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Blastaway
Kyler Centaurus isn't your typical runaway. All he wanted was a quick trip to the legendary Fasti Sun Festival. Who wouldn't want to see new stars being born? Um, try Kyler's entire family. They couldn't care less about mind-blowing wonders of science.
When an accidental launch sequence ends with Kyler hurtling through space on the family cruiser, the thrill of freedom is cut short by two space pirates determined to steal his ship. Not happening!
Luckily, Kyler bumps into Fig, a savvy young Wanderer who makes a living by blowing up asteroids. She could really use a ride to Earth and Kyler could really use a hand with the pirates.
But when Kyler learns the truth about Fig's mission, the two must put aside their differences long enough to stop the threat of astronomical proportions racing towards Earth?
When an accidental launch sequence ends with Kyler hurtling through space on the family cruiser, the thrill of freedom is cut short by two space pirates determined to steal his ship. Not happening!
Luckily, Kyler bumps into Fig, a savvy young Wanderer who makes a living by blowing up asteroids. She could really use a ride to Earth and Kyler could really use a hand with the pirates.
But when Kyler learns the truth about Fig's mission, the two must put aside their differences long enough to stop the threat of astronomical proportions racing towards Earth?
304 pages, Hardcover
First published July 9, 2019
13 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Landers
15 books3,504 followers**Receive news, updates, and exclusive excerpts from Melissa by subscribing to her e-newsletter!**
Melissa Landers writes science fiction for teens and the young at heart. The Alienated trilogy (ALIENATED, INVADED, UNITED) and the Starflight duology (STARFLIGHT, STARFALL) are complete! Look for Melissa's middle grade debut BLASTAWAY, now available from Disney-Hyperion.
**IMPORTANT** Please do not request an ARC through Goodreads. All review copies are distributed by the publisher.
Melissa Landers writes science fiction for teens and the young at heart. The Alienated trilogy (ALIENATED, INVADED, UNITED) and the Starflight duology (STARFLIGHT, STARFALL) are complete! Look for Melissa's middle grade debut BLASTAWAY, now available from Disney-Hyperion.
**IMPORTANT** Please do not request an ARC through Goodreads. All review copies are distributed by the publisher.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 17, 2019
**I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
I was initially drawn to this book by the cover and I’m so glad I was. I found myself enjoying this book so much that by the end I was hoping it would be part of a series so that I could read more of the adventures of Ky and Fig.
This is the perfect book for anyone who has ever felt like they just didn’t belong. Kyler is struggling to find his place in a family where no one shares his interests while Fig is struggling to find a place to call home. Their struggles were very different, but each was given the opportunity to express their feelings and not be made to feel as though their problems don’t matter.
This book does a great job of blending drama, comedy, and adventure. I loved that Kyler was so interested in science and hope that kids will read this and take an interest in it as well. And Fig’s confidence and street smarts show young audiences that you don’t necessarily have to be book smart in order to make a positive difference in the world. The best part was when these characters had to work together using both of their strengths in their battle against the bad guys. I really liked that the stakes were high and by the end the characters so selfless.
The story moves smoothly and has enough action that it keeps you engaged (and sometimes on the edge of your seat). It’s one of those rare books that will appeal to both boys and girls.
The message of accepting and befriending people who may be different than yourself is an important one for young readers. Melissa Landers gets this across without it feeling like a lecture or that she’s beating people over the head with it. I also liked the ‘never meet your heroes’ part as well because it reminds you that you don’t what goes on with a person outside the spotlight and that sometimes you need to separate the person from their work (in this age of social media and celebrity worship this seems an especially important subject for young children and adolescents).
I would strongly recommend this for classroom and school libraries!
I was initially drawn to this book by the cover and I’m so glad I was. I found myself enjoying this book so much that by the end I was hoping it would be part of a series so that I could read more of the adventures of Ky and Fig.
This is the perfect book for anyone who has ever felt like they just didn’t belong. Kyler is struggling to find his place in a family where no one shares his interests while Fig is struggling to find a place to call home. Their struggles were very different, but each was given the opportunity to express their feelings and not be made to feel as though their problems don’t matter.
This book does a great job of blending drama, comedy, and adventure. I loved that Kyler was so interested in science and hope that kids will read this and take an interest in it as well. And Fig’s confidence and street smarts show young audiences that you don’t necessarily have to be book smart in order to make a positive difference in the world. The best part was when these characters had to work together using both of their strengths in their battle against the bad guys. I really liked that the stakes were high and by the end the characters so selfless.
The story moves smoothly and has enough action that it keeps you engaged (and sometimes on the edge of your seat). It’s one of those rare books that will appeal to both boys and girls.
