Book Title & Alexandra's Review

Blastaway by Melissa Landers

6th Grade and Up

Kyler Centaurus isn’t your typical runaway. All he wanted was a quick trip to the legendary Fasti Sun Festival. Who wouldn’t want to see new stars being born? Um, try Kyler’s entire family. They couldn’t care less about the mind-blowing wonders of science.
When an accidental launch sequence ends with Kyler hurtling through space on the family cruiser, the thrill of freedom is cut short by two space pirates determined to steal his ship. Luckily, Kyler bumps into Fig, a savvy young Wanderer who makes a living by blowing up asteroids. She could really use a ride to Earth, and Kyler could really use a hand with the pirates.
But when Kyler learns the truth about Fig’s mission, the two must put aside their differences long enough to stop the threat of astronomical proportions racing toward Earth?

 

Classic ‘smart kids save the day’ adventure with tons of fun sci-fi action. We don’t learn until Chapter Five that this story takes place five hundred years in the future. Up till then, I was guessing two hundred.

 

I loved the future outer space setting. It makes sense that humans would leave Earth to live in outer space. The concept of humans creating whole new solar systems to colonize is realistic, considering our rising population numbers.

 

The narrative switches between Kyler and Fig’s perspectives. I love the dynamic between these two. They both have very different lives with different struggles, but when they worked together using both of their strengths, they made an incredible team.

 

I couldn’t help but side with Kyler on his family, though. It’s unfair for him to get into trouble for defending himself against his bigger brothers. His parents seem entirely unaware that his brothers put him in headlocks and fart in his face, but they do notice when he uses violence to defend himself. A classic case of ‘blame the victim.’

 

The story is heavy on interplanetary politics. Even though this story takes place five hundred years in the future, not much has changed in the dynamics of the world. I won’t go into any more detail because I am incapable of explaining politics in any way. You’ll just have to read the book to understand what I mean.

 

I did find it strange how so many modern-day references were used, considering how the story is set five hundred years in the future. Although I do believe that the tales of Harry Potter could stand the test of time. We are still discussing Shakespeare’s work, aren’t we?

 

I was surprised by the overwhelming heartfelt ending. It warmed my heart and left me hoping for a sequel.

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