R. J Wood

This is an exciting space adventure with a huge twist of pirate ships and seafaring adventure. . .just in space.

Jake's parents disappeared when he was a baby, leaving him to grow up under the care of his grandmother and somewhat strict uncle. On his twelfth birthday, he discovers a talisman with a note from his father. Determined to find his parents, he heads off into space with a ship and must face all sorts of adventures, dangers and excitement on his quest.

This is an delicious mixture of space and all things nautical. The idea of a ship sailing out into the galaxy grabs right away, and the descriptions make it easy to get drawn in and lost in the adventure. Jake's a brave boy with tons of determination, a lot to learn, and a good heart. He's a great character to relate to and cheer for. . .and inspire readers to dream of such adventures of their own.

The length and language make this a good fit for the upper end of middle grade readers, ages ten and up. The author uses nautical terms richly and whenever they fit the situation, considering everything takes place in space. This might be a little overwhelming to readers, although ship fans are sure to enjoy it. It's an enchanting weave of science fiction, fantasy and steampunk, making it hard to categorize, but a treat to read. The pacing holds tight and steady the whole way through, insuring a read that The ending leaves off with tons of questions still open for the rest of the series, and it is an ending which leaves the reader wanting to know more and continue. That this was published in 2015, I'm hoping that the next books will appear soon, though.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed the adventure so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.… (mais)

Even though this book is geared toward the middle school age set, I enjoyed it a lot myself. It reminded me a bit of "The Chronicles of Narnia", but in outer space and with pirates. It was a mix of fantasy with steampunk, and I look forward to getting more into the series to see where it goes. I felt it had a good pace, plot with just the right amount of action and would capture the imaginations of children. I liked Jake, and the cast of characters as well as the many adventures they found themselves in on Jake's journey to try to find his parents and his destiny.… (mais)