The message of accepting and befriending people who may be different than yourself is an important one for young readers. Melissa Landers gets this across without it feeling like a lecture or that she’s beating people over the head with it. I also liked the ‘never meet your heroes’ part as well because it reminds you that you don’t what goes on with a person outside the spotlight and that sometimes you need to separate the person from their work (in this age of social media and celebrity worship this seems an especially important subject for young children and adolescents).
I would strongly recommend this for classroom and school libraries!
October 4, 2019
While I never got the chance to read Alienated, I have read Lander’s romance novels so when I heard about Blastaway, I was immediately onboard. I expected something akin to Alienated (even though I hadn’t read it) and in my excitement, missed that Blastaway wasn’t YA. It is middle grade. I read middle grade so that didn’t really turn me off but this book wouldn’t really hit the mark for adult middle grade readers the way it would for middle grade middle grade readers – aka the intended demographic of the book.
Blastaway is incredibly cute and I love that it uses its sci-fic setting to draw attention to very real world issues in an accessible manner to younger readers. My biggest issue – keeping in mind that I was not the intended audience – was that a lot of the science was lax? There were many things that weren’t really thought out evolution-wise when it came to Wanderers. This wouldn’t even have been a particularly difficult problem to fix, the book could have been set way way way into the future rather than just 500 years.
It also heavily relied on pop culture references from this century even though the book is set 500 years in the future. This is definitely me being nit-picky because I realize that having those references makes this futuristic world more accessible to younger readers but for me, it took away from the sci-fic experience. I wish that instead of trying to tone down this world, Landers explored it a bit more and tried to ground readers in it in other ways.
The plot is also riddled with lucky coincidences that propels it forward without having to work around the struggles of being two runaway children on a ship on their own, trying to stop an evil plan to take over the universe and potentially harm both humans and wanderers.
So, Blastaway is not a particularly dense book but I do love that it also explores familial relationships as well as friendships. Kyler struggles a lot with finding a place within his family. He constantly feels like an outcast and pre-teen hormones probably don’t make navigating those relationships easy. It’s definitely clear to the reader that his family loves him just the way he is but I loved watching him come to terms with that. I also loved his and Fig’s blooming friendship. They are both very stubborn people and I loved that even though they were quick to become friends, they also had their ups and downs.
Overall, I feel like this book would be more appropriate for elementary school readers rather than middle school ones because this book feels younger than the ages of its characters. The kids who love adventures sans adults, love the running away from home stories (as I did at those ages) will gobble this book up.
Blastaway is incredibly cute and I love that it uses its sci-fic setting to draw attention to very real world issues in an accessible manner to younger readers. My biggest issue – keeping in mind that I was not the intended audience – was that a lot of the science was lax? There were many things that weren’t really thought out evolution-wise when it came to Wanderers. This wouldn’t even have been a particularly difficult problem to fix, the book could have been set way way way into the future rather than just 500 years.
It also heavily relied on pop culture references from this century even though the book is set 500 years in the future. This is definitely me being nit-picky because I realize that having those references makes this futuristic world more accessible to younger readers but for me, it took away from the sci-fic experience. I wish that instead of trying to tone down this world, Landers explored it a bit more and tried to ground readers in it in other ways.
The plot is also riddled with lucky coincidences that propels it forward without having to work around the struggles of being two runaway children on a ship on their own, trying to stop an evil plan to take over the universe and potentially harm both humans and wanderers.
So, Blastaway is not a particularly dense book but I do love that it also explores familial relationships as well as friendships. Kyler struggles a lot with finding a place within his family. He constantly feels like an outcast and pre-teen hormones probably don’t make navigating those relationships easy. It’s definitely clear to the reader that his family loves him just the way he is but I loved watching him come to terms with that. I also loved his and Fig’s blooming friendship. They are both very stubborn people and I loved that even though they were quick to become friends, they also had their ups and downs.
Overall, I feel like this book would be more appropriate for elementary school readers rather than middle school ones because this book feels younger than the ages of its characters. The kids who love adventures sans adults, love the running away from home stories (as I did at those ages) will gobble this book up.
maybe-later
July 24, 2019I'm putting this down for now at page 52. I think the characters are too young for me.
March 15, 2020
Characters Kyler,Figgerella,CABE,Holyokes,Bonner,Devin & Ryan,Mrs Centaurus,Mr Centaurus,Corpse & Cavedar,Quaser,Sally Nesbit,Duke.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2019
(I received this book free by School Library Journal, for an honest review.)
