A review by cpcabaniss
Insignia by S.J. Kincaid

4.0

Reread June-July 2020
"Manipulate a mind, and you manipulate the entire world as far as that person's concerned."


I've been wanting to reread this for ages and I am so glad I finally did! This middlegrade/YA sci-fi is fun and has a great cast of characters. Tom is immature and stupid a lot of the time, but he's also fourteen, so it fits and I love that.

This has a great friend group and watching it form is quite beautiful. I'm excited to continue my reread of the series and remind myself where things go. This also has some deeper questions posed, giving you something to think about as you read.

Original Review November 2016
I have had this book on my reading list for years and I'm so mad at myself for not picking it up sooner. But I'm very glad that I finally did.

Young adult sci-fi novels are always fun and this one did not disappoint. The story revolves around computerized space warfare, where no one actually gets hurt--yet. It was unsettling at times, how the technology could be used to influence or control an individual, but so very interesting.

The cast of characters was excellent. Tom was insecure, cocky, smart, and likable all together. He could also be rather savage and ruthless. But he was honest. And loyal to his friends. The other characters were all intriguing and each added something to the story.

S J Kincaid has a nice writing style that is very readable. She is gifted with the ability to create main characters that you can relate with and root for. I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.

I highly recommend this book!

(Full review coming on my blog.)