

Alex and his friends are back and after the thrills of the first book, Alex needs to try to get to grips with his new-found skills. Spending time in the sea, Alex is shocked when a girl looking remarkably like a mermaid emerges to tell him that he is wanted for his powers. Shortly after, he discovers that pirates in a ship made from rubbish are hunting him as they think he will lead them to the egg of the water dragon.

More confident in himself in this book, Alex still needs to get to grips with his powers and, despite his increased confidence, he is still struggling at times; however, he is determined to keep the dragon egg safe. I loved the fact that the animals are back and the otters remain my favourite.

Action-packed with pirates, water dragons, messages about being kind to the ocean and a thrilling adventure, Alex Neptune: Pirate Hunter is a brilliant sequel and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Another fantastic installment in the Alex Neptune series! I loved seeing the return of all the characters from the first book, and the addition of some great new characters who we'll hopefully see more of in the future books. The number of animal companions also grew and they're all so cute. It was great to see the friendships grow, as well as Alex's powers and him learning how to use them and his full potential. I think the important messages about the environment and doing what's right within such a fun story is excellent for Children's books. I can't wait to read the next one!

Spotting this on Netgalley, I rushed to request as I loved Alex Neptune so much. The sequel definitely does not disappoint. Alex is trying to master his new-found magic and power of the oceans with best friends, Anil and Zoey. They still bicker but good naturedly.

Alex has noticed a strange man following him and as they try to solve that mystery, a band of pirates has surged into Haven Bay. With a small warning from a young girl named Meri, the town get behind Alex and scare the pirates off. Knowing his magic will be sought by those wishing to use it for their own personal gain, Alex must constantly watch his back.

The old Argosy House houses a secret that the group discover once they are held captive but the last remaining Argosy, Erasmus, the mysterious man who had been following Alex. What follows is a fast paced adventure with a trio of challenges, familiar villains and too much plastic pollution.

A phenomenal adventure of friends working together to save the world’s oceans, save the Water Dragon’s egg and stop a mad man from doing damage to them all.

Alex is a likeable character, one who has hidden depths of courage. His friends have their own strengths that help them through a set of challenges and battles with pirates.

Knowing there is a third book still to come has me smiling!

I thoroughly loved my second foray into Alex’s world. This sequel might be even better than the first - water dragons, pirates, messages about being nicer to our oceans and 3 incredible challenges. I really raced through this. I loved all of the talk about how we’re stronger when we’re surrounded by the people we love. I can’t wait for the next one!

For those of you who haven't yet had the pleasure of the Alex Neptune series - think Percy Jackson come Indiana Jones, add a splash of the super natural and you will be heading in the right direction. Having read the first in the series and loving it, it is hard to admit that I think this new addition outshines it. It still holds onto the environmental themes and the tenacious characters, but this time the characters have more depth and you get a real feel for what each one represents. Whilst many of the old familiar faces remained, a number of new additions can be found - Meri being one of my favourites. Her demeanour is endearing and quirky, yet she is tenacious and fearlessly fights for what she loves and knows is right. In this instalment, Alex's control over his powers grow and he is becoming more confident in his skills, when he is faced with another threat to his beloved town, Haven Bay. As 'vicious' pirates attack on a plight to find the illusive water dragon egg that they have been coerced into believing will save the ocean, Alex and his mottle crew have to pull out all the stops to protect not only Haven Bay, but the entire world. The story is pacey and gripping, but if you are a retiring landlubber, it is most definitely not for you.

The second book in the series sees Alex getting used to the fantastical creatures in the sea around his home. The last thing he needs is a pirate ship made out of rubbish and his old nemesis trying to discover the lost egg of the water dragon. There are some brilliantly funny characters, especially among the animals and the trio of friends are joined by a new possible friend, but can she be trusted? Lots of cliffhangers and excitement before we find the answer to all of the questions. I can't wait for the next adventure for this group of friends.