School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-7-Thirteen-year-old Miranda Regent is one of six cadets chosen for the first manned mission to Mars after the Asteroid Exploratory Mission (AEM) War. The cadets and the "mechbot" that Miranda made move to Antarctica for extensive training. Throughout the novel, Miranda receives threatening messages and encounters dangerous situations. She also faces mundane problems: struggling with schoolwork, getting along with fellow cadet Anna, and vying for the position on the team that she wants. In one scene, Russian characters burn an American flag after their candidate Sasha is not chosen, declaring that Miranda was selected for political reasons. The novel culminates with the cadets being sent into space and trying to get home by undoing a virus that is sending their space plane straight to Mars. With fleshed-out characters who are intelligent but act like preteens and teens, Slivensky's action-packed narrative is about grappling with passions, insecurity, and questions of trust. The novel is well researched and perfect for readers interested in astrophysics or space travel. The subplots about international relations add a level of depth. The book ends with the message that people from around the world coming together in the name of scientific advancement is more important than corporate greed. A glossary of terms is also included. VERDICT With its fast-paced story line and its appealing subject, this is a general purchase for middle grade collections, particularly where science fiction is popular.-Liz Anderson, DC Public Library © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
In the distant future, the world is recuperating from the Asteroid Exploratory Mission (AEM) War by banding together to create a multicultural team of teens who will lead a mission to Mars. After rigorous tests, 13-year-old Miranda is chosen and heads to Antarctica for training, but on the way, her ship is attacked and she begins receiving threats. In addition to having her selection questioned by a scandal-hungry media, she also deals with everyday problems struggling with her training homework, dealing with a chilly teammate, trying to prove she deserves to be a part of the team. Slivensky incorporates plenty of fascinating science and engineering into her sci-fi debut, and lots of action keeps the pages turning, especially when sabotage threatens the teens' mission and they must come together and act like an actual crew if they hope to survive and expose the people responsible for all the attacks. This quick read with a twisty mystery and plenty of science action will appeal to a wide range of readers.--Tomsu, Lindsey Copyright 2017 Booklist
