Sharknado Warning (Max Beast #1)

by Maddy Mara

Who Would Win? meets Animorphs in the first book in Maddy Mara's new adventure series! Perfect for young readers who love fast-paced action.

Max is...a shark? He doesn’t know how he became one, but that strange older boy with the amulet must have something to do with it. Now, Max is swimming around in the body of an apex predator. Danger is everywhere. Even a great white shark must watch out for other animals―and humans with bad intentions. Max needs to find a way to survive as he explores a mysterious shipwreck and the deep sea beyond. Can he stay alive long enough to figure out how to turn back into a boy?

Genres: Childrens

128 pages, Paperback

Published April 7, 2026

About the author

Maddy Mara is the pen name of Melbourne-based creative duo Hilary Rogers and Meredith Badger. Hilary and Meredith have been collaborating on children's books for nearly two decades. Hilary is an author and former publishing director; Meredith is the author of countless books for kids and young adults, and teaches English as a foreign language. Maddy Mara is the melding of their respective daughters' names.

Reviews

[Liz Yielding · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. Not a fan of this one Finn and I read. All action and no actual followable plot. It’s the first of a series but I’m not interested enough to keep going.

[whatbooknext · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is Max Beast – Sharknado Warning about?

Max is on a trip with his parents to experience the world. On a chance scuba diving adventure together, Max meets a shark in the water. Instead of being eaten, the shark changes into a boy, and Max turns into a shark!

Max must find his parents, and defend a ship wreck – as a shark, before he can learn how to turn back into a boy.


Review
The first book in an exciting new, tension filled, action adventure series, Max Beast – Sharknado Warning is a gripping read.

Fast paced, with a likeable hero, large clear fonts, and thrilling illustrations, the underwater danger is real for more than just Max. Giant squid, spearguns and a shark are in the turmoil, along with greedy villains and a killer whale keen for a snack!

Max must make life or death decisions for his family, all while his mind whirls on his transformation. The shapeshifting mystery continues into the next book.

This series is sure to be gobbled up by young readers.


Book Style
106 Pages / Ten Chapters – With a sneak peek of the next adventure Max Beast – Tiger Terror

FAQ’s
What age is it for?
8+

Where & When is it set?
Open ocean under boats used for Scuba Diving / Present

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?
Third Person / Past Tense

Is there Violence?
Yes – Underwater between animals, people and then between the two

What genre is Max Beast – Sharknado Warning?
Middle Grade Fantasy Action

Themes
Action / Courage / Fantasy / Adventure / Series

Is it part of a series?
Yes

Sharknado Warning (2026)
Tiger Terror (2026)
Raptor Alert (2027)
?

[CONSTANCE · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in a series (# 2 “Tiger Terror” released in September) about Max, a boy, who suddenly finds himself having turned into a shark while his parents are scuba diving. There’s a sunken yacht down there and there’s a weird older kid with an amulet and there are creepy guys who totally look dangerous. Can he save his parents and somehow return to being just a boy? And why/how did he morph into a shark anyway??

[Marissa Hall · Rating 2 out of 5]

My 8 year old picked this book for a book report. It was severely lacking in plot points, setting was unclear, & even anything about the main character. Just action but none of the other things I’m trying to have my son learn to analyze in a book. I finished it in about 20 mins so we’ll see how he feels about it tomorrow.

[Espe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ⭐️ Adventure and more!

We read this as family! May was a crazy month but kept us entertained each nite.

Children opinion: “I wish it was a little bit longer, but it’s Interesting because It gives true facts. It is also very intense and you just when I keep reading”

[Barb Mittelstadt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read for early 3rd grade and up. Received from a student who purchased it from the Scholastic book fair.

[Rekha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting premise but ended too abruptly? Needs more resolution for a kids book. I still didn’t really understand Hector’s motivation or how/why he even got the damn amulet.