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Recommend this book:
The Gatekeeper of Pericael
Hayley Reese Chow
2024 Finalist
189 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by David Cameron for Readers' Favorite
The protagonist in The Gatekeeper of Pericael by Haley Reese Chow, Porter, is your average boy, but he hides a secret. His mother is the gatekeeper of a portal between Earth and Pericael, a world of magic, spirits, and danger. His family is part of a long line of gatekeepers, but his cousin Ames is unaware of the family’s secret. Porter is Kotalla Kan and is destined to replace his mother. When Porter and Ames are alone in the house, there is a knocking on the door to Pericael. Unable to contact his mother and unsure what to do, Porter opens the door, and the two boys encounter danger. When the evil shaman, Raspurn, attacks, Porter struggles to keep him at bay. The shaman is driven through a portal to an unknown part of the land, drawing Ames and Porter with it. Lost in the dangerous, wild, and jungled land, the two boys are racing against time to reach the Gateway before Raspurn returns and breaks through the gate.
Haley Reese Chow has created a frighteningly alien world with magic, powerful spirits, and terrifying predators in The Gatekeeper of Pericael. We are instantly immersed in the action, with no let-up until the end. Porter doubts his ability, but Ames is pragmatically sure they will succeed despite all the odds against them. I enjoyed the interplay between the boys and the two sisters, Conri and Fira. Despite Fira's animosity and scorn, they are tasked with helping the boys. This is an excellent read for young adults who enjoy fantasy. It is fast-paced and one I highly recommend.
The protagonist in The Gatekeeper of Pericael by Haley Reese Chow, Porter, is your average boy, but he hides a secret. His mother is the gatekeeper of a portal between Earth and Pericael, a world of magic, spirits, and danger. His family is part of a long line of gatekeepers, but his cousin Ames is unaware of the family’s secret. Porter is Kotalla Kan and is destined to replace his mother. When Porter and Ames are alone in the house, there is a knocking on the door to Pericael. Unable to contact his mother and unsure what to do, Porter opens the door, and the two boys encounter danger. When the evil shaman, Raspurn, attacks, Porter struggles to keep him at bay. The shaman is driven through a portal to an unknown part of the land, drawing Ames and Porter with it. Lost in the dangerous, wild, and jungled land, the two boys are racing against time to reach the Gateway before Raspurn returns and breaks through the gate.
Haley Reese Chow has created a frighteningly alien world with magic, powerful spirits, and terrifying predators in The Gatekeeper of Pericael. We are instantly immersed in the action, with no let-up until the end. Porter doubts his ability, but Ames is pragmatically sure they will succeed despite all the odds against them. I enjoyed the interplay between the boys and the two sisters, Conri and Fira. Despite Fira's animosity and scorn, they are tasked with helping the boys. This is an excellent read for young adults who enjoy fantasy. It is fast-paced and one I highly recommend.
Recommend this book:
The Rainbow Weaver's Apprentice
The Fairy Tunnels Series
Elena Jagar
2024 Honorable Mention
264 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
In The Rainbow Weaver's Apprentice by Elena Jagar, Verna, a magic worker, tries to teach Addie the art of rainbow magic, but Addie is too impetuous to follow her orders perfectly. One day, Verna leaves Addie with a specific set of instructions: water the urns with rainbow seeds at sunset. Addie misses the appointed time by moments but hopes her failure will go unnoticed. The next day, everything seems in order, but soon a fog creeps over Woodlander, and Addie and her friend, Gabe, are the only ones unaffected by the depression that comes with it. Addie battles intense emotions as she wonders if she's responsible for the sickness that has befallen her village or if something else is to blame.
