Brent LeVasseur

This installment puts us right back in the range of fire. This time we learn that school nemesis's may be hiding more than we bargained for, the leader of the Mars colony is not what he seems, and the man in the moon is far from a figment of one's imagination...and is better said to be "men" as in plural times thousands (well, they aren't really men but you get what I mean). There's shocking moments in the ventilation with a spider like robot. There's a game of chicken played at over a thousand feet in the air without a net against Paladian guards (eep!). There's a rescue attempt by Bizwatt, the undercover fella from the last book, and a BIG BOOM as a result. All that and more occur, while we're still trying to unravel the bigger picture to see just how all the pieces will fall. It's quite the ride with the right amount of action and mystery to keep you coming back for more.

While the story was certainly actions packed, I must say my eyes were more captivated by the illustrations than before. The colors are just so vibrant, matching the out-of-this-world vibe of the story, and though only 2D, they manage to capture the action of the moment depicted to a tee. Imagine what you'll get from a full page color image of the Mars city, or the moon that Pax is directing them to investigate for some reason or another, or the chase scene when Aoleon and Gilbert are trying to outrun a few Paladian guards.

All in all, though we're delving into deeper space than I usually care to investigate, I'm still invested in the read and want to know how the series draws to a conclusion. Two more books and I'm so there! Will they figure out how to expose the powers that be behind the planned attacks and stop the invasion? Or will they be captured and meet a dire final end? Only one way to find out....



**review copy received in exchange for my honest review...full post can be seen on my site**… (plus d'informations)

First things first, that cover!
I love the look on the face of the cow, or rather cows as in plural because it's not just one bovine flying through the air like an acrobat without a net. As funny as the expressions are though, you know they can't help it. I mean, YOU'D have a similar facial displacement if you all of a sudden were being abducted while minding your own business in the middle of a field. Gosh...how RUDE!

Secondly, we've still got to talk about those illustrations because as creatively fun as the cover is, the full cover vividness carries over to the interior spreads as well. There didn't seem to be as many this time around (could have just been my impression though) but that didn't make them any less impact making. Most memorable to me? The sand-eel. *shudders*

Third times the charm, or rather next on my list of things to mention is the story itself. Aoleon, Gilbert, and Bizwat (and Zoot!) are back and running for their lives as the powers that be pursue them to the ends of the galaxy. Okay, so they SHOULD be running for their lives but in actuality they are headed right into the danger zone as they try to rescue Aoleon's family...and then try to stop the invasion of Earth. Gadzooks! Do they have it in them to face the dangers ahead? Will this band of little rebels be able to see it through? With the strength they find in themselves, and each other, they are surely on their way. The newest addition to their group is Helios, a first generation soldierbot with a sense of humor. No, he wasn't programmed that way and yet he is the way he is. No doubt he will garner a following of fans all his own.

So, in conclusion, we've survived another trip to the far reaches of the galaxy with laughs, gasps, and danger most unpleasant. The writing is consistent as is the world building, so those that take delight from the science fiction details will have much to celebrate. Can't wait to see how it all winds down ...


**review copy received in exchange for my honest review...full post can be seen on my site**``… (plus d'informations)

The surprises in store for you in this installment are numerous but one thing is for certain, the end is coming...it's the "for whom" part that will keep you guessing.

Last time we met up with our motley crew, we were still seeking Pax, an end to the invasion/destruction of Terra, and trying to rescue Aoleon's parents, all while trying to stay two steps ahead of the Luminon. Think they accomplished it? Well, with a little stealth, a lot of trust in one another, and the powerhouse that is Helios, anything is possible. There are journeys across the galaxy to take, enemies to annihilate, and friendships to remember for all time. It's a mixed bag of emotions with plenty of action and close calls to spare. What? You didn't think I was going to actually TELL you what happened, right? Good! Because I'm not, but I am going to say a few more words about the story...



This time around, we get to feast our eyes on more illustrations than ever before. From fight scenes to stare downs to touching goodbyes (again, not telling between whom!), there's a lot going on here and it's shared in both word and image. Aoleon has never looked cuter nor Gilbert stronger. Bizwatt is definitely space catch worthy while Helios is full of untapped humor with Zoot close at hand to chase your worries away with a wet kiss. Easy to spot who is who among the crew, and among the villains...just a quick note, keep an eye on that Luminon character. You'll see what I mean.

All in all, though not a space traveling reader myself, I enjoyed this series from Terra to Mars and back. The story was a blast (pun absolutely intended) with characters that remind us that anyone is capable of great things, no matter how big, small, or what planet they come from. Recommended read for Middle Grade Science Fiction fans of Terra...I mean Earth, and beyond.



**review copy received in exchange for my honest review...full post can be seen on my site**… (plus d'informations)

You can't help but fall under the spell of these two as they face down everything from mean girl wannabe's (aka Charm and her cronies) to the power behind the ruler who is most DEFINITELY hiding something to a galact laden feast that while sounding odd is actually somewhat tasty. Oh, and did I fail to mention that they are getting closer to finding out what Pax meant when he told them both (in the last installment) that they will play an integral role in the events about to unfold? Silly me...well, they are and while it isn't clear what that is exactly yet, the trials and tribulations they are put through in the mean time only serve to strengthen their bond.

I love how the author made the unusual assortment of classmates easier to relate to by giving them humanoid issues and problems. For example, Charm and her envy of Aoleon's flying abilities despite not having the best equipment available in the galaxy. Then we have the two squid type students that suffer the fate of many of new/different student....bullies. *sigh* Guess it goes to show you kids can be mean in any atmosphere (or in none at all!). Don't worry, they're okay after all and some of the bullies actually get their breakfasts served back to them later on. Next on the love list would be the continued friendship of Aoleon and Gilbert. No matter what gets thrown in their way, they find a way to overcome it and turn it around. For her, it's just another walk through space but for him, it's a skip through a minefield. His secret isn't so secret anymore (the fact that's he's a human boy from Earth) and yet those in the know have taken it exceedingly well. Can't say that I'm certain that will be the continued pattern though as there are darker forces shadowing the pair. I for one though can't wait to find out what's next....


**review copy received in exchange for my honest review....full post can be seen on my site**… (plus d'informations)