Blastaway mixes sci-fi, political injustices, and page-turning adventures all into one book. The two main characters come from two different sides of the galactic world and in a wild scenario, end up having to work together to save the earth from destruction. Both characters were enjoyable and I loved how (most modern YA books are starting to do this) the author gives us both main character's perspective. However, Figerella is unlikable in the beginning; the reader is given the 'typical-orphan-you-must-feel-sorry-for' so you don't throw the book across the room out of frustration. On the bright side, they added a quirky, mood-lifting robot to the twist, Cable, and he was my favorite character. Plot-wise the story is entertaining and gets dull at times and is not consistent with the suspense factor. I feel like modern 21st-century pop culture was shoved into this book only to attempt to make it relatable to its age demographic. I find it unrealistic to a story taken place in about 2500 A.D. to have kids continuously mention "The Hunger Games" and "Harry Potter" more than once. Contrary to this downside, some jokes made me laugh out loud. The ending was not anti-climatic, which was a plus. I got a vibe from the book that it would have been better as a movie than a book, but overall a good read for kids and teenagers looking for a mild sci-fi novel with humor in the mix.
Blastaway mixes sci-fi, political injustices, and page-turning adventures all into one book. The two main characters come from two different sides of the galactic world and in a wild scenario, end up having to work together to save the earth from destruction. Both characters were enjoyable and I loved how (most modern YA books are starting to do this) the author gives us both main character's perspective. However, Figerella is unlikable in the beginning; the reader is given the 'typical-orphan-you-must-feel-sorry-for' so you don't throw the book across the room out of frustration. On the bright side, they added a quirky, mood-lifting robot to the twist, Cable, and he was my favorite character. Plot-wise the story is entertaining and gets dull at times and is not consistent with the suspense factor. I feel like modern 21st-century pop culture was shoved into this book only to attempt to make it relatable to its age demographic. I find it unrealistic to a story taken place in about 2500 A.D. to have kids continuously mention "The Hunger Games" and "Harry Potter" more than once. Contrary to this downside, some jokes made me laugh out loud. The ending was not anti-climatic, which was a plus. I got a vibe from the book that it would have been better as a movie than a book, but overall a good read for kids and teenagers looking for a mild sci-fi novel with humor in the mix.
February 6, 2019
Kyler Centaurus is a nerdy kid who stands out from all of his brothers who seem to love all boy things like football and sports. Kyler loves celestology--the study of the stars. All he wants is a chance to go to the Fasti Sun Festival where you can see new stars being born. Luckily, he "accidentally" steals his family's space cruiser and heads off to the festival.
Unfortunately, he is attacked by two space pirates who try to steal his ship. Luckily, he meets Figerella Jammeslot--Fig for short. She is a Wanderer, a group of humans who left Earth many years ago and evolved to withstand the radiation of space. Fig makes a living by blowing up asteroids and since she needs a ride to Earth, she gives Kyler a hand with the pirates.
Kyler later learns the truth about why Fig is going to Earth and they must eventually work together to stop the threat to humanity.
Like I said, I think that this book is a great middle-grade novel rather than YA. Overall, I really liked it. I felt like the adventure and science fiction elements of this story made it fun and worth a read.
The narration of the book goes back and forth between Kyler and Fig and it is labeled at the beginning of the chapter. But I did realize that I was having problems keeping it straight and I would have to go back a few pages to see who was narrating the chapter. I think that my main problem was that the narrative voices of Fig and Kyler sounded pretty similar. There wasn't a huge difference between their voices and so it wasn't always super clear because of their language or the way that they talked. I understand how hard this can be to achieve since there is obviously only one author writing the book but it was something that I felt could've been improved.
Anyone who loves science fiction, adventure, or intelligent and capable kids saving the world, will love this book. I recommend it!
Unfortunately, he is attacked by two space pirates who try to steal his ship. Luckily, he meets Figerella Jammeslot--Fig for short. She is a Wanderer, a group of humans who left Earth many years ago and evolved to withstand the radiation of space. Fig makes a living by blowing up asteroids and since she needs a ride to Earth, she gives Kyler a hand with the pirates.
Kyler later learns the truth about why Fig is going to Earth and they must eventually work together to stop the threat to humanity.
Like I said, I think that this book is a great middle-grade novel rather than YA. Overall, I really liked it. I felt like the adventure and science fiction elements of this story made it fun and worth a read.
The narration of the book goes back and forth between Kyler and Fig and it is labeled at the beginning of the chapter. But I did realize that I was having problems keeping it straight and I would have to go back a few pages to see who was narrating the chapter. I think that my main problem was that the narrative voices of Fig and Kyler sounded pretty similar. There wasn't a huge difference between their voices and so it wasn't always super clear because of their language or the way that they talked. I understand how hard this can be to achieve since there is obviously only one author writing the book but it was something that I felt could've been improved.
Anyone who loves science fiction, adventure, or intelligent and capable kids saving the world, will love this book. I recommend it!