In a rich and colorfully detailed story, Elena Jagar paints an adventure in a cleverly conceived world of magic. Most characters are in brilliant colors, and they work hard to protect and thrive in their communities. Addie shows a lot of growth throughout the story as she encounters obstacles either related to her decisions or due to the deeper plot. The book serves as an entertaining tale, but readers may also view it as a lesson for young people about the consequences of their decisions and that not everything is always as it seems. Jagar moves her story along quickly but weaves in perilous situations, new friends, and determination. The Rainbow Weaver's Apprentice is a good selection for children who enjoy stories of adventure, fantasy, and a hint of mystery.
In The Rainbow Weaver's Apprentice by Elena Jagar, Verna, a magic worker, tries to teach Addie the art of rainbow magic, but Addie is too impetuous to follow her orders perfectly. One day, Verna leaves Addie with a specific set of instructions: water the urns with rainbow seeds at sunset. Addie misses the appointed time by moments but hopes her failure will go unnoticed. The next day, everything seems in order, but soon a fog creeps over Woodlander, and Addie and her friend, Gabe, are the only ones unaffected by the depression that comes with it. Addie battles intense emotions as she wonders if she's responsible for the sickness that has befallen her village or if something else is to blame.
In a rich and colorfully detailed story, Elena Jagar paints an adventure in a cleverly conceived world of magic. Most characters are in brilliant colors, and they work hard to protect and thrive in their communities. Addie shows a lot of growth throughout the story as she encounters obstacles either related to her decisions or due to the deeper plot. The book serves as an entertaining tale, but readers may also view it as a lesson for young people about the consequences of their decisions and that not everything is always as it seems. Jagar moves her story along quickly but weaves in perilous situations, new friends, and determination. The Rainbow Weaver's Apprentice is a good selection for children who enjoy stories of adventure, fantasy, and a hint of mystery.
Recommend this book:
Frowns and Gowns
The Mischief Series Book 5
Amanda M Thrasher
2024 Bronze Medal
236 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Constance Stadler for Readers' Favorite
Frowns and Gowns: The Mischief Series Book 5 by Amanda M. Thrasher is a tale of seemingly unlikely friendships and fantastic events where magic mixes with beauty and playful skulduggery. In a world where fairies dwell, amazing happenstances become familiar. The central event is the upcoming fairy ball, an unparalleled gala. Preparations include conferring with the multi-talented spider, Broderick, a phenomenal baker, and then happily coming together to gather needed ingredients. At each step along the way, the bonds between Lilly, the beautiful and reflective group leader, and her mischievous friends Boris and Jack become increasingly apparent. Pearle, who can fly but not walk and is delighted to go about in her chariot, is also close to Lilly. Faculty elders are equally special, coming together in compassionate response to the plight of a single student. One element disturbing this realm of serenity is the need for invisible special agents led by Chester, sworn to protect Lilly and any other boy or girl coming to harm from an unknown nemesis.
As the ball nears, whether being fitted for glorious gowns or bedecking oak trees with garlands of flowers, preparations become increasingly fast-paced and exciting. The culmination is the ball itself, where stars form a canopy of light and fairy dust dazzles, alongside an astonishing array of treats that Jack and Boris promptly devour, with gastric consequences. Amanda M. Thrasher describes every detail in such a way that enchanted wonderment continuously infuses the text. While themes are layered, making the impossible come to life through an array of beautifully etched characters and surprising plot points, interrelationships and teamwork are at the heart of the narrative. Frowns and Gowns is a book for children that makes an imaginary world so wonderfully vivid that the young reader will likely want to find a way of entering it and reveling in this one-of-a-kind realm with unmatched exuberance and wide-eyed enthusiasm.
Frowns and Gowns: The Mischief Series Book 5 by Amanda M. Thrasher is a tale of seemingly unlikely friendships and fantastic events where magic mixes with beauty and playful skulduggery. In a world where fairies dwell, amazing happenstances become familiar. The central event is the upcoming fairy ball, an unparalleled gala. Preparations include conferring with the multi-talented spider, Broderick, a phenomenal baker, and then happily coming together to gather needed ingredients. At each step along the way, the bonds between Lilly, the beautiful and reflective group leader, and her mischievous friends Boris and Jack become increasingly apparent. Pearle, who can fly but not walk and is delighted to go about in her chariot, is also close to Lilly. Faculty elders are equally special, coming together in compassionate response to the plight of a single student. One element disturbing this realm of serenity is the need for invisible special agents led by Chester, sworn to protect Lilly and any other boy or girl coming to harm from an unknown nemesis.
