MiNRS

June 8, 2015
Sylvester’s (the Neil Flambé series) grim SF adventure is set on Perses, a large planetoid that wandered into the solar system. It posed a threat to Earth until it was maneuvered into a safe orbit by scientist Hans Melming, whose company now has exclusive rights to mine Perses for desperately needed metals, while terraforming its surface to support a colony. Christopher Nichols, the son of one of Melming’s mining supervisors, is an enthusiastic supporter of Melming’s “Great Mission,” but just as Perses enters a month-long communications blackout due to solar interference, the colony is hit by a deadly attack by “Landers,” out to steal the mine’s ore. With casualties high on the surface, Christopher and a few other children escape deep within the mine. Scarred by PTSD, they attempt to survive the attack and make unsettling discoveries about Perses and the Great Mission. Brainy and somewhat naïve, Christopher makes for a solid, earnest narrator, and the other kids, especially his enthusiastic friend Elena, are similarly believable. An ominous and inconclusive ending points toward future books. Ages 8–12.

July 1, 2015

Gr 5-8-Christopher, his parents, and a few other families live on Perses, a planetoid in Earth's solar system that has been set up as a mining operation, shipping much-needed ore back to Earth. One night, just as a communications blackout begins, raiders attack Perses, bombing and shooting into the gathered crowds. Christopher and a few other kids survive, hiding in the mining tunnels. It will be two months before the blackout is over, however, and Christopher isn't sure they can hold out that long. As the oldest, it's up to him to find a way to keep everyone alive and figure out a way to contact Earth once the blackout ends. A survivor with a more militant agenda, the discovery of Perses' dark secret, and a spy within the ranks threaten not only his plan, but everyone's survival. MiNRs combines elements of science fiction and adventure to create a novel with high appeal. Christopher is a very well-developed, realistic character. Secondary characters are developed to varying degrees, but their motivations are clear and each is essential to the story. Plot twists and turns pull readers through the novel and keep them on the edge of their seats. There is never a dull moment or unnecessary scene. VERDICT A solid survival story with a cliff-hanger ending that will leave readers clamoring for more.-Heather Miller Cover, Homewood Public Library, AL

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 15, 2015
A group of brave colonists travel to Perses, the solar system's newest planetoid, to mine for materials to replace the Earth's depleted resources. Christopher Nichols is one of about 20 children who accompany their parents on the Great Mission to save Earth. It is six years in, and farmers have used terraforming equipment to allow for food production. Miners have excavated precious minerals, and managers are readying the first shipment of resources back to Earth. But even with this success, the impending blackout, which will cut off all communication with Earth for two months, has everyone nervous. When invaders attack, killing all but a few kids, it is up to Christopher and his headstrong friend Elena to find a way to stay safe in the underground mines until they can signal for help. But injuries, infighting among the survivors, and the discovery of a terrible secret further complicate their mission. Empty dialogue, Christopher's stiff narration, and a wandering plot rob this promising setup of tension. Two-dimensional characters and significant plot holes further keep this promising adventure off track. And while the closing pages suggest at least one sequel, the lackluster writing makes this series unlikely to attract many followers. Flawed in almost every way. (Science fiction. 8-12)

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