When Danny reveals the dark underside of a company making a new fighting toy gadget, he has no idea of the danger he’s in. A gripping sci-fi mystery from bestselling author Alastair Chisholm. Everyone is desperate to have a Blitzer, the new fighting-game craze.

But Danny’s Blitzer is broken – it won’t fight! His classmates laugh at him. His brother tells him to wipe the code and start again. But Danny does something different … and everything changes.

For the people behind Blitzers are hiding a deadly secret, and now everyone is in danger. Can Danny uncover the truth? Can he figure out what Blitzers are? And above all, can he save his best friend? Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

• Author: Alastair Chisholm
• Illustrator: Francesca Ficorilli
• Publisher: Barrington Stoke
• ISBN: 978‑0‑00‑872371‑2
• Publication date: 14 August 2025
• Dimensions: approx. 129 × 198 mm
• Interest age: 9+; Reading age: approx. 8
• Accessible layout: Designed as “dyslexia‑friendly”, with supportive spacing, short chapters and appropriate for reluctant readers.

FAQs

Q1. Is this book suitable for readers with dyslexia?

Yes — it is published by Barrington Stoke, a specialist imprint focused on accessible reading formats, and this title is described explicitly as “particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8”.

Q2. What age is this book aimed at?

The interest age is 9+ (so for children from about 9 years old) while the reading age is about 8, making it suitable for readers who may find standard texts challenging.

Q3. What is the story about?

The story centres on Danny, whose Blitzer (a trendy fighting toy gadget) doesn’t work the way his classmates’ do — and when he investigates, he uncovers a much bigger, more dangerous secret behind the Blitzer craze.

Q4. Could this book be useful in a school or reading intervention setting?

Definitely. With its manageable length, accessible layout, and engaging subject matter (tech, gaming, mystery), it is ideal for classrooms, reading‑intervention groups and learners who need a confidence‑boosting read.

Q5. Is the text simplified or abridged?

While the book is designed for accessibility, there is no indication it is an abridged version — it is a full‑story adventure presented in an accessible format.