Reviews

Orion Lost by Alastair Chisholm

emaretea's review against another edition

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adventurous tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

jefftstevens's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

writeronherway's review

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5.0

I was really looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint. There is not a lot of sci-fi aimed at 8-12s so it was great to find one that was really good! I just wish there had been more sci-fi intended for this age group when I was in it. I will definitely be recommending this one.

The premise is: what would happen if on route to a new colony all of the adults were indisposed and the children were left in charge? Beth finds herself selected as Captain (rather than the actual Captain’s son...awkward!) by the ship’s computer because she had the highest grades in their leadership tests. She soon finds that putting those skills to the test in an emergency situation where you’re suddenly in charge of an entire ship and all the lives onboard is a bit more challenging! Her team of six find it really tough to work together and take on jobs they’ve only studied a little bit for. I love that they don’t just become fast friends but they argue, get scared, get it wrong (a lot!) but in the end it works out! I loved how they worked together and came up with a good plan at the end under pressure.

Perfect fun, fast-paced escapism. I read it in one go. My only complaint is that it looks like a stand alone and I’d love to see a sequel!

saccalai's review

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4.0

This was so cleverly written, full of twists and unexpected happenings. I did have a suspicion, but only because a certain person seemed too nice! The writing made you feel for what each of the characters was going through and I loved the way they all came together despite initial differences.

beccarhubarb's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book has been on my radar for a while; the synopsis really intrigued me! I absolutely adored reading about these characters and how they became friends.
I also love a ship that has a holographic entity (?) because it reminds me of Legends of Tomorrow so in my head Ship was Gideon!

jedisloth's review

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adventurous tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

dwheeler88's review

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4.0

Really nice, “wholesome” middle grade story of a colonizing ship leaving Earth for a new planet to terraform. Then, of course, everything goes wrong. The story was pretty well paced and the characters were fun. Nothing too serious, scary or depressing, so I would highly recommend it if you want a light space read.

Beth, Vihaan, Lauryn/Limit, Mikkel, Arnold, Lucille, Ship, Videshi

mitalireads's review against another edition

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3.0

This book was a bit of a roller coaster not just in its space adventure plot but my reading experience a whole. Overall I really enjoyed the book and found myself intrigued by the plot and characters. However certain weaknesses brought down the overall rating and enjoyment.

Strengths:
* Fast paced, easily consumable and generally intriguing.
* Plot was well structured and plot twists are well done.
* Characters were good and interesting to follow.
* A generally good space adventure.
* A well written villain which held a reasonable amount of depth.
* A good message that was portrayed well especially in the main character.

Weaknesses:
* While the writing was easily consumable the writing felt more Juvenile than a liked though younger readers may disagree but for myself brought the book down especially the way certain action scenes were written which reduced the atmosphere and tension.
* There was character development but it felt inadequate by the end of the novel.
* While characters could be distinguished they were not as distinctive and felt a quite a few points 2 dimensional rather than fully formed characters.
* As it is a science fiction novel a level of suspended disbelief is needed and so I kept this in mind while reading but there were certain gaps in the book with regards to some of the science and the world building.

Despite my slightly lengthy criticisms I still enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone looking for a fast paced, easily consumable , space adventure and a good message.

janettedv's review

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5.0

This is a great Science Fiction adventure for ages 9 and upwards. It has everything that you could want, a giant space ship, space, computers and a group of very disparate children who have to save the ship and their families from destruction.
Beth and her family are travelling on the Orion to a new colony to begin new lives. Beth meets the other children her age including the son of the ship's captain who seems to know everything and have all the right answers in their classes. Obviously the journey doesn't go smoothly and Beth and her friends have to work out how to save the children. They are helped by the ship's computer but things aren't as they first appear and Beth doesn't know who to trust.
This is an exciting story and a great addition to any bookshelf.

soakedonsplash's review

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0