January 17, 2019
This book was a read aloud with my son and boy did we both enjoy it! This was a fun action paced book that kept the both of us guessing and anticipating what would happen next. I truly hope we will see more from this author because she has a way of writing where both mom and child are engaged.
February 19, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much, it was literally like watching a Disney movie (no wonder Disney Hyperion published this.) Great family friendly hijinks. ‘Blastaway’ is every kid’s fantasy of running away from home on a spaceship with a robot sidekick to boot. There were elements of Home-Alone-in-space, and the robots is reminiscent of ‘Short Circuit,’ ‘Wall-E,’ and the two robots from ‘The Black Hole’ V.I.N.CENT and B.O.B.
We face pirates sans ‘Home Alone,’ and rescue planet Earth from a runaway star. There was adventure and action, and a lot of hilarity. If this ever gets the film treatment I’m definitely buying a ticket. It managed to capture the child hidden inside me, entertain me with jokes, and have enough sci-fi elements for me not to get bored. ‘Blastaway’ has a whip-cracking pace and I read the entire book in one sitting. My other half kept looking at me because I was giggling frequently.
The narrative is told from two different perspectives, having a number of chapters each. Kyler Centaurus is a privileged Earth boy who inadvertently steals his parents spaceship after a family tussle in which he comes off second best, after the fact he decides he may as well make the most of it since he is going to get punished anyway, and heads off to see the spectacular display of his favourite scientist create an artificial sun. He feels misunderstood and underappreciated, and the fact his brothers are always picking on him - and that it took nearly a day before his family realised he was gone - proves the point.
Figerella ‘Fig’ Jammeslot is an orphan runaway, grown up on ships and satellites after her parents were killed, snatching jobs where she can as a sharpshooter to destroy asteroids. She is the typical streetwise ruffian always on the take. She sees Kyler as an easy mark, and their destinies become intertwined.
For a light-hearted space romp we see both characters grow and develop, their motivations change, and real, heart-felt ‘ah-ha’ moments. I even developed an emotional connection to the robot Cabe.
I’d like to say I predicted the outcome of this novel, but I didn’t really. I misread the relationships (maybe just like the author wanted me too?) and was too wrapped up in the fun of it all to get out my detectives monocle and start looking for clues. Melissa Landers has a young breezy tone throughout the novel that completely engages the reader. I’ve enjoyed much of her back catalogue, so I knew I would like this one, but ‘Blastaway’ really surprised me. I love it. In fact if ever I’m in a down mood, I may just pick this up again for a re-read.
The plot is actually pretty amazing. It wasn’t over-simplified considering the target demographic, but not too complicated to leave it unrelatable to YA readers. I found depth and complexity in both plot and character for ‘Blastaway.’ I was already a fan of Melissa Landers, but now I stan her real hard.
I realise this novel may not be for all, but if you like a fun light read, something that feels like a good Disney movie, (and take note this is targeted towards tweens and teens) than I whole-heartedly recommend ‘Blastaway.’
We face pirates sans ‘Home Alone,’ and rescue planet Earth from a runaway star. There was adventure and action, and a lot of hilarity. If this ever gets the film treatment I’m definitely buying a ticket. It managed to capture the child hidden inside me, entertain me with jokes, and have enough sci-fi elements for me not to get bored. ‘Blastaway’ has a whip-cracking pace and I read the entire book in one sitting. My other half kept looking at me because I was giggling frequently.
The narrative is told from two different perspectives, having a number of chapters each. Kyler Centaurus is a privileged Earth boy who inadvertently steals his parents spaceship after a family tussle in which he comes off second best, after the fact he decides he may as well make the most of it since he is going to get punished anyway, and heads off to see the spectacular display of his favourite scientist create an artificial sun. He feels misunderstood and underappreciated, and the fact his brothers are always picking on him - and that it took nearly a day before his family realised he was gone - proves the point.
Figerella ‘Fig’ Jammeslot is an orphan runaway, grown up on ships and satellites after her parents were killed, snatching jobs where she can as a sharpshooter to destroy asteroids. She is the typical streetwise ruffian always on the take. She sees Kyler as an easy mark, and their destinies become intertwined.
For a light-hearted space romp we see both characters grow and develop, their motivations change, and real, heart-felt ‘ah-ha’ moments. I even developed an emotional connection to the robot Cabe.
I’d like to say I predicted the outcome of this novel, but I didn’t really. I misread the relationships (maybe just like the author wanted me too?) and was too wrapped up in the fun of it all to get out my detectives monocle and start looking for clues. Melissa Landers has a young breezy tone throughout the novel that completely engages the reader. I’ve enjoyed much of her back catalogue, so I knew I would like this one, but ‘Blastaway’ really surprised me. I love it. In fact if ever I’m in a down mood, I may just pick this up again for a re-read.
