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The Jupiter Chronicles #1
The Secret of the Great Red Spot - Legacy Edition
The family adventure of a lifetime begins! Book One of the Steampunk Series, "The Jupiter Chronicles" It is the year 1892 and Ian and Callie Castillo have had to suffer the hardships of a single parent family since their father went missing five years ago. Since then Ian has refused to use the last gift that his father left the wounded boy; a telescope that sits collecting dust in the attic. When Callie decides to peer through its murky lens, it activates the device and sends the Castillos to the steam-powered floating cities of Jupiter where they discover the secret behind their father's disappearance. But can they uncover the secret behind the Red Spot and save the Jovians before the Martians launch their attack?
132 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2012
About the author
Leonardo Ramirez
11 books74 followersLeonardo Ramirez is an American science fiction and fantasy author of Puerto Rican descent. He is also a screenwriter, singer and a martial artist with a 4th degree black belt in Karate and a brown belt in American Bushido Kenjutsu which is the study of the katana (samurai sword).
From his humble beginnings in Bronx, New York, he’s bootstrapped his way into the hearts of science fiction/fantasy readers—young and old alike. As a husband and father, his family is his first joy.
As a child, he’s lived through the hardships of extreme poverty and homelessness in a single-parent home. But these have only brought him to recognize the strength of family and the faith in God that keeps them bound together in love.
This is truly a man who understands that life is for the living and he helps every one of his readers live life to the fullest through the wonderful adventures of his written worda!
He also has a soft spot in his heart for people who are hurting. These can be kids who have had to grow up in a single-parent family as was the case in the popular steampunk kids’ series, "The Jupiter Chronicles". It can also be young girls who have suffered an assault like Haven did in "Haven of Dante". Those are the kids and adults he wants to speak to share his message of hope.
Leonardo Ramirez lives with his wife Kristen, their daughter Mackenzy and their two dogs, Duchess and Tinkerbell in a small suburb of Nashville, Tennessee.
From his humble beginnings in Bronx, New York, he’s bootstrapped his way into the hearts of science fiction/fantasy readers—young and old alike. As a husband and father, his family is his first joy.
As a child, he’s lived through the hardships of extreme poverty and homelessness in a single-parent home. But these have only brought him to recognize the strength of family and the faith in God that keeps them bound together in love.
This is truly a man who understands that life is for the living and he helps every one of his readers live life to the fullest through the wonderful adventures of his written worda!
He also has a soft spot in his heart for people who are hurting. These can be kids who have had to grow up in a single-parent family as was the case in the popular steampunk kids’ series, "The Jupiter Chronicles". It can also be young girls who have suffered an assault like Haven did in "Haven of Dante". Those are the kids and adults he wants to speak to share his message of hope.
Leonardo Ramirez lives with his wife Kristen, their daughter Mackenzy and their two dogs, Duchess and Tinkerbell in a small suburb of Nashville, Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 14, 2013
For anyone not familiar with Steam punk, it is basically a branch of science fiction: alternative history/speculative fiction often with a Victorian/Edwardian aesthetic. Basically think Victorian Style with modern technology - brass computers powered by steam - that kind of thing. I LOVE IT. And the idea that someone had written with the intention of introducing the Steam punk aesthetic to children seemed like a fantastic idea!
This book is clearly aimed at the younger pre-teen, not being an expert on children, I would say 7-10 year olds would love this book. It is written in a clear style that children would easily understand, yet also presents them with some challenges. The characters of Callie and Ian are well drawn and their sibling banter is very authentic and very funny - I particularly loved Callie's pithy entries into her journal. Emperor Phobos was wonderfully sinister with his reptilian hisssssing speech.
There are hints of a more deadly version of Quidditch in the Drifterdash games and perhaps a nod to John Carter of Mars; the steam punk elements were all there, and beautifully described - especially the city of Jovian. I loved the emphasis on learning which was present throughout the book and I particularly loved the way that the novel was peppered through with facts and questions - to pique the interest and feed the imagination. The book also deals with more serious issues faced by children as it tackles the issue of growing up as a single-parent family, and coping with the loss of a parent.
All in all, this is a great book to introduce Steam punk to children, I think both girls and boys would enjoy it. Although it is an adventure story, it is also very educational as it encourages a sense of enquiry both into history and science, whilst also appealing to the imagination and creative side of children.
This book is clearly aimed at the younger pre-teen, not being an expert on children, I would say 7-10 year olds would love this book. It is written in a clear style that children would easily understand, yet also presents them with some challenges. The characters of Callie and Ian are well drawn and their sibling banter is very authentic and very funny - I particularly loved Callie's pithy entries into her journal. Emperor Phobos was wonderfully sinister with his reptilian hisssssing speech.
There are hints of a more deadly version of Quidditch in the Drifterdash games and perhaps a nod to John Carter of Mars; the steam punk elements were all there, and beautifully described - especially the city of Jovian. I loved the emphasis on learning which was present throughout the book and I particularly loved the way that the novel was peppered through with facts and questions - to pique the interest and feed the imagination. The book also deals with more serious issues faced by children as it tackles the issue of growing up as a single-parent family, and coping with the loss of a parent.
All in all, this is a great book to introduce Steam punk to children, I think both girls and boys would enjoy it. Although it is an adventure story, it is also very educational as it encourages a sense of enquiry both into history and science, whilst also appealing to the imagination and creative side of children.
June 24, 2013
I have to recommend it because my husband wrote it!
Seriously, we wanted to have a chapter series available to struggling readers who can't make it through an entire Harry Potter encyclopedia so I suggested to my husband that he write something for that crowd. The world has enough wizards and zombies!
