The Mist Lizard

Author: Marc Alexander

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From the inside front flap: "Roger and his dark-haired, vivacious cousin Susan are visiting New Zealand with her father, Professor Simon White. He has been asked to examine ancient and indecipherable carvings on a stele found near a forbidden mountain. When the two children decide to explore the mountain on their own they uncover a secret 'Time Pyramid' protected by the terrifying Mist Lizard and are whisked into an adventure in time and space which takes them back to the Mesozoic era and out to Titan, a moon of Jupiter. This compelling and imaginative tale has all the best qualities of adventure and science fiction. But this book is something more; it contains a powerful warning of future disaster."

National Library of NZ Entry

As a science fiction enthusiast, I found The Mist Lizard (1977) by Marc Alexander a surprisingly captivating read. This children’s novel, set in the fictional Awapuni Ranges of New Zealand, delivers a well-crafted plot, imaginative themes, and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged. Despite some cultural missteps, its prescient exploration of artificial intelligence, dystopia, and human resilience makes it a thought-provoking gem.

Born in England and raised in New Zealand, Marc Alexander wrote over 70 books, many set in his adopted homeland. A former teacher, he pursued writing full-time in England and passed away in 2020 (The Guardian, 2020). In The Mist Lizard, he crafts an adventure for young readers, blending sci-fi and mystery.

The story follows English cousins Roger and Susan, who join Susan’s archaeologist father, Professor Simon White, to study ancient rock carvings in the Awapuni Ranges, a fictional stand-in for the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges near Palmerston North, New Zealand. They befriend Mani, a local Māori boy, who warns that the mountain is tapu (sacred), guarded by the “mist lizard.” Roger confronts the creature, leading the cousins to a hidden pyramid that propels them through time and space.

The novel excels in its unpredictable plot and thematic depth, exploring time and space travel, a dystopian future, and artificial intelligence. Written in 1977, its second half feels prophetic, particularly in its nuanced treatment of AI. A chilling dialogue between Roger and the villainous robot Metnal highlights this:

The robot seemed almost pleased, and Roger found it hard to believe that this man—he corrected himself—this intelligent machine was going to take over the earth for his kind. “Below you can see the last stages of work on my comrades,” Metnal continued. “Will they be exactly like you?” “Not exactly. In the old days when men designed my forerunners they were mass-produced, but when robots took over the work of designing robots the value of personality was realised. Imagine how dull it would be if your species were all the same, like ants doing the things that they are automatically destined to do. No, we are individuals, though we do have the advantage of sharing the same memory; which is another way in which we are superior to you humans. We are the most advanced life-form that has ever developed.” “You used the word life…” “Of course. Because humans are basically chemical creatures it does not mean to say that electronic beings such as us are not alive! Just as the reptiles had to give way to the mammals, so the human species must give way to us. We have everything that you have, and so much more. We do not die, we do not know disease. If a circuit is faulty it is merely replaced.” “There are one or two things you haven’t got,” said Roger. “Kindness, pity, love…” “Where has kindness ever got humans… what good will love be when the new plague reaches them?” “But why can’t we co-operate—humans and robots I mean. I know way back in time the robots rebelled against the humans, and the humans went to war against the robots, but that was ages and ages ago. The whole world has changed since then. Thirty years ago, the British and the Germans were bombing each other, now we’re partners in the Common Market. There’s no point in carrying on the hatred…” “We do not indulge in hatred or other base human emotions,” cut in Metnal. “It is logical that Mankind must make way for Robotkind. It is evolution.” “It may be to you, but to me it’s my Mum and Dad and the 17th Harrow Scout Troop and my cat Domino. What have they done to you?” “Nothing,” answered Metnal. “But as long as humans exist they will be a threat to us, therefore we must eliminate them. It will be done without hatred and the end will be reasonably painless.”

This exchange raises timeless questions about AI ethics, evolution versus creation, and the sanctity of life, making it an ideal opening for discussions.

The characters’ witty banter, though occasionally corny, adds charm, and the pacing keeps readers hooked. However, as a “New Zealand” novel, it disappoints. The setting is fictional and the author is condescending towards the Maori people. As science fiction, The Mist Lizard shines with memorable characters and provocative themes.

I recommend it for readers aged 12+ (or keen 10+ readers) who enjoy adventurous sci-fi with substance. Parents will appreciate its potential to spark meaningful conversations.

Example of inside pages

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