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wntrsaintt's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
I read this several years ago just before starting secondary school and was lucky enough to get a signed copy from the author. Even though it's been several years since then I wanted to leave this review simply because I remember how amazing this book was to me. The artwork was amazing, the plot was too, I remember very clearly just how much I was in love with this, it's a book I hope that my children will read because even many years later (I'm now in Y13 going to university next year) I still vividly remember the impact it had on me.
hermini's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
tinatwotworeads's review against another edition
4.0
I heard about this book from my 14 year old niece who said it was her favorite. It explored the coming of age, and discovery of ones true self of a teenage characters as the travel through space in an adventure to save the universe. Interesting story!
charlottejones952's review against another edition
5.0
S. F. Said is one of those rare writer's who, despite writing books for a younger audience, manages to pack very vivid well-developed characters and difficult themes into his books whilst never bogging it down or slowing the pace. Having previously read Varjak Paw when I was younger and again a few years ago, I knew to expect brilliant writing and themes from Phoenix but with this being a science fiction novel, obviously this would be a departure from the more philosophical Varjak Paw stories.
Pairing S. F. Said's writing with Dave McKean's dark and atmospheric illustrations will always be a winner for me. The use of the black and white illustrations that almost bleed in and around the text makes this a really well-designed book and I couldn't imagine this story without the images.
The world building and characters, as I said, are vivid and believable. I grew emotionally attached to all of them but especially Lucky, our young protagonist. I loved how there was a perfect balance with regards to the characters; there were strong female and male characters, making this a rare middle-grade/YA read that hasn't been overtly gendered and could be enjoyed by any young reader.
This book explores themes such as power, fear and war in a way that would never be too overwhelming or complicated to a younger reader but it has the right level of depth and intrigue for older readers alike.
Overall I would highly recommend this novel if you are looking for fast-paced science fiction read, a book for a younger reader or anyone who wants an introduction to the genre.
Pairing S. F. Said's writing with Dave McKean's dark and atmospheric illustrations will always be a winner for me. The use of the black and white illustrations that almost bleed in and around the text makes this a really well-designed book and I couldn't imagine this story without the images.
The world building and characters, as I said, are vivid and believable. I grew emotionally attached to all of them but especially Lucky, our young protagonist. I loved how there was a perfect balance with regards to the characters; there were strong female and male characters, making this a rare middle-grade/YA read that hasn't been overtly gendered and could be enjoyed by any young reader.
This book explores themes such as power, fear and war in a way that would never be too overwhelming or complicated to a younger reader but it has the right level of depth and intrigue for older readers alike.
Overall I would highly recommend this novel if you are looking for fast-paced science fiction read, a book for a younger reader or anyone who wants an introduction to the genre.
amylandranch's review against another edition
3.0
This is a beautifully illustrated story about hope after a long fight. Lucky has always felt out of place in his body. One day he wakes up with a hole burned in his sheet and thus he comes into his powers. As he and his mom flee to safety they meet up with some Axxa (kind of like humans but aliens) and they join together to fight the nothing that is taking over the world. I liked the story and characters. Kids will enjoy the story if they are science fiction fans as there is lots of stuff about stars.
tannithreece's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? No
4.0
wild_bookworm's review against another edition
3.0
This is a book that my son read and wanted me to read too. It was surprisingly dramatic. I liked it.
bees_circus's review against another edition
5.0
Finished this in a matter of hours, I didn't want to put it down! I completely fell in love with the characters, the twists and turns & the mystery of Lucky and his Alien friends. I would never have picked this up if it wasn't a recommendation from a friend, as this isn't my usual genre of choice, but I will definitely consider more in the future!