The plot is actually pretty amazing. It wasn’t over-simplified considering the target demographic, but not too complicated to leave it unrelatable to YA readers. I found depth and complexity in both plot and character for ‘Blastaway.’ I was already a fan of Melissa Landers, but now I stan her real hard.
I realise this novel may not be for all, but if you like a fun light read, something that feels like a good Disney movie, (and take note this is targeted towards tweens and teens) than I whole-heartedly recommend ‘Blastaway.’
February 11, 2020
Kyler Centaurus is fed up with being the only science-minded one in his family of jocks. None of them appreciates or understands him. He really wants to go to the Fasti Sun Festival and see the artifically created sun his scientist superhero has created. And when he refuses to leave the family spaceship after returning from Grandma's he accidentally runs away. In his sleep. He awakes to find himself on the way to the Fasti Sun Festival. And he couldn't be happier.
Fig is a Wanderer, a descendant of the people who left Earth several hundred years ago. They've developed unique attributes after living in space so long so people don't treat them great and Earth is currently arguing over whether or not they have the right to come back to the planet. Fig is on her own, making her way as the best marksgirl in the galaxy. Nobody can take out asteroids better than her. Sure, it isn't exactly legal to hire unofficial asteroid blasters, but she's the best and she's cheaper so she finds jobs. Her newest job is something unusual though. Two space pirates have hired her to take out an artificial sun. Fig is positive she can do it. She just needs to find a ship.
When Kyler and Fig run into each other at the Fasti Sun Festival neither will ever be quite the same again.
Boy, Kyler's family needs some therapy. They eventually work out several issues, but wow, they do not know how to communicate well or respect boundaries at the start. I like the issues explored in the book by introducing the Wanderers and the arguments about their rights. There's a lot of potential for fantastic conversations about real issues here on Earth now that readers could draw connections to. Landers weaves in some great slapstick with shades of Home Alone as Kyler defends his ship against a pirate invasion. That was one of my favorite parts. So funny. I did like the resolution of the story. A lot of good stuff woven in, and it was a very satisfactory wrap up of the various plot lines. The first part kind of annoyed me but it eventually became a scifi adventure I enjoyed. I think the middle graders will enjoy this one even more than I did. Recommended to scifi fans.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Some perilous situations that don't result in serious injury, but there is an explosion that does destroy ships and kill some people off page.
Fig is a Wanderer, a descendant of the people who left Earth several hundred years ago. They've developed unique attributes after living in space so long so people don't treat them great and Earth is currently arguing over whether or not they have the right to come back to the planet. Fig is on her own, making her way as the best marksgirl in the galaxy. Nobody can take out asteroids better than her. Sure, it isn't exactly legal to hire unofficial asteroid blasters, but she's the best and she's cheaper so she finds jobs. Her newest job is something unusual though. Two space pirates have hired her to take out an artificial sun. Fig is positive she can do it. She just needs to find a ship.
When Kyler and Fig run into each other at the Fasti Sun Festival neither will ever be quite the same again.
Boy, Kyler's family needs some therapy. They eventually work out several issues, but wow, they do not know how to communicate well or respect boundaries at the start. I like the issues explored in the book by introducing the Wanderers and the arguments about their rights. There's a lot of potential for fantastic conversations about real issues here on Earth now that readers could draw connections to. Landers weaves in some great slapstick with shades of Home Alone as Kyler defends his ship against a pirate invasion. That was one of my favorite parts. So funny. I did like the resolution of the story. A lot of good stuff woven in, and it was a very satisfactory wrap up of the various plot lines. The first part kind of annoyed me but it eventually became a scifi adventure I enjoyed. I think the middle graders will enjoy this one even more than I did. Recommended to scifi fans.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Some perilous situations that don't result in serious injury, but there is an explosion that does destroy ships and kill some people off page.
July 22, 2019
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kyler would like four things: his brothers to stop picking on him, his parents to actually listen to him for once, for people to stop getting his name wrong, and to go to the Fasti Sun Festival. Well, when he accidentally steals his parents' spaceship (yes, accidentally; it was much easier than it should have been...), he's determined to get that last one.
Orphan and homeless Figerella (call her 'Fig') is a fantastic sharpshooter, strapped for cash, and fed up with being discriminated against for being a Wanderer--descendants of humans who left Earth to live in space, mutated from living in space for so long. So when she is given a job offer too good to pass up, she doesn't care about who wants her to blow up an artificial sun or why. She just heads to Fasti, looking for a ship to steal.
Kyler and Fig end up on an adventure of a lifetime, facing pirates, cruel Wanderers from Fig's past, and corrupt businessmen, all the while learning more about family, friendship, and the universe.