Seriously, we wanted to have a chapter series available to struggling readers who can't make it through an entire Harry Potter encyclopedia so I suggested to my husband that he write something for that crowd. The world has enough wizards and zombies!
February 21, 2013
I was given an e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
Callie and Ian's father disappeared 5 years ago. They have never really been told what happened, he just vanished. Callie decides she is going to use the telescope (Ian's last present from their father) that is collecting dust in the attic, mostly because Ian has forbidden her to do so. Ian comes in to stop her and the telescope transforms and sends them off on a journey to Jupiter. The kids set off on a dangerous mission and finds out what really happened to their father.
I thought the book was creative and left room for a child's imagination. It was fast paced and lacked a few details, but I found it to be an enjoyable read. I plan to pass the story to my 12 year old to read.
Originally posted on The Mystical World of Book Reviews.
Callie and Ian's father disappeared 5 years ago. They have never really been told what happened, he just vanished. Callie decides she is going to use the telescope (Ian's last present from their father) that is collecting dust in the attic, mostly because Ian has forbidden her to do so. Ian comes in to stop her and the telescope transforms and sends them off on a journey to Jupiter. The kids set off on a dangerous mission and finds out what really happened to their father.
I thought the book was creative and left room for a child's imagination. It was fast paced and lacked a few details, but I found it to be an enjoyable read. I plan to pass the story to my 12 year old to read.
Originally posted on The Mystical World of Book Reviews.
April 22, 2013
Leonardo Ramirez has written a wonderful first installment in the Steampunk Series of children’s books with
The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot
.
There is something for every young reader in this fictional, sci-fi chapter book. The two main characters, Ian and Callie, are each both courageous and inventive. Stinky Frank adds some unique comic relief that will most certainly appeal to the many young readers of this book. The inter-planetary travel of all involved in this adventurous tale is fast-paced and never lags nor takes side trips to meaningless tangents.
This book will entice even the most reluctant young readers to climb aboard the Juno for a great ride and a great read!
Joan M. Brennan, educator
www.FocusandRead.com
There is something for every young reader in this fictional, sci-fi chapter book. The two main characters, Ian and Callie, are each both courageous and inventive. Stinky Frank adds some unique comic relief that will most certainly appeal to the many young readers of this book. The inter-planetary travel of all involved in this adventurous tale is fast-paced and never lags nor takes side trips to meaningless tangents.
This book will entice even the most reluctant young readers to climb aboard the Juno for a great ride and a great read!
Joan M. Brennan, educator
www.FocusandRead.com
March 9, 2013
Starting in the very early twentieth century on Earth, life is pretty grim for brother and sister, Ian and Callie. Their father has vanished, their mother is struggling hard to support them. From such a dismal beginning comes an action packed adventure, full of steam-powered technology, robots, other worlds and a nasty lizard alien no one cares for very much. I think this book spot on for the older elementary school age group. It's a great warm up to the Harry Potter series. Funny, engaging, and quick read. I highly recommend!
September 20, 2012
This book was short but sweet. Aimed at MG readers but one I enjoyed as an adult.
I got a good sense of the world, People and Aliens the Author created and the story really drew me in and captured my imagination.
I got a good sense of the world, People and Aliens the Author created and the story really drew me in and captured my imagination.
February 7, 2018
https://koeur.wordpress.com/2018/02/0...
Publisher: Leonardoverse
Publishing Date: January 2014
ISBN: 9781386696308
Genre: Steampunk/Kids
Rating: 2.7/5
Publishers Description: It is the year 1892 and Ian and Callie Castillo have had to suffer the hardships of a single parent family since their father went missing five years ago. Since then Ian has refused to use the last gift that his father left the wounded boy; a telescope that sits collecting dust in the attic. When Callie decides to peer through its murky lens it activates the device and sends the Castillos to the steam-powered floating cities of Jupiter where they discover the secret behind their father’s disappearance. But can they uncover the secret behind the Red Spot and save the Jovian’s before the Martians launch their attack?
Review: A good novella adventure made for kids. Great movement with limited character development.* Kids should enjoy this space fairing adventure.
“I can only rate novellas’ a maximum of three stars due the compressed nature of the story line.
Publisher: Leonardoverse
Publishing Date: January 2014
ISBN: 9781386696308
Genre: Steampunk/Kids
Rating: 2.7/5
Publishers Description: It is the year 1892 and Ian and Callie Castillo have had to suffer the hardships of a single parent family since their father went missing five years ago. Since then Ian has refused to use the last gift that his father left the wounded boy; a telescope that sits collecting dust in the attic. When Callie decides to peer through its murky lens it activates the device and sends the Castillos to the steam-powered floating cities of Jupiter where they discover the secret behind their father’s disappearance. But can they uncover the secret behind the Red Spot and save the Jovian’s before the Martians launch their attack?
Review: A good novella adventure made for kids. Great movement with limited character development.* Kids should enjoy this space fairing adventure.
“I can only rate novellas’ a maximum of three stars due the compressed nature of the story line.
March 7, 2018
This book probably came from my days of collecting Kindle freebies. The Goodreads page for this book states it is Steampunk for grades 2 and up. I would say it is more suitable for grades 4-5 and up, or ages 8 and up, unless the child is already very interested in steampunk themed material.
The storyline follows two children whose father has mysteriously disappeared. One night they sneak up to the attic to use the telescope the father had left for the son. The telescope transforms into a spaceship and takes them to Jupiter where they encounter alien races, robots, and an evil ruler who has taken their father prisoner.