As the ball nears, whether being fitted for glorious gowns or bedecking oak trees with garlands of flowers, preparations become increasingly fast-paced and exciting. The culmination is the ball itself, where stars form a canopy of light and fairy dust dazzles, alongside an astonishing array of treats that Jack and Boris promptly devour, with gastric consequences. Amanda M. Thrasher describes every detail in such a way that enchanted wonderment continuously infuses the text. While themes are layered, making the impossible come to life through an array of beautifully etched characters and surprising plot points, interrelationships and teamwork are at the heart of the narrative. Frowns and Gowns is a book for children that makes an imaginary world so wonderfully vivid that the young reader will likely want to find a way of entering it and reveling in this one-of-a-kind realm with unmatched exuberance and wide-eyed enthusiasm.
Recommend this book:
Dragons of Lilia
Kristi Shimada, Eko Setiawan
2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Dragons of Lilia is a children's picture book written by Kristi Shimada with illustrations by Eko Setiawan. It tells the story of Balen, a young elf prince who receives an amethyst crystal from his elder brother, Prince Jasen. Jasen believes that the crystal contains a dragon, and when Balen visits the Lilygrove pond, a magnificent black dragon named Stargazer emerges from the crystal. Although Balen does not recognize Stargazer, she seems to know him and calls him a friend. Stargazer tells Balen that she has special magic that can help him with his destiny and that she is there to guide and protect him. Join Balen as he discovers his destiny and follows his path with the help of his friend, Stargazer.
Dragons of Lilia is an engaging and captivating story that explores themes of kindness, friendship, family, fate, and destiny through well-developed characters. Kristi Shimada's storytelling skills are evident in this narrative, making the journey through the land of Lilia an enjoyable experience for readers. Balen and his siblings are particularly noteworthy as they have distinct personalities and aspirations, making them relatable and interesting. Balen and Stargazer make a great duo that embodies the essence of friendship and loyalty. The illustrations add a magical feel to the story and bring the characters and scenery to life, making it attractive to children. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to readers looking for a heartwarming and magical adventure that celebrates the power of friendship, kindness, and destiny. I also hope to read more from this author and continue following the story of Balen's siblings in future books.
Dragons of Lilia is a children's picture book written by Kristi Shimada with illustrations by Eko Setiawan. It tells the story of Balen, a young elf prince who receives an amethyst crystal from his elder brother, Prince Jasen. Jasen believes that the crystal contains a dragon, and when Balen visits the Lilygrove pond, a magnificent black dragon named Stargazer emerges from the crystal. Although Balen does not recognize Stargazer, she seems to know him and calls him a friend. Stargazer tells Balen that she has special magic that can help him with his destiny and that she is there to guide and protect him. Join Balen as he discovers his destiny and follows his path with the help of his friend, Stargazer.
Dragons of Lilia is an engaging and captivating story that explores themes of kindness, friendship, family, fate, and destiny through well-developed characters. Kristi Shimada's storytelling skills are evident in this narrative, making the journey through the land of Lilia an enjoyable experience for readers. Balen and his siblings are particularly noteworthy as they have distinct personalities and aspirations, making them relatable and interesting. Balen and Stargazer make a great duo that embodies the essence of friendship and loyalty. The illustrations add a magical feel to the story and bring the characters and scenery to life, making it attractive to children. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to readers looking for a heartwarming and magical adventure that celebrates the power of friendship, kindness, and destiny. I also hope to read more from this author and continue following the story of Balen's siblings in future books.
