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.
Horn Book Review
Six young geniuses from all over the world have been chosen for the first-ever mission to Mars, including American narrator Miranda Regent. Numerous episodes of sabotage--and a significant amount of violence--threaten to derail the mission, and the team ultimately finds itself launched into space prematurely. Surprisingly believable and touching, with multifaceted characters, this novel should engage science-loving readers. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Troubles plague a program for teenage astronauts.Out of hundreds of candidates worldwide, Miranda Regent, a 13-year-old white girl, is the only American of six chosen to fill out a multicultural team of cadets who will go to Mars. Shortly after being chosen, she receives a sinister text message warning her that she is now in danger. The suspected origin of this and future messages is believed to be Russia, as Miranda has arguably taken a spot from them. As the cadets are traveling to meet and begin their astronaut training, a drone strikes the ship Miranda is traveling on, and there is an attack on another cadet. Once the entire global team is safely assembled in Antarctica, they begin their training, during which Miranda struggles. Further mysterious attacks seem to target her. Clues surface that lead the kids to secretly band together to uncover who is behind the mysterious attacks, as they suspect that they may be an inside job. Though it is commendable that Slivenksy chooses a diverse crew of teens to lead this story, characterizations can be broad, and narrator Miranda displays little cultural savvy. Unfortunately, the author falls back on clichd plot devices to carry the story (is it the Russians?!). Early on, obvious foreshadowing leads readers to a predictable whodunit with little room for speculation or mystery. A straightforward read for kids not already well-versed in mystery conventions. (Mystery. 8-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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