As an adult, I thought the storyline was fairly simple. I didn't realize (until I went to write this review) that the story was meant for younger children. That aside, it was well written and kept my interest from the first page to the last. Steampunk is hit or miss for me as a genre, and while I would have no objections reading the rest of the series with a child, I am not inclined to go and read the remainder of the series on my own.
The storyline follows two children whose father has mysteriously disappeared. One night they sneak up to the attic to use the telescope the father had left for the son. The telescope transforms into a spaceship and takes them to Jupiter where they encounter alien races, robots, and an evil ruler who has taken their father prisoner.
As an adult, I thought the storyline was fairly simple. I didn't realize (until I went to write this review) that the story was meant for younger children. That aside, it was well written and kept my interest from the first page to the last. Steampunk is hit or miss for me as a genre, and while I would have no objections reading the rest of the series with a child, I am not inclined to go and read the remainder of the series on my own.
July 6, 2018
When a young, poor brother and sister stumble across a machine that takes them to another planet, they learn that their missing father is trapped there and set out to rescue him.
Full Review On YouTube Here: https://youtu.be/Q2UvLjzq4sY
During the fight for their lives to extricate their father, they realize they are much more involved in the fate of the planets than they realized.
Each book rolls into the next and expands their family details and storyline and by the end of the third book, you do feel some closure while at the same time the author has left the loose ends to continue into another book.
Full Review On YouTube Here: https://youtu.be/Q2UvLjzq4sY
During the fight for their lives to extricate their father, they realize they are much more involved in the fate of the planets than they realized.
Each book rolls into the next and expands their family details and storyline and by the end of the third book, you do feel some closure while at the same time the author has left the loose ends to continue into another book.
July 14, 2013
Ian and Callie have lost their father. It's been five years now and a struggle for them and their mother. Their father, Peter, had mysteriously disappeared without a trace. The fondest memory Ian had of him is the time they spent looking through a telescope. It was a birthday gift from Peter, who taught Ian all about the planets, his favorite being Jupiter. Callie, the adventurous one, is restless and creeps up to the attic to peer through the telescope, which has been there since the disappearance of her father. Startled by Ian she accidentally bumped into the telescope which then sprung to life. It spit and sputtered and turned into a ship that whisked the both of them away to Jupiter. When they finally landed on Jupiter they discovered that an evil reptilian ruler named Phobos had taken over the planet. They also discovered they are the descendents of Jupiter’s former rulers and that their father had been on Jupiter all this time. With the help of a robot, Stinky Frank, Ian and Callie's adventure begins as they set out to set things right by obtaining the three orbs of Jupiter to re-establish the balance, destroy Phobos and reunite with their father.
Ramirez has created a wonderful steam-punk world of discovery, machines and villains. Young readers will enjoy this quick read as the vivid imagery settles them into this exciting tale of family and friendship. Readers will also enjoy the “Fact or Fiction” sections found between the chapters that share facts about famous explorers and inventors along with insiders information about Jupiter, Nikola Tesla and even pictures and facts about the weapons and orbs introduced in the story.
Ramirez has created a wonderful steam-punk world of discovery, machines and villains. Young readers will enjoy this quick read as the vivid imagery settles them into this exciting tale of family and friendship. Readers will also enjoy the “Fact or Fiction” sections found between the chapters that share facts about famous explorers and inventors along with insiders information about Jupiter, Nikola Tesla and even pictures and facts about the weapons and orbs introduced in the story.
September 5, 2016
Life has been tough for Ian and Callie since their father went missing five years ago. Ian is so hurt by his father’s disappearance that he refuses to touch the last gift he gave him – a very unusual telescope.
Younger sister Callie thinks Ian’s refusal to look into the telescope is ridiculous. So she sneaks a peek into it – and is surprised when the instrument transforms into a sort of space ship.
The kids are even more shocked when the machine whisks them to Jupiter.
Ian and Callie are quickly apprehended by the Martian Emperor Phobos and his Doomslayer forces, who had taken over the planet in their father’s absence. It turns out that their father is part of the ruling family on Jupiter – and he was kidnapped from earth and held prisoner.
It’s up to Ian and Callie to rescue their father and set the Jovians (the inhabitants of Jupiter) free from the evil Emperor Phobos’ rule.
This steampunk adventure has plenty of excitement - as well as some strong family values. It's an enjoyable book for kids of all ages.
Younger sister Callie thinks Ian’s refusal to look into the telescope is ridiculous. So she sneaks a peek into it – and is surprised when the instrument transforms into a sort of space ship.
The kids are even more shocked when the machine whisks them to Jupiter.
Ian and Callie are quickly apprehended by the Martian Emperor Phobos and his Doomslayer forces, who had taken over the planet in their father’s absence. It turns out that their father is part of the ruling family on Jupiter – and he was kidnapped from earth and held prisoner.
It’s up to Ian and Callie to rescue their father and set the Jovians (the inhabitants of Jupiter) free from the evil Emperor Phobos’ rule.
This steampunk adventure has plenty of excitement - as well as some strong family values. It's an enjoyable book for kids of all ages.
April 22, 2013
My 8 year old daughter really enjoyed reading this book. She loved Cali's strong character.
The author is from Nashville and I invited him to do a guest post on my blog which he did and which offers some insight into the writing of this book http://familyfocusblog.com/steampunk-...
The author is from Nashville and I invited him to do a guest post on my blog which he did and which offers some insight into the writing of this book http://familyfocusblog.com/steampunk-...
May 10, 2013
Great book. I loved how Ramirez wove classic literature into a form that made it accessible to young people.
October 24, 2018
In The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot by Leonardo Ramirez, the year is 1892. Ian Castillo walks in on his sister, Callie, trying to use a telescope that has been stored in the attic for five years. It is special to Ian because it was the last gift their father gave him before he mysteriously disappeared. When the kids least expect it, it turns itself into a space ship and launches them into space.
