The Captain’s Log – watchdog (Will McIntosh)

Ahoy there me mateys!  This be me eighth novel by Will McIntosh and it was exactly what I wanted – fun!  This story follows twins named Vick and Tara who are homeless and living on the edge.  They are surviving because of their abilities with regards to technology.  Tara is an engineering whiz and Vick is great at scavenging the parts she needs.  But when Tara builds a small watchdog named Daisy, the twins come under the notice of a local crime boss.  Can Tara and Vick keep their freedom?

This was a fantastic read for me.  Normally I would want the sci-fi or plot to be a bit more realistic.  With this middle-grade, I just wanted a good time.  I loved the relationship between the twins.  I loved Daisy.  I loved watching the bad guys lose.  I enjoyed the friends made and the escapades they had.  I thought that Tara’s autism was dealt with compassionately.  And I thought the ending was a hoot even though I don’t think most kids would understand the concepts used in it.

The small negatives are that the bad lady is very one-dimensional and the children make some less than moral choices.  I also would have liked more robots.  However, these are small issues as the book otherwise completely fit me mood.

I can’t want to read more by this author.  Luckily, I still have one novel and four novellas to read by the author.  Arrrr!

Goodreads website has this to say about the novel:

Thirteen-year-old twins Vick and Tara have built an incredible machine–a loyal robotic watchdog named Daisy. But, when local crime boss Ms. Alba schemes to add Daisy to her robot army, Vick and Tara must go to great lengths to protect their prized pet. Because Daisy is more than just any robot–she’s their constant protector, and together the three make a great team.

Vick and Tara are determined to stop the mob from tearing their little family apart. And they might just succeed! Sure, the evil Ms. Alba has more robot watchdogs, but none are as smart–or as faithful–as their Daisy. Plus, if things get too dangerous, Tara could always upgrade their pet. With her mechanical skills, she could make Daisy bigger, stronger, and a lot more intimidating!

To visit the author’s website go to:

Will McIntosh – Author

To buy the novel please visit:

watchdog – Book

To add to Goodreads go to:

Yer Ports for Plunder List

Previous Log Entries for this Author

burning midnight (Captain’s Log – Young Adult Fantasy)
hitchers (Dead Men Tell No Tales)
faller (On the Horizon – Sci-Fi eArc)
soft apocalypse (Captain’s Log – Sci-Fi)
the future will be b.s. free (On the Horizon – YA Sci-Fi eArc)