A wonderful first middle-grade novel from Melissa Landers who has proven her sci-fi skills with her fantastic teen novels, "Blastaway" is an out-of-this-world tale about a finding your place in the galaxy and the importance of family.
Kyler would like four things: his brothers to stop picking on him, his parents to actually listen to him for once, for people to stop getting his name wrong, and to go to the Fasti Sun Festival. Well, when he accidentally steals his parents' spaceship (yes, accidentally; it was much easier than it should have been...), he's determined to get that last one.
Orphan and homeless Figerella (call her 'Fig') is a fantastic sharpshooter, strapped for cash, and fed up with being discriminated against for being a Wanderer--descendants of humans who left Earth to live in space, mutated from living in space for so long. So when she is given a job offer too good to pass up, she doesn't care about who wants her to blow up an artificial sun or why. She just heads to Fasti, looking for a ship to steal.
Kyler and Fig end up on an adventure of a lifetime, facing pirates, cruel Wanderers from Fig's past, and corrupt businessmen, all the while learning more about family, friendship, and the universe.
A wonderful first middle-grade novel from Melissa Landers who has proven her sci-fi skills with her fantastic teen novels, "Blastaway" is an out-of-this-world tale about a finding your place in the galaxy and the importance of family.
July 29, 2019
Kyler doesn’t fit in with his family. His parents value the sports and activities his older twin brothers engage in, they turn their backs when his brothers bully him, and the don’t seem to see the value of Kyler reading. When Kyler accidentally steals his family ship and heads to Fasti, he encounters some pirates trying to steal his ship. Rescued by Fig, a mutant wanderer girl, he discovers that the pirates also stole a star injected with dark matter. That they were hired by the manufacturer himself, Quasar Niatrix, to destroy Earth and blame the mutants. To make matters worse, Kyler’s ship gets damaged on his way back to save Earth and Fig seems to be hiding some important information. Can Kyler save Earth and stop Quasar? What is Fig really up to? Action-packed, filled with cliffhangers, and humorous, the plot is engaging and impossible to put down. The characters are realistic, lovable, and easily draw the reader into the story. Fans of Melissa Landers, science fiction, humor, and adventure will enjoy reading this book.
Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received. All opinions expressed are our own.
For more reviews, book recommendations, and online librarian advice, please visit us at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3v...
Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received. All opinions expressed are our own.
For more reviews, book recommendations, and online librarian advice, please visit us at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3v...
July 9, 2019
This was a fun romp through space. It was also a story about finding your place in the universe. It was action packed and certainly will keep young readers entertained and coming back for more.
Both Kyler and Fig were ver likable kids. Kyler feels left out of his family, because none of his siblings share his interest in science. His parents don’t seem to understand him either, and often interpret his wanting to spend time alone puzzling. Why can’t he just get along with his brothers. Fig on the other hand, doesn’t have any family. She yearns to be accepted and understood. When Kyler and Fig meet, they do connect. But as the story unfolds they have to mire through all of the lies and difficulties to become friends and trust each other.
Kyler’s family was somewhat one dimensional. His brothers are rather brutish, and their behavior sometimes borders on the abusive side, as only older brothers can be. Ky’s parents were also a bit puzzling to me. They just wanted everyone to get along and just didn’t seem to understand Ky at all.
The space pirates that Ky and Fig have to deal with were also one dimensional, but they were often used to add comedic moments to the narrative. But I liked them, as far as you can like pirates that are out to destroy the world.
The plot of the story is pretty straight forward. There were some pretty funny moments, like when the pirates try to steal Ky’s ship and they are thwarted by him in some pretty ingenious ways. Some of the science is a little bit far fetched, such as scientist being able to ‘create’ stars and tow them around the universe. But if you are willing to look past that, then you are in for a fun time.
There were a few times when the story got a little bit heavy on the commentary. For example, Ky’s father was obsessed with the villain of the story who wanted to run earth like a business. Also, the situation surrounding the treatment of Wanderers. They are a group of people whose ancestors left earth a long time ago, to live space. They are not allowed to come back and live on earth and are treated rather shabbily by all. These issues were all brought up throughout the story, but there wasn’t really any solutions. But these issues never overshadowed the main plot, which was good.
Overall this was a fun and engaging middle grade story with interesting characters and an exciting and fast moving plot.
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Both Kyler and Fig were ver likable kids. Kyler feels left out of his family, because none of his siblings share his interest in science. His parents don’t seem to understand him either, and often interpret his wanting to spend time alone puzzling. Why can’t he just get along with his brothers. Fig on the other hand, doesn’t have any family. She yearns to be accepted and understood. When Kyler and Fig meet, they do connect. But as the story unfolds they have to mire through all of the lies and difficulties to become friends and trust each other.