Recommend this book:
The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey
Jade, The Youngest Ever Witch
Wallace E Briggs
2023 Finalist
261 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite
The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Jade, The Youngest Ever Witch by Wallace E Briggs is a children's fantasy story. If your child loves witchcraft, aliens, and futuristic tales, then this book will become their new favorite in no time. Join Jimmy the alien, his friend Jade the witch, together with all their friends, co-workers, and townsfolk, as they race to save their homes and fight against multiple threats. If everyone works together, will they be able to restore peace? Find out in this thrilling book.
The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey was a pleasure to read. From the first page, you are drawn into the world Wallace E Briggs has created. I was immediately engaged by the plot and eager to get to know the characters better. Wallace certainly has a talent for writing professional content. The story read with ease and I didn't lose focus on what was going on. There are so many different characters that you will grow to love during the time it takes to read the book. I liked that there are witches and aliens all working together as it felt unusual to me. The front cover sets you up for what you are about to read. I found it useful when trying to imagine what certain characters would look like. Jimmy was my favorite of them all and he is unique! I loved the story Wallace has written and I hope to read his next book. Keep up the good work and stay creative!
The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Jade, The Youngest Ever Witch by Wallace E Briggs is a children's fantasy story. If your child loves witchcraft, aliens, and futuristic tales, then this book will become their new favorite in no time. Join Jimmy the alien, his friend Jade the witch, together with all their friends, co-workers, and townsfolk, as they race to save their homes and fight against multiple threats. If everyone works together, will they be able to restore peace? Find out in this thrilling book.
The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey was a pleasure to read. From the first page, you are drawn into the world Wallace E Briggs has created. I was immediately engaged by the plot and eager to get to know the characters better. Wallace certainly has a talent for writing professional content. The story read with ease and I didn't lose focus on what was going on. There are so many different characters that you will grow to love during the time it takes to read the book. I liked that there are witches and aliens all working together as it felt unusual to me. The front cover sets you up for what you are about to read. I found it useful when trying to imagine what certain characters would look like. Jimmy was my favorite of them all and he is unique! I loved the story Wallace has written and I hope to read his next book. Keep up the good work and stay creative!
Recommend this book:
Aster The Spirit Talker
A middle grade fantasy
Allie Compeau
2023 Honorable Mention
199 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Aster The Spirit Talker: A Middle Grade Fantasy is a fantasy novel for children and preteens written by Allie Compeau. Aster was all sorts of excited and just a little bit scared about her family’s move to their forever home. Her dad was in the military, so she had grown up never being in one place for very long. This would be different. Her father had retired from the military and would be a commercial pilot, and the house they would be living in was theirs. When they arrived, Aster marvelled at the architecture of the new house -- it was so much like the fairytale cottages she envisioned while reading her books! Then she saw the backyard -- it was huge and filled with lush greenery and flowers. And, looking up, she saw geese honking overhead, and she was thrilled when her dad said that he had seen deer in the yard when he first saw the house. Going inside, Aster’s bedroom was perfect; the lavender tones of the walls and furnishings made her smile, and the view from the large picture window facing out on the backyard and the woodlands beyond it was mesmerizing. But Aster’s sparkling new world was soon to get even better and brighter.
Allie Compeau’s fantasy novel for children and preteens, Aster The Spirit Talker: A Middle Grade Fantasy, is a marvelous tale about a sheltered ten-year-old girl whose move to a new house is world-changing. I loved watching as the timid and insecure Aster grows into a strong and daring young heroine, one who learns that fear is normal, but acting in spite of your fear is bravery. Aster’s animal companions are a treat to get to know, and the work they do helping her prepare for her role in saving the planet makes for a grand story. Compeau’s plot is exciting and fast-paced with plenty of pitfalls and villains to make readers wonder if Aster will even survive, and her characters are credible and well developed. Allie Compeau’s animal-oriented epic fantasy for kids is well worth a read, no matter what your chronological age. Aster The Spirit Talker: A Middle Grade Fantasy is most highly recommended.
