Explorer X- Alpha

by LM Preston

This book takes place waaayyyy in the future, when space travel is easy, quick, and accessible. Aadi is disappointed when his parents send him to space camp rather than sports or technology camp. But after receiving an camp immunization for his travels in space, Aadi and a couple of friends realize that they are part of a sinister plot to take over not just Earth, but other planets and galaxies as well. When Aadi and his friend Eirena crash on a distant galaxy, they are immediately thrown into the raging conflict between the natives and are forced to change and use their powers for survival.

I'm not usually a big fan of science fiction, but this book caught my eye because the story seemed to be original and interesting. The beginning was a little slow and several sentences were phrased really awkwardly (I thought that more contractions could have been used, for one.), but the plot picked up and the writing eventually became less uptight. I thought that the book was full of action- after the slow start, there was straight action all throughout the ending. There were a lot of suspenseful parts as well, and I almost felt like I was watching a movie the whole time.

I also liked reading about all the cool technology incorporated into the story. My favorites were all the simulators for racing and practicing how to use the space vehicles... they sounded awesome!

I would probably recommend this book to teenagers from around 12 to 15, especially for those readers who prefer comic books and such. I think this book would really excite those people and get them interested in reading more!

Coming out in February 2010.

(Review copy provided by publisher.)