When they get to Jupiter, a Martian Doomslayer ship captures them. In prison, they learn their father is First Petros (Peter), the son of a Jovian king who was killed while Peter was living on Earth with their mother. The murder left Jupiter without a leader, so Peter was taken from Earth and brought back to space. Ian and Callie realize the Martians want complete control of Jupiter, and their father is being held captive against his will now. They can’t believe their telescope has led them to this action-packed adventure that may reunite them with their father if they can successfully rescue him.
Since this book is a steam punk adventure, it also has two chapters at the end titled “Life on Earth in the 1890s” and “A Brief History of Mars.” Both give readers more background information, so they can understand the story even better.
The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot is an exciting book with clever action that never stops. I enjoyed reading about the weapons, vehicles, and robots that were brought to life from the mist on Jupiter. All of the battle scenes were easy to follow, and I especially liked the way the characters were presented. Interesting space creatures fighting for power were mixed with an ordinary brother and sister from Earth. While the kids bickered with one another, they also learned the value of teamwork by working together. Even though the story is set in the 1890s, the Castillo family felt real as they struggled with similar modern-day problems that exist in single parent homes. I’ve never read a steampunk adventure before this one, so I think being able to weave all of these different elements into a story that makes sense for ages 8-12 is amazing!
https://youtu.be/m4Y4nKCfBE0
When they get to Jupiter, a Martian Doomslayer ship captures them. In prison, they learn their father is First Petros (Peter), the son of a Jovian king who was killed while Peter was living on Earth with their mother. The murder left Jupiter without a leader, so Peter was taken from Earth and brought back to space. Ian and Callie realize the Martians want complete control of Jupiter, and their father is being held captive against his will now. They can’t believe their telescope has led them to this action-packed adventure that may reunite them with their father if they can successfully rescue him.
Since this book is a steam punk adventure, it also has two chapters at the end titled “Life on Earth in the 1890s” and “A Brief History of Mars.” Both give readers more background information, so they can understand the story even better.
The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot is an exciting book with clever action that never stops. I enjoyed reading about the weapons, vehicles, and robots that were brought to life from the mist on Jupiter. All of the battle scenes were easy to follow, and I especially liked the way the characters were presented. Interesting space creatures fighting for power were mixed with an ordinary brother and sister from Earth. While the kids bickered with one another, they also learned the value of teamwork by working together. Even though the story is set in the 1890s, the Castillo family felt real as they struggled with similar modern-day problems that exist in single parent homes. I’ve never read a steampunk adventure before this one, so I think being able to weave all of these different elements into a story that makes sense for ages 8-12 is amazing!
https://youtu.be/m4Y4nKCfBE0
September 1, 2015
The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot by Leonardo Ramirez, is a steampunk adventure novel for young readers. The novel includes a variety of steam-powered inventions, aliens, children whose curiosity gets the better of them, “somewhat” lost civilizations, mysterious forces, space battles, and, yes, even a farting robot. It is a perfect blend for anyone who enjoys speculative fiction mixed with humor.
The novel is set in an alternate version of 1892. Ian and Callie Castillo lost their father, Peter, in mysterious circumstances. For five years they had to live in a single parent household with their mother, Camilla, barely making enough for them to survive. Both children attend public school and Ian helps his mother by also working as a part-time chimney sweep.
A telescope that sits collecting dust in the attic is the last gift Peter left for his son. Ian wants nothing to do with it, but Callie is curious enough to go up to the attic one night and see if the telescope works. Ian follows her, angry that she has touched the telescope. But Callie’s actions trigger the device and it sends the children to the steam-powered floating cities of Jupiter. Upon their arrival, the children are faced with daunting tasks: they have to save the native people of Jupiter from all-out war and they have to rescue their father, who had been imprisoned by the Martians for the last five years.
SPOILERS
There are a lot of fun aspects to this novel that will appeal to a young reader. (Some even appeal to adult readers like me!) Callie is a very spunky character. She has a habit of writing insulting things about the people around her in her journal, but reading them out loud at the same time.
Dear Journal,
My brother loves misery. He is hopeless. I think he’s a toad.
Love, Callie
She also confuses big works to a humorous effect, like referring to the Doomslayer robots as Noodle Makers
The two siblings have a typical brother/sister relationship. Even in the middle of a tense situation where they are being escorted by Doomslayer robots to prison, they start to bicker about inconsequential things:
“Eewww! Did you fart? I was standing right behind you! What did you do that for?”
Ian raised his hands. “It wasn‟t me, twerp!” he shouted.
In the middle of their argument, they heard a metallic frrraaaaaaaaaap sound, accompanied by a hiss of smoke shooting out from the darkness behind the glowing eyes. “Oh, I‟m so sorry. Sorry indeed,” cried a robot that clumsily clanked his way out of the shadows.
This robot was much like all the other Doomslayers except that it was rusty and a bit filthy.
“My name is –fraaaaap—Francisus Flatulus Ferdinand and I’m afraid my –frap, fraaaaap—insides are getting the best of me because I am simply so excited to see you both, yes indeed!”
Although, given how often that robot passes gas, it may not be so inconsequential.
Certain things that bother me as an adult reader in this novel will never register with a child reader. For example, the family is so poor they live on beans and rice, but there are chocolate bars in the kitchen for snacks or, in Callie’s case, to pack in her bag along with her journal in case she grows hungry during her adventure. Aspects like that take me out of the storyworld as I ponder a time/place where chocolate is as cheap to purchase as beans and rice, but I believe younger readers will never notice this issue.