Aster The Spirit Talker: A Middle Grade Fantasy is a fantasy novel for children and preteens written by Allie Compeau. Aster was all sorts of excited and just a little bit scared about her family’s move to their forever home. Her dad was in the military, so she had grown up never being in one place for very long. This would be different. Her father had retired from the military and would be a commercial pilot, and the house they would be living in was theirs. When they arrived, Aster marvelled at the architecture of the new house -- it was so much like the fairytale cottages she envisioned while reading her books! Then she saw the backyard -- it was huge and filled with lush greenery and flowers. And, looking up, she saw geese honking overhead, and she was thrilled when her dad said that he had seen deer in the yard when he first saw the house. Going inside, Aster’s bedroom was perfect; the lavender tones of the walls and furnishings made her smile, and the view from the large picture window facing out on the backyard and the woodlands beyond it was mesmerizing. But Aster’s sparkling new world was soon to get even better and brighter.
Allie Compeau’s fantasy novel for children and preteens, Aster The Spirit Talker: A Middle Grade Fantasy, is a marvelous tale about a sheltered ten-year-old girl whose move to a new house is world-changing. I loved watching as the timid and insecure Aster grows into a strong and daring young heroine, one who learns that fear is normal, but acting in spite of your fear is bravery. Aster’s animal companions are a treat to get to know, and the work they do helping her prepare for her role in saving the planet makes for a grand story. Compeau’s plot is exciting and fast-paced with plenty of pitfalls and villains to make readers wonder if Aster will even survive, and her characters are credible and well developed. Allie Compeau’s animal-oriented epic fantasy for kids is well worth a read, no matter what your chronological age. Aster The Spirit Talker: A Middle Grade Fantasy is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Word Dancer
Maxine Rose Schur
2023 Honorable Mention
210 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
In the kingdom of Wisland, everyone waits in anticipation of the next word that will come forth from the lips of the Word Dancer. This mysterious shaman comes to the kingdom from time to time and dances his way into the king's court, finishing his strange dancing exhibition with the utterance of a single prophetic word. On this occasion, the word is an ominous warning of a rapidly approaching evil but the king and his subjects pay no heed to the Word Dancer. Salvation for the kingdom lies in the hands of a young orphan whose family once held a position of importance in King Goodliwink's court. Wynnfrith must find the courage to save her king and her home in Maxine Rose Schur's The Word Dancer.
Maxine Rose Schur's The Word Dancer offers poetry expertly integrated into a riveting children's story so fluidly that it dictates the pace of the story. The storyline is straightforward, the characters are simplistic in their initial appearances, and their motivations are visible and impressively easy to interpret. What stands out the most for me with this interesting mix of poetry and prose is the lyrical descriptions used for almost everything of interest. The result is a visually attractive story that is intent on holding a child's attention throughout. The Word Dancer exudes the promise of a delightful reading experience waiting to happen.
In the kingdom of Wisland, everyone waits in anticipation of the next word that will come forth from the lips of the Word Dancer. This mysterious shaman comes to the kingdom from time to time and dances his way into the king's court, finishing his strange dancing exhibition with the utterance of a single prophetic word. On this occasion, the word is an ominous warning of a rapidly approaching evil but the king and his subjects pay no heed to the Word Dancer. Salvation for the kingdom lies in the hands of a young orphan whose family once held a position of importance in King Goodliwink's court. Wynnfrith must find the courage to save her king and her home in Maxine Rose Schur's The Word Dancer.
Maxine Rose Schur's The Word Dancer offers poetry expertly integrated into a riveting children's story so fluidly that it dictates the pace of the story. The storyline is straightforward, the characters are simplistic in their initial appearances, and their motivations are visible and impressively easy to interpret. What stands out the most for me with this interesting mix of poetry and prose is the lyrical descriptions used for almost everything of interest. The result is a visually attractive story that is intent on holding a child's attention throughout. The Word Dancer exudes the promise of a delightful reading experience waiting to happen.
