Titles in This Set. Cloudburst (Jack Courtney Adventures, Book 1). Thunderbolt (Jack Courtney Adventures, Book 2). Details. Condition: New. Format: Paperback. Publisher: Piccadilly Press. Series: Jack Courtney Adventures. Age Range: 9-12 years. Overview. The Jack Courtney Adventures 2 Books Collection Set brings together the first two thrilling instalments in Wilbur Smith's action-packed series for young readers: Cloudburst and Thunderbolt. Following fourteen-year-old Jack Courtney across the jungles of the Congo and the coral reefs of Zanzibar, these fast-paced paperbacks combine daring escapades with real-world conservation themes, making them an ideal choice for adventurous readers aged 9-12 who love high-stakes storytelling with heart.. About the Books. In Cloudburst, Jack Courtney has spent his whole life in the UK, but everything changes the summer his parents travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a gorilla conservation conference. Jack and his friends are swept into the trip, and what begins as an exciting expedition quickly turns into a fight to protect wildlife from poachers and expose a dangerous mining conspiracy threatening the rainforest. Along the way, Jack learns the true meaning of courage, loyalty, and standing up for the natural world.. Thunderbolt raises the stakes further as Jack, together with friends Amelia and Xander, dives off the coast of Zanzibar in support of his mother's coral reef protection project. When their final dive goes wrong, the trio are lured into a trap and captured by Somali pirates. Determined not to let his mother pay a ransom, Jack must rely on his wits, courage, and teamwork to secure their escape. Tackling weighty themes such as environmental destruction and exploitation alongside pulse-pounding action, Thunderbolt is a gripping follow-up that doesn't shy away from real-world issues while keeping young readers hooked from cover to cover.. Two complete, fast-paced adventure novels from bestselling author Wilbur Smith. Perfect for fans of Alex Rider and other action-driven middle-grade fiction. Weaves genuine conservation and environmental themes into gripping storytelling. Short chapters and accessible writing style, great for reluctant readers. Compact paperback format, easy for kids to carry, share, and collect. A brilliant introduction to a bestselling author's world for younger readers. About the Author. Wilbur Smith was born in Central Africa in 1933 and educated at Michaelhouse and Rhodes University. One of the world's most celebrated adventure novelists, he published his first novel, When the Lion Feeds, in 1964, launching a career defined by meticulous research and a deep love of Africa's landscapes and wildlife. With the Jack Courtney Adventures, Smith brought his trademark action and authenticity to a new generation of younger readers, crafting stories that are as thrilling as they are thoughtful.. Why You'll Love This Set. Packed with jungle escapes, ocean rescues, and real environmental stakes, this set offers non-stop adventure with genuine substance. It's a fantastic gift for curious, active readers ready to explore the world through gripping, fast-moving fiction.. Please Note: Books will be dispatched with the UK ISBN and UK edition cover as shown in the listing images.