Kyler’s family was somewhat one dimensional. His brothers are rather brutish, and their behavior sometimes borders on the abusive side, as only older brothers can be. Ky’s parents were also a bit puzzling to me. They just wanted everyone to get along and just didn’t seem to understand Ky at all.
The space pirates that Ky and Fig have to deal with were also one dimensional, but they were often used to add comedic moments to the narrative. But I liked them, as far as you can like pirates that are out to destroy the world.
The plot of the story is pretty straight forward. There were some pretty funny moments, like when the pirates try to steal Ky’s ship and they are thwarted by him in some pretty ingenious ways. Some of the science is a little bit far fetched, such as scientist being able to ‘create’ stars and tow them around the universe. But if you are willing to look past that, then you are in for a fun time.
There were a few times when the story got a little bit heavy on the commentary. For example, Ky’s father was obsessed with the villain of the story who wanted to run earth like a business. Also, the situation surrounding the treatment of Wanderers. They are a group of people whose ancestors left earth a long time ago, to live space. They are not allowed to come back and live on earth and are treated rather shabbily by all. These issues were all brought up throughout the story, but there wasn’t really any solutions. But these issues never overshadowed the main plot, which was good.
Overall this was a fun and engaging middle grade story with interesting characters and an exciting and fast moving plot.
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July 21, 2019
Blastaway by Melissa Landers is a fun new middle grades science fiction adventure book. Ky accidentally steals his family's space ship, while sleeping, after an argument with his family. When he wakes and realizes what has happened he decides to go and see the unveiling on an artificial sun (something he'd asked his parents to do, but they said no). There he meets Fig who is a Wanderer (or mutant, someone who descends from those who left Earth to live in space), an orphan, and a sharpshooter. Suddenly their worlds collide and they'll have to work together in order to save planet Earth from destruction.
This book is full of humor, action, and hi-jinks. One scene, where Ky's ship is attacked by pirates, reminded me very much of Home Alone and I LOVED it. I also loved the author's use of figurative language. My favorite line might just be: "Lucky for us, I mathed harder than a hurricane." I also love the message that this book sends about honesty/lying, family, and accepting others even of they're different from you.
This book is full of humor, action, and hi-jinks. One scene, where Ky's ship is attacked by pirates, reminded me very much of Home Alone and I LOVED it. I also loved the author's use of figurative language. My favorite line might just be: "Lucky for us, I mathed harder than a hurricane." I also love the message that this book sends about honesty/lying, family, and accepting others even of they're different from you.
January 28, 2023
I've read from this author before and the synopsis of this sounded great so I have no idea why I kept putting off reading it until now.
Unfortunately this was just okay for me. Not terrible, but not spectacular either. I love an adventure in space but something about this didn't quite work for me.
It took me longer than I expected to really get into the plot but I would still zone out and miss things at times. By the end of the book I was only following about half of what was happening, which definitely affected my enjoyment. However I still didn't want to backtrack and re-read what I'd missed, despite this being a short book. That probably says something right there.
The characters also felt a little too young for my personal taste. I've read and loved plenty of middle grade before, but these characters felt especially juvenile and immature. The silly antics were more annoying than endearing and not something that I could pass off as just kids being kids.
Unfortunately this was just okay for me. Not terrible, but not spectacular either. I love an adventure in space but something about this didn't quite work for me.
It took me longer than I expected to really get into the plot but I would still zone out and miss things at times. By the end of the book I was only following about half of what was happening, which definitely affected my enjoyment. However I still didn't want to backtrack and re-read what I'd missed, despite this being a short book. That probably says something right there.
The characters also felt a little too young for my personal taste. I've read and loved plenty of middle grade before, but these characters felt especially juvenile and immature. The silly antics were more annoying than endearing and not something that I could pass off as just kids being kids.
December 27, 2018
This book was received as an ARC from Disney Book Group in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book as I was reading it reminded me a lot of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy but the youthful version. Also if Hitchhiker's and Wall-E had a child, it would be this book. Everything from Kyler's interest in the Fasti Sun Festival and his family's lack of interest in space, to meeting Fig and her path to get back to earth and the adventures they ensue. This book is filled with action and adventure that is sure to get all children wanting more. I am sure though at some point, this will turn into a Disney movie.
We will definitely consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
This book as I was reading it reminded me a lot of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy but the youthful version. Also if Hitchhiker's and Wall-E had a child, it would be this book. Everything from Kyler's interest in the Fasti Sun Festival and his family's lack of interest in space, to meeting Fig and her path to get back to earth and the adventures they ensue. This book is filled with action and adventure that is sure to get all children wanting more. I am sure though at some point, this will turn into a Disney movie.