The author lists the ages for this novel as 8 to 12 years on Amazon.com, and I think that range is appropriate. There are issues in The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot that readers younger than 8 would have trouble understanding: How the loss of a parent changes the family dynamic, how much despair and responsibility an older sibling shoulders during these times, and how hard it is on the remaining parent to simply provide the basics of food and shelter.
There is a disturbing passage early in the novel concerning the mother, Camilla, that might raise questions for some older readers. This, I expect, is deliberate on the author’s part. Ramirez wrote about the effects of an assault on a young girl in another novel, Haven. The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot places Camilla in a situation where there is the potential for such an assault by her landlord when he comes knocking on her door late one night:
“Mr. Crowley,” Camilla said sharply. “You will not disturb my household this late in the evening. My children are already in bed, mind you!”
Mr. Charles Crowley was a very short round man with a pointy nose and ragged face. His hands always shook when he spoke. “Miss Castillo, I wish to speak with you about a certain matter involving the rent.”
Camilla interrupted him. “Mr. Crowley we already agreed that my extra hours at the bakery would be more than enough to give me the means to pay you rent on time. And for heaven’s sake, it’s not even late yet! And by the way, it’s Mrs. Castillo.”
Mr. Crowley pointedly asks if Camilla has heard from Mr. Castillo recently. He tells her he cares about her the same way he “cares about all of his tenants” and wants to make certain that “everything is in order.” She slams the door in his face.
Later in the novel readers learn that Mr. Crowley is working for a shadowy presence. He watches the Castillo family and reports on their activities. However, the scene with Camilla cannot be explained away by this “spying” one hundred percent. Crowley’s actions are suspicious, to say the least, and certainly border on being lecherous. In the late 1800s women did not have the same type of legal protections in the modern era. A widow without the protection of an adult male (brother, father, uncle, or son) who also had to earn a living would be “fair game” to a slumlord like Crowley, who might consider a “midnight visit” part of the rent payment.
The implications of this visit will probably go over the younger readers’ heads, but it is present for the older teen/adult readers of the novel. It adds a deeper dimension to narrative, as does the issue with the absentee parent, and makes it worth reading. Of course, the steampunk settings, adventure, and robots with extreme flatulence add something special too.
The novel is set in an alternate version of 1892. Ian and Callie Castillo lost their father, Peter, in mysterious circumstances. For five years they had to live in a single parent household with their mother, Camilla, barely making enough for them to survive. Both children attend public school and Ian helps his mother by also working as a part-time chimney sweep.
A telescope that sits collecting dust in the attic is the last gift Peter left for his son. Ian wants nothing to do with it, but Callie is curious enough to go up to the attic one night and see if the telescope works. Ian follows her, angry that she has touched the telescope. But Callie’s actions trigger the device and it sends the children to the steam-powered floating cities of Jupiter. Upon their arrival, the children are faced with daunting tasks: they have to save the native people of Jupiter from all-out war and they have to rescue their father, who had been imprisoned by the Martians for the last five years.
SPOILERS
There are a lot of fun aspects to this novel that will appeal to a young reader. (Some even appeal to adult readers like me!) Callie is a very spunky character. She has a habit of writing insulting things about the people around her in her journal, but reading them out loud at the same time.
Dear Journal,
My brother loves misery. He is hopeless. I think he’s a toad.
Love, Callie
She also confuses big works to a humorous effect, like referring to the Doomslayer robots as Noodle Makers
The two siblings have a typical brother/sister relationship. Even in the middle of a tense situation where they are being escorted by Doomslayer robots to prison, they start to bicker about inconsequential things:
“Eewww! Did you fart? I was standing right behind you! What did you do that for?”
Ian raised his hands. “It wasn‟t me, twerp!” he shouted.
In the middle of their argument, they heard a metallic frrraaaaaaaaaap sound, accompanied by a hiss of smoke shooting out from the darkness behind the glowing eyes. “Oh, I‟m so sorry. Sorry indeed,” cried a robot that clumsily clanked his way out of the shadows.
This robot was much like all the other Doomslayers except that it was rusty and a bit filthy.
“My name is –fraaaaap—Francisus Flatulus Ferdinand and I’m afraid my –frap, fraaaaap—insides are getting the best of me because I am simply so excited to see you both, yes indeed!”
Although, given how often that robot passes gas, it may not be so inconsequential.
Certain things that bother me as an adult reader in this novel will never register with a child reader. For example, the family is so poor they live on beans and rice, but there are chocolate bars in the kitchen for snacks or, in Callie’s case, to pack in her bag along with her journal in case she grows hungry during her adventure. Aspects like that take me out of the storyworld as I ponder a time/place where chocolate is as cheap to purchase as beans and rice, but I believe younger readers will never notice this issue.
The author lists the ages for this novel as 8 to 12 years on Amazon.com, and I think that range is appropriate. There are issues in The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot that readers younger than 8 would have trouble understanding: How the loss of a parent changes the family dynamic, how much despair and responsibility an older sibling shoulders during these times, and how hard it is on the remaining parent to simply provide the basics of food and shelter.
There is a disturbing passage early in the novel concerning the mother, Camilla, that might raise questions for some older readers. This, I expect, is deliberate on the author’s part. Ramirez wrote about the effects of an assault on a young girl in another novel, Haven. The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot places Camilla in a situation where there is the potential for such an assault by her landlord when he comes knocking on her door late one night:
“Mr. Crowley,” Camilla said sharply. “You will not disturb my household this late in the evening. My children are already in bed, mind you!”
Mr. Charles Crowley was a very short round man with a pointy nose and ragged face. His hands always shook when he spoke. “Miss Castillo, I wish to speak with you about a certain matter involving the rent.”
