September 15, 2023
A lonely prince and the daughter of innkeepers pair up to squabble and fight pirates. To save her dads, who run a failing hotel in the "astro-boonies," Lexi Jones sets out to find a "space-techno" amulet that can slow down time. She's helped by annoying "interstellar nemesis" Prince Weston, whose family are guests at the inn. Weston stole the amulet from pirates (partly to keep his aging dog alive but also to earn attention from his royal parents)--and then lost it in space. Now the pirates are in pursuit. Following various escapades, Lexi manages to escape walking the plank into a black hole just prior to the entrance of renowned pirate Great Astro Bonny, who'd been blasted into another galaxy by the twin offspring of "co-pirate" Mary Read. This crowded version of space is plied by cutlass-wielding pirates aboard interplanetary sailing ships, with the occasional planet or meteor shower just a short drive away. Ultimately, Lexi and Weston recognize that it's best to let time march on. After lecturing the captors about making their own career choices instead of just following in the piratical family tradition, the duo return to the inn for joyous parental reunions. The plot's a wild one, and the lively tone adds to the appeal, though frequent, sudden halts for wrangling or reflection interrupt the flow. Major characters read white. More comic opera than space opera, with a heavy payload of life lessons to boot. (Science fiction. 9-12)
COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
October 9, 2023
All her life, tween Galaxy Jones has helped her fathers run their inn, located in the outer solar system. Business has dropped off, however, since most people relocated further inward toward the central system. The arrival of the solar system’s royal family is much-needed, if troublesome, as the royals have a reputation for being difficult to please, especially their tween son—and Lexi’s archnemesis—Prince Weston. But when space pirates appear in pursuit of an item that Weston stole from them, and subsequently lost, it’s up to Lexi to help Weston retrieve the treasure to save their families and her home. As they rocket through space, facing off against perilous intergalactic hazards, the unlikely pair confront their past conflict and uncover unexpected similarities. McDonald (The Secrets of Stone Creek) crafts an interstellar landscape that adheres more to flights of fancy than physics or logic, and juxtaposes the ever-shifting environment with Lexi’s fear of change, Weston’s desire to prove himself, and the pair’s struggle to live up to others’ expectations. The result is a wildly original escapade featuring sympathetic protagonists and lively action sequences. Main characters read as white. Ages 8–12. Agent: Jennie Kendrick, Red Fox Literary.