We will definitely consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
July 9, 2019
Kyler is misunderstood because he is a science geek in a family of sports-obsessed brothers who love all things rough and tumble. He really wants to attend the Fasti Sun Festival but his family could care less and they don't agree with the festival founder's politics so he "borrows" the family space cruiser and takes an adventure of a lifetime. Meanwhile, Fig is an orphan who will take on any star blasting job she can get just to survive. When she agrees to blow up this particular asteroid and meets Kyler, things get complicated. The two couldn't have less in common other than to make it out of this whole thing in one piece. There are plenty of trust issues to explore as well as not fitting into the world that others have set for you but mostly it is a wild adventure filled with pirates, space and plenty of near misses with bad guys on every page.
February 14, 2020
This was a delightful book. I am always down for fun space adventures with evil corporations and space pirates and kids finding friendship where they least expect it. I love Ky and Fig so much. there were only two things that let me down a bit with this book. First, I wanted a heart-to-heart between Ky and his parents about the reasons he ran away. We get a reference to his parents realizing the problem on the phone call, and in the ending it seems like that heart-to-heart happened, but I wanted to see it. Second, there were a few points where the science was blatantly wrong, and that really dragged me out of the story. THERE IS NO SOUND IN SPACE! IT’S A VACUUM! NO AIR FOR SOUND TO TRAVEL THROUGH! YOU CANNOT HEAR EXPLOSIONS! Okay I’m done just had to scream that a bit. But otherwise I really did enjoy this book.
October 15, 2019
This took me quite awhile to get into, which is a shame, as I loved Starflight by this author. I think I had a hard time because it is a middle grade novel, which is something I have a hard time with anyway (I mean, all these kids can do AMAZING things which defy all reason and as an adult, I have a hard time believing it can happen). I think this book would have been stronger without the Harry Potter references (seriously, it seemed like she was trying to give her book some cred by referencing a huge, successful series). I think kids will like this, but I, as an adult, found it just okay.
July 19, 2019
This book was so much fun.
I feel like sci-fi books set in space can have basically the same kind of plot line, but this one was unique.
I thought the friendship between Kyler and Fig was perfect. It was so innocent and fun to read. And that made it so much worse that we knew Fig was working for the bad guys the whole time (not a spoiler, we know this from the beginning). I think my favorite character was Cabe. I feel like the robots in sci-fi books are always the best characters!
The ending was great. Everything was perfectly wrapped up
I feel like sci-fi books set in space can have basically the same kind of plot line, but this one was unique.
I thought the friendship between Kyler and Fig was perfect. It was so innocent and fun to read. And that made it so much worse that we knew Fig was working for the bad guys the whole time (not a spoiler, we know this from the beginning). I think my favorite character was Cabe. I feel like the robots in sci-fi books are always the best characters!
The ending was great. Everything was perfectly wrapped up
September 2, 2022
I'm so glad I found this book! It had me grinning almost the whole time. I love Melissa Landers' YA sci-fi and am excited to see she has mastered middle grade voice and humor as well. This is absolutely perfect for the age group of all genders! Pure entertainment!
(Reviewed by an adult lover of middle grade books)
(Reviewed by an adult lover of middle grade books)
Read
August 7, 2019Blastaway is a blast from the future, where space travel is as simple as plane travel, so the world certainly draws you into the action.
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did-not-finish
June 17, 2020written for young middle schoolers, which I didn't catch before starting it :) It doesn't seem bad or anything, it just gave me vicarious middle school rage and I don't need any more than what I've lived. DNF
June 23, 2022
A really fun sci-fi adventure! Some of the antics were hilarious. Even though they had very different back stories, the two main characters were both relatable, and the dynamics of their relationship believable. I think this one could be enjoyed even by someone not particularly into sci-fi.
March 28, 2019
Received this book as an ARC from NCTE. A student read it and gave it a 5/5. Said it was a cool, funny, sci-fi story with a good ending. I agree!
gave-up
August 19, 2019I got about 25% of the way into this book and the correlation between the Wanderers and Black people in America was too obvious. Would be interested in an own voices perspective.
November 26, 2019
Really good! I don't read a lot of J Fic but I actually really liked it! I don't know if anyone else noticed the author mentioned her own book, Starflight, in this book. haha.
January 25, 2021
We loved this book. We chose it as our nightly read aloud and my kids kept begging for one more chapter! The adventures of Kyler and Fig had us in fits of laughter and on the edge of our seats!!
March 3, 2021
Fun and heartfelt adventure story. Loved the ending!
May 14, 2021
It's everything I love in a space adventure book: roadtrips, space, robots, giant bugs, escaping cultists, and overcoming childhood trauma.
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