Camilla interrupted him. “Mr. Crowley we already agreed that my extra hours at the bakery would be more than enough to give me the means to pay you rent on time. And for heaven’s sake, it’s not even late yet! And by the way, it’s Mrs. Castillo.”
Mr. Crowley pointedly asks if Camilla has heard from Mr. Castillo recently. He tells her he cares about her the same way he “cares about all of his tenants” and wants to make certain that “everything is in order.” She slams the door in his face.
Later in the novel readers learn that Mr. Crowley is working for a shadowy presence. He watches the Castillo family and reports on their activities. However, the scene with Camilla cannot be explained away by this “spying” one hundred percent. Crowley’s actions are suspicious, to say the least, and certainly border on being lecherous. In the late 1800s women did not have the same type of legal protections in the modern era. A widow without the protection of an adult male (brother, father, uncle, or son) who also had to earn a living would be “fair game” to a slumlord like Crowley, who might consider a “midnight visit” part of the rent payment.
The implications of this visit will probably go over the younger readers’ heads, but it is present for the older teen/adult readers of the novel. It adds a deeper dimension to narrative, as does the issue with the absentee parent, and makes it worth reading. Of course, the steampunk settings, adventure, and robots with extreme flatulence add something special too.
July 19, 2018
Imagine being raised by a single mother in working class Victorian England. The last connection you have with your absent dad is a telescope he gave you 5 years ago, the day before he disappeared. Your annoying kid sister decides to play with the telescope that you told her to leave alone, and you are both suddenly whisked about the spaceship it transforms into and you fly to Jupiter! This is how the story of Ian & Callie Castillo begins & it only gets more crazy from there as the two protagonists have a run in with an evil emperor, participate in gladiator-style games, and save their father from imprisonment in Jupiter's Big Red Spot. This is the first installment in a trilogy aimed at kids from grade 2 & up. It is big on adventure, but short on the details that would really bring this world to life.
December 15, 2020
Ian and Callie Castillo’s dad disappeared in 1892. He left Ian a telescope before he went missing but Ian refused to look at it. Callie finally looks into it and that is when something magical happens. This exploratory tale is wonderful and charming. Author Ramirez laces entertaining, logical, and sci-fi events with aspects of wisdom wrapped up in a steam-punk fantasy. The storyline combines the present, with an age gone by. Full of action, battle scenes, exciting space beings, an evil lizard emperor, quirky characters, and humor kids will love. This imaginary tale will make a great addition to your fantasy collection. Well done Author Ramirez.
January 26, 2018
I received this free from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
This book is aimed toward the middle-grades, but I can honestly say as an adult that I enjoyed it very much. It in some ways reminds me of Frank L. Baum's Oz stories. It is also steampunk, a genre that I have never really liked before, but this book has changed my mind. Definitely reading the next book in the series.
This book is aimed toward the middle-grades, but I can honestly say as an adult that I enjoyed it very much. It in some ways reminds me of Frank L. Baum's Oz stories. It is also steampunk, a genre that I have never really liked before, but this book has changed my mind. Definitely reading the next book in the series.
January 3, 2020
I read this book to my third graders and they enjoyed it, but I did not love it. I thought the story could have used some work and the ending left a lot to be desired. I did love one of the characters more than the others and that was a robot, but I won't give anything away for anyone who chooses to read this book.
January 14, 2018
This innovative historical fantasy novel delivers a family adventure of galactic proportions along with believable sibling dynamics, political chaos, and intense action for entertainment galore!
June 7, 2020
This was great. The kids are funny and courageous.
May 4, 2014
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
This is the first book in a new steampunk series for children. I loved it!
Ian and Callie Castillo are fun characters. Ian is twelve and Callie is 9. Ian is an extremely serious young man. It's not been easy growing up without his father. I absolutely LOVE Callie! She is more relaxed and has a funny sense of humour.
This is a fun steampunk novel for children. The story is an amazing adventure that see's Ian and Callie travelling to Jupiter and getting into all sorts of trouble after their father had disappeared five years before. The author's imagination in mixing reality and fantasy has created an exciting adventure that had me turning the pages! Steampunk is a relatively new genre for me, and I was amazed at how the author brought the concept into the story without detracting from the storyline. However, my analytic mind was a little skeptical as to how the weapons and other instruments worked with steam, considering the lack of water containment. But, since I am a little older than the target market, I suppose that mixing the two concepts - old and modern - gave this story an otherworldly feel. I loved Callie's little journal entries, which had me giggling - I could just imagine her saying these things and, although I don't have a brother, only two sisters, they would have been something I would have said as a youngster about an older sibling.
There are some really scary bad guys that sent a shiver up my back! I certainly wouldn't want to meet these characters in the flesh! Emperor Phobos is a megalomaniac of the first order and is not very nice.
There is also some light entertainment that will appeal to youngsters in the form of a Doomslayer (a kind of robotic soldier) called Francisus Flatulus Ferdinand. As you can guess from his name, he has a slight bodily dis-function. The story is also peppered with some facts about Jupiter and her moons that will educate the readers and hopefully, engage them in learning about the solar system. The end of the story finishes on a slight twist, and I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Leonardo Ramirez has written a fantastic steampunk novel that was fast paced and exciting enough to keep even the most fidgety youngster enthralled. This is an author I will be keeping an eye on in the future.
I highly recommend this book to younger readers aged 5 to 7 as a bedtime story, 7 to 10 year old's as a read along (or read alone depending on reading ability), and 10 to 12 year old's. I also recommend this book to adults who love younger YA or steampunk genres. - Lynn Worton
This is the first book in a new steampunk series for children. I loved it!