Recommend this book:
DanSing Pancakes' Healthy Choices Musical Story
Joe Coleman
2023 Bronze Medal
44 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Erin Nicole Cochran for Readers' Favorite
DanSing Pancakes’ Healthy Choices Musical Story by Joe Coleman is a high-spirited children’s picture book that will have you singing and dancing wherever you are when you read the story. The illustrations by Aubrey Morgan Foster, Tracy Foster Pyke, and Tafgraphics Design Studio Inc. are bright and pop off the page in a way that is sure to hold a child’s attention. While Pablo and Priscilla Pancake are not the typical characters you would expect in a children’s picture book, they are lively and so incredibly unique that you’ll want to read more books about talking, dancing, and singing pancakes.
Joe Coleman’s DanSing Pancakes’ Healthy Choices Musical Story called out to me in a way that some stories don’t. While some children’s books are meant to be read at night as a bedtime story, this book could also change the game for morning reading and is also suitable for a school environment. I think the idea of reading an impactful book like this in the morning, perhaps during breakfast, might encourage the entire family to talk about more difficult subjects like drugs, alcohol, and smoking. Much can be learned and encouraged in the home as well as in school. This is a fun and entertaining read for the whole family. It not only promotes the important message of saying no to dangerous habits but also includes a pledge to keep the young child on a healthy path into adulthood. There are additional activities for more entertainment at the end of the book.
DanSing Pancakes’ Healthy Choices Musical Story by Joe Coleman is a high-spirited children’s picture book that will have you singing and dancing wherever you are when you read the story. The illustrations by Aubrey Morgan Foster, Tracy Foster Pyke, and Tafgraphics Design Studio Inc. are bright and pop off the page in a way that is sure to hold a child’s attention. While Pablo and Priscilla Pancake are not the typical characters you would expect in a children’s picture book, they are lively and so incredibly unique that you’ll want to read more books about talking, dancing, and singing pancakes.
Joe Coleman’s DanSing Pancakes’ Healthy Choices Musical Story called out to me in a way that some stories don’t. While some children’s books are meant to be read at night as a bedtime story, this book could also change the game for morning reading and is also suitable for a school environment. I think the idea of reading an impactful book like this in the morning, perhaps during breakfast, might encourage the entire family to talk about more difficult subjects like drugs, alcohol, and smoking. Much can be learned and encouraged in the home as well as in school. This is a fun and entertaining read for the whole family. It not only promotes the important message of saying no to dangerous habits but also includes a pledge to keep the young child on a healthy path into adulthood. There are additional activities for more entertainment at the end of the book.
Recommend this book:
Exostar
The Lost Space Treasure Series, Book 1
Rae Knightly
2023 Silver Medal
290 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Exostar is the first book in The Lost Space Treasures Series by Rae Knightly. Trinket is a twelve-year-old android living a solitary life on the planet Kepra-2 after the death of the Old Scientist. Apart from her Mass Transfer Device, Empty, Trinket doesn't have anyone she can call a friend and is desperate to leave Kepra-2 before the ruthless Remnants send her to the scrap heap. But first, she must rescue a young boy from an orphanage. However, an unforeseen turn of events puts her at odds with the Remnants' Supreme Leader. After learning that she may hold the secrets to unlocking the Lost Treasure of the Keepers, Trinket inadvertently gets her hands on the most precious object in the known Universe, the Exostar. With the entire Remnant fleet on her trail, will Trinket find her way to freedom?
A swirling mix of suspense, mystery, and action makes Exostar an absolute page-turner of a novel. If you're a fan of sci-fi stories set in space, this one will be right up your alley. Rae Knightly has delivered a gripping first installment to what promises to be an epic space opera saga for kids and young adults alike. Apart from the fast-paced narrative and well-placed twists and turns of the plot, Knightly excels at crafting some compelling characters with whom you can identify. Trinket is someone you want to root for. I especially enjoyed her friendship with Empty as well as her dynamic with Woolver Talandrin. This is a gem of a book for sci-fi lovers.