Ian and Callie Castillo are fun characters. Ian is twelve and Callie is 9. Ian is an extremely serious young man. It's not been easy growing up without his father. I absolutely LOVE Callie! She is more relaxed and has a funny sense of humour.
This is a fun steampunk novel for children. The story is an amazing adventure that see's Ian and Callie travelling to Jupiter and getting into all sorts of trouble after their father had disappeared five years before. The author's imagination in mixing reality and fantasy has created an exciting adventure that had me turning the pages! Steampunk is a relatively new genre for me, and I was amazed at how the author brought the concept into the story without detracting from the storyline. However, my analytic mind was a little skeptical as to how the weapons and other instruments worked with steam, considering the lack of water containment. But, since I am a little older than the target market, I suppose that mixing the two concepts - old and modern - gave this story an otherworldly feel. I loved Callie's little journal entries, which had me giggling - I could just imagine her saying these things and, although I don't have a brother, only two sisters, they would have been something I would have said as a youngster about an older sibling.
There are some really scary bad guys that sent a shiver up my back! I certainly wouldn't want to meet these characters in the flesh! Emperor Phobos is a megalomaniac of the first order and is not very nice.
There is also some light entertainment that will appeal to youngsters in the form of a Doomslayer (a kind of robotic soldier) called Francisus Flatulus Ferdinand. As you can guess from his name, he has a slight bodily dis-function. The story is also peppered with some facts about Jupiter and her moons that will educate the readers and hopefully, engage them in learning about the solar system. The end of the story finishes on a slight twist, and I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Leonardo Ramirez has written a fantastic steampunk novel that was fast paced and exciting enough to keep even the most fidgety youngster enthralled. This is an author I will be keeping an eye on in the future.
I highly recommend this book to younger readers aged 5 to 7 as a bedtime story, 7 to 10 year old's as a read along (or read alone depending on reading ability), and 10 to 12 year old's. I also recommend this book to adults who love younger YA or steampunk genres. - Lynn Worton
December 10, 2013
Ramirez enjoys his world, it’s easy to tell. There’s enough steam engines and gadgets, gears and wishful thinking for any young reader to love in The Jupiter Chronicles, without too many details over the head of nine to eleven-year-olds.
Young readers join Callie and Ian as they blast off in a mystery mission to Jupiter where they encounter the false lizard emperor, robots, and other cool gadgets. The gadgets and creatures not only help them learn the secret of the red spot, something that Ian’s wondered about since his dad disappeared five years ago, but save that world.
A nice read, a little less than a hundred pages, geared toward middle graders, Ramirez also packs in some fun facts about real people like Nikola Tesla and some art from the book. What might these machines have looked like? The story is told from the children’s viewpoint, and keeps the reader turning pages with nice action. Those who enjoy quest stories, gadgets, space travel, and bloodless shoot ’em up video games will like this story. Beautiful cover. The date of the setting is mentioned in the book description on the author’s website and online retailers, but not in the book.
Ramirez’s website is packed with fun things to do, and a guide for educators who might want to schedule a visit. Children are also invited to send in artwork.
Young readers join Callie and Ian as they blast off in a mystery mission to Jupiter where they encounter the false lizard emperor, robots, and other cool gadgets. The gadgets and creatures not only help them learn the secret of the red spot, something that Ian’s wondered about since his dad disappeared five years ago, but save that world.
A nice read, a little less than a hundred pages, geared toward middle graders, Ramirez also packs in some fun facts about real people like Nikola Tesla and some art from the book. What might these machines have looked like? The story is told from the children’s viewpoint, and keeps the reader turning pages with nice action. Those who enjoy quest stories, gadgets, space travel, and bloodless shoot ’em up video games will like this story. Beautiful cover. The date of the setting is mentioned in the book description on the author’s website and online retailers, but not in the book.
Ramirez’s website is packed with fun things to do, and a guide for educators who might want to schedule a visit. Children are also invited to send in artwork.
August 22, 2013
The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot is an absolute joy to read and is wonderfully directed at young children. Leonardo Ramirez mixes humour with childhood angst to perfection, showing how two children, Callie and Ian cope with the loss of their Father 5 years ago. The loss is made worse as their Father simply vanished without trace, leaving them to wonder if he is still alive. One day in the year 1892, Callie enters the attic and plays with the forbidden telescope, a present from her father to Ian. Ian catches her and before you can say Jack Robinson, the telescope scoops them up and flies under the power of steam to Jupiter.
Jupiter is a steam planet now ruled by the hideous Phobos, a reptilian from Mars with a curious hissy speak. Callie and Ian are reunited with their Father who has been on Jupiter all along and together they face great danger to rescue the 3 Orbs of Jupiter and thereby free the Jovian City from Phobos. Throughout this marvellous journey, Mr Ramirez introduces great scientist to the young reader in such a way as to educate as well as entertain.
I never knew what Steampunk was until I read this masterpiece and I hope everyone will rush out and buy this FIVE STAR children's book. LOVED IT!
Jupiter is a steam planet now ruled by the hideous Phobos, a reptilian from Mars with a curious hissy speak. Callie and Ian are reunited with their Father who has been on Jupiter all along and together they face great danger to rescue the 3 Orbs of Jupiter and thereby free the Jovian City from Phobos. Throughout this marvellous journey, Mr Ramirez introduces great scientist to the young reader in such a way as to educate as well as entertain.
I never knew what Steampunk was until I read this masterpiece and I hope everyone will rush out and buy this FIVE STAR children's book. LOVED IT!
January 1, 2013
I liked it, but only because Callie's got mad diary skills and there's a farting robot. Otherwise, The Secret of the Great Red Spot is probably a great book for six year olds but lacks the complexity to really do much for 'big kids' like me beyond mild amusement. The plot's imaginative, the setting's cool, the characters pretty fun, but at the same time the descriptions are extremely light, the sentence structure is picture book quality basic, and the story fairly bare bones. No problem for (much) younger readers - and it goes over in almost no time at all, but I would've preferred something closer to at least a middle grade read, either with the depth of a book like The False Prince or with the subversiveness of say Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus.
Oh yeah, there's a Tesla reference though for those of us who know better to pick out.
Oh yeah, there's a Tesla reference though for those of us who know better to pick out.
March 31, 2017
This book is very awesome. Yeah I know I am sounding like my 9 and 6 year old using the word awesome but when they described it using the word “awesome” there is no better word I could come up with to describe this story. I found the timing for reading this book to be great because in this book it mentions Nikola Tesla and my 9 year old daughter is studying Tesla for homeschool. She thought it pretty neat that the book mentioned him.
You know you have a winning book on your hands when your kids don’t want you to stop reading. I was trying to stop on chapter 9 so I could cook dinner. “Mom just read to chapter 10 then it will be on an even number.” said my 9 year old daughter. Which really meant hey mom you know you want to read just one more chapter too. They are right I did. I didn’t want to stop either. We all could have finished the book that day if it wasn’t late and time for dinner. As I ended for the day my 6 year old said “Awe mom!” The kids got up the next morning and finished their school work very quickly just so we could finish the book.
Read the rest of the review here...
http://mompointofview.com/book-review...
You know you have a winning book on your hands when your kids don’t want you to stop reading. I was trying to stop on chapter 9 so I could cook dinner. “Mom just read to chapter 10 then it will be on an even number.” said my 9 year old daughter. Which really meant hey mom you know you want to read just one more chapter too. They are right I did. I didn’t want to stop either. We all could have finished the book that day if it wasn’t late and time for dinner. As I ended for the day my 6 year old said “Awe mom!” The kids got up the next morning and finished their school work very quickly just so we could finish the book.
Read the rest of the review here...
http://mompointofview.com/book-review...
April 13, 2014
I recently had the pleasure of reviewing something totally new to me. I was completely unaware of exactly what steampunk was and I can’t remember back to what books were important to me in third grade. When I was approached by Leonardo Ramirez and asked if I would like to read and review a steampunk book geared toward third graders I sort of hesitated. I wasn’t sure if it would interest me and my oldest is in first grade so I knew very little about third graders. Nonetheless I agreed and boy am I glad I did!
I read The Jupiter Chronicle: The Secret of the Great Red Spot with my daughter (the first grader who is seven years old). We enjoyed the family values that were evident throughout the story. There was the very real issue of an absent parent, and I absolutely love the role of prayer in the story. There was a smidge of action or as some may define “violence” through the adventure, but nothing horrific or scary. The characters were well written and the story kept our interest. This is a book I would recommend this chapter book to other parents with children aged 7-11 and we are eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
I read The Jupiter Chronicle: The Secret of the Great Red Spot with my daughter (the first grader who is seven years old). We enjoyed the family values that were evident throughout the story. There was the very real issue of an absent parent, and I absolutely love the role of prayer in the story. There was a smidge of action or as some may define “violence” through the adventure, but nothing horrific or scary. The characters were well written and the story kept our interest. This is a book I would recommend this chapter book to other parents with children aged 7-11 and we are eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
August 24, 2013
"The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot" by Leonardo Ramirez is a book I have been meaning to read for a long time because of its great intriguing title.
Two siblings who are being taught about the solar system by their father, who then suddenly disappears over night. One night the two find more than they bargained for in their attic and end up on a spaceship headed for Jupiter. What follows is an action packed and well paced science fiction space adventure
I have always been fascinated by science fiction that is set in out milky way rather than a galaxy far away and I am pleased I got round to reading the book.
It is set in the late 19th century and stylistically it follows the new tradition of steampunk novels.
It is a lovely adventure with a great historic touch but is written entertaining and modern enough to make it a fun read for its young target audience.
I really enjoyed this book.
Two siblings who are being taught about the solar system by their father, who then suddenly disappears over night. One night the two find more than they bargained for in their attic and end up on a spaceship headed for Jupiter. What follows is an action packed and well paced science fiction space adventure
I have always been fascinated by science fiction that is set in out milky way rather than a galaxy far away and I am pleased I got round to reading the book.
It is set in the late 19th century and stylistically it follows the new tradition of steampunk novels.
It is a lovely adventure with a great historic touch but is written entertaining and modern enough to make it a fun read for its young target audience.
I really enjoyed this book.
September 30, 2015
{my thoughts} - This book is about two children that live with their mother. Their father has been missing for five years. Their mother and their father has been keeping secrets from the children. One day the daughter goes up into the attic so that she can go on an imaginary adventure. When she is up there she messes with her brothers telescope. Her brother goes up there and sees her messing with it and gets on her about it because he has asked her time and again to leave it alone. She messes with it a little more and then something strange happens. This book is nicely written, it is thought provoking and has simple enough language that a second to third grader will be able to follow along. It is easy to understand and nicely written. I rather enjoyed reading this as it was a quick read and it left me wondering if there was going to be more to the story.
{reason for reading} - I was given a copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review.
{reason for reading} - I was given a copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review.
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December 18, 2015This is a good book to read because it is very entertaining and each chapter leaves off where you want to keep reading (hangers). This book is very different from real life here on earth and because of this students are constantly predicting what is going to happen throughout the day.
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