Exostar is the first book in The Lost Space Treasures Series by Rae Knightly. Trinket is a twelve-year-old android living a solitary life on the planet Kepra-2 after the death of the Old Scientist. Apart from her Mass Transfer Device, Empty, Trinket doesn't have anyone she can call a friend and is desperate to leave Kepra-2 before the ruthless Remnants send her to the scrap heap. But first, she must rescue a young boy from an orphanage. However, an unforeseen turn of events puts her at odds with the Remnants' Supreme Leader. After learning that she may hold the secrets to unlocking the Lost Treasure of the Keepers, Trinket inadvertently gets her hands on the most precious object in the known Universe, the Exostar. With the entire Remnant fleet on her trail, will Trinket find her way to freedom?
A swirling mix of suspense, mystery, and action makes Exostar an absolute page-turner of a novel. If you're a fan of sci-fi stories set in space, this one will be right up your alley. Rae Knightly has delivered a gripping first installment to what promises to be an epic space opera saga for kids and young adults alike. Apart from the fast-paced narrative and well-placed twists and turns of the plot, Knightly excels at crafting some compelling characters with whom you can identify. Trinket is someone you want to root for. I especially enjoyed her friendship with Empty as well as her dynamic with Woolver Talandrin. This is a gem of a book for sci-fi lovers.
Recommend this book:
One Giant Leap
Ben Gartner
2023 Gold Medal
235 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
It may not be the best time to go into space, but twelve-year-old Fin is one of four winners of the StellarKid Project that will take them on a trip to the International Space Station. He really wants to go, but his Mom is still in rehab, recovering from a near-death experience. Should he leave his parents and accept the trip into space? Will his Uncle Dennis stand in as his guardian? For Fin, this is a dream come true. But will the dream put him in danger in outer space? There is danger lurking and space junk causing havoc and putting everyone at risk. Fin’s opening line, “I’m pretty sure I’m about to die in space” may well be his last thought.
Ben Gartner’s middle-grade novel, One Giant Leap, is a grand adventure in outer space that will have young readers gripping their seats to the very end. The story is told in the first-person narrative from Fin’s point of view. The language is simple and applicable to the preteen age group. With a typical young boy’s sense of humor, readers will feel at home with a young protagonist who really isn’t much different than they are. The author has a strong command of descriptive narrative and really immerses readers in the setting and action. Dialogue is well used to ease the reading and make the story more realistic. The opening line really hooks the reader as they wonder how a young boy ended up floating in space, close to death. The space adventure itself is well-researched and the book ends with a fact versus fiction author’s note and a useful glossary of terms. A powerful, rollicking adventure for the young and the young at heart.
It may not be the best time to go into space, but twelve-year-old Fin is one of four winners of the StellarKid Project that will take them on a trip to the International Space Station. He really wants to go, but his Mom is still in rehab, recovering from a near-death experience. Should he leave his parents and accept the trip into space? Will his Uncle Dennis stand in as his guardian? For Fin, this is a dream come true. But will the dream put him in danger in outer space? There is danger lurking and space junk causing havoc and putting everyone at risk. Fin’s opening line, “I’m pretty sure I’m about to die in space” may well be his last thought.
Ben Gartner’s middle-grade novel, One Giant Leap, is a grand adventure in outer space that will have young readers gripping their seats to the very end. The story is told in the first-person narrative from Fin’s point of view. The language is simple and applicable to the preteen age group. With a typical young boy’s sense of humor, readers will feel at home with a young protagonist who really isn’t much different than they are. The author has a strong command of descriptive narrative and really immerses readers in the setting and action. Dialogue is well used to ease the reading and make the story more realistic. The opening line really hooks the reader as they wonder how a young boy ended up floating in space, close to death. The space adventure itself is well-researched and the book ends with a fact versus fiction author’s note and a useful glossary of terms. A powerful, rollicking adventure for the young and the young at heart.
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