The Softwire: Betrayal on Orbis 2

The Softwire #2

by P.J. Haarsma

Part two of the cyber-fueled series about the first human softwire! Can JT appease the huge aquatic aliens on Orbis 2 in time to save his friends?

Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Space

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2008

About the author

A lot about The Softwire comes from my own experiences growing up. No, I never traveled on a seed-ship to Orbis but I did feel like I was a slave working in my parents ceramic factory as a teenager. In the summer I would slug 50lbs+ molds around while standing in a room with kilns firing at 1400 degrees. It wasn't fun and at the time I really resented my parents for it. I felt used and not in control of what I wanted. Probably like a lot of other kids my age then but hey, what did I know, I was fourteen.

Besides writing The Sofwire series I also created Kids Need to Read, a literary charity I founded with actor Nathan Fillion and friend Denise Gary.

When I have nothing else to do, I create online games based on young adult literature. I created the Rings of Orbis for The Softwire as well as the Card Soldier Wars for Frank Beddor's Looking Glass Wars trilogy.

Currently I am working on a fantasy series titled The Wandchasers.

Play The Softwire's online game:
http://www.ringsoforbis.com

Reviews

[Waffles - Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

So being a Softwire, a person who can communicate with the computer, isn't so bad after all, Johnny Turnball finds out. Of course, he was accused of making the computer go faulty, thought he was a freak by his peers and his new alien neighbors, placed in a prison block for something he clearly didn't do and almost losing his life inside the computer.

Good times.

But he was able to stop a war on Ring 1 of Orbis, got the computer "virus" to come clean about what was going on, and was able to get his sister talking. All in all, he is willing and able to move on to the next phase in his life....life on Ring 2. A time where he can start over as just Johnny. Yes he is still a Softwire, but he can now use it to his advantage but still be a normal boy.

Hey, psych!!!

As him and his friends venture towards the next phase in their "enslavement" jobs they find a whole new brand of alien species that really don't like humans. To the extent that if one dies, 'Oh Well'. For Johnny though, it has opened a whole new world for him. And not just in the metaphorical sense, in the LITERAL sense. He has discovered a whole new world and a whole new species on Rings 2 that only he can talk to.

So much for being a normal kid.

Thinking the Elders know what they are doing, Johnny is just going to put his head down and do his job. That is until he realizes the Elders may not know everything that is going on in their own little world. Johnny finds himself in a corruptive, manipulative world that takes what it wants without remorse. And with that many of the species on Rings 2 could start a massive war that could kill Johnny and his friends. Not wanting to die on Rings 2, Johnny must do everything he can to stop a war, or stop the death of his friends.

Another exciting tale by P.J. Haarsma in the Softwire series.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book 2 sequel to The Softwire series is an enjoyable science fiction read that is not only good for adults, but late elementary school to junior high kids will also enjoy. It's unusual (at least for me) to find a book the whole family can enjoy without one set feeling as if it is too "dumbed down" for the younger set to understand and annoy the parents, nor too detailed or technical that the younger set will get frustrated.

The author does a good job of quickly getting you into the story as well as lots of action that has you eagerly waiting to turn the page. Your heart will race a little bit during some of the action scenes, and you get a feeling of actually being a part of the story vs. just someone reading a tale. I enjoyed this one quite a bit as did my children, now I'm off to purchase book 3 in the series.

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

A technomancer realizes he is Cable from X-men, and begins to dismantle the oppressive system his surviving friends and family are enslaved to.

Also there is a scene with a singing alien that lives in my soul.

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good continuation

I am enjoying this series. The idea of being able to connect with a computer through mind power alone is fascinating.

[Tristan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cool ending! Though it felt very meandering for the first three quarters.

[Jennifer Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll admit that my speed reading days for books left me in college. Even with my fun books that I read, it can take me a several days to finish one. So when I went through the Softwire Series in roughly a week, you know it’s got to be amazing! Oddly enough, I have to thank Nathon Filion for tweeting a link for a free digital copy of the first book (Virus on Orbis 1).


The brief synopsis from P.J. Haarsma’s site really hooked me in too.

Thirteen-year-old Johnny Turnbull has always known there was something different about him, even before he and two hundred other kids landed on the first ring of Orbis. But once their spaceship lands, he is identified as the first-ever “softwire” — a human with the ability to enter and communicate with computers through his mind — and becomes the focus of intergalactic intrigue. Johnny and the rest of the refugee orphans are put to work in alien factories, and very quickly things go very wrong. When the all-knowing, all-controlling, and technologically “perfect” central computer starts malfunctioning, suspicious eyes turn to Johnny. Is he the one responsible? This action-packed, fast-paced sci-fi novel will keep kids on the edge of their seats.

For this computer geek, the direct interface into a computer hooked me in instantly. Through the first book you’re introduced to this amazing new world, with aliens that have been around forever, a few factions within them. The book takes you on a very fun adventure, and really captures the mystery and adjustment to a world completely different than your own.

But by the end of Book 1, you realize that everything isn’t quite as Utopian as you would like them to be. Through the next 3 books, you’re taken deeper and deeper into the Rings of Orbis, its deep history, and how Johnny (JT) and his sister play into it. You’re also taken into a lot of turmoil and grief that the “knudnicks” on Orbis are subjected to. The entire series does a great job at working through the struggles of class divisions between the elite and the poor.

On top of this is the transformation of JT himself. Starting out as a bright eyed, energetic 15 year old, he’s quickly given a large amount of responsibility because of his talents. He also has the entire universe looking over his shoulder, which causes a lot of struggles. But JT’s struggles go even deeper, dealing with free will vs. fate, sacrifice, and a whole range of emotions. There was so much going on by the fourth installment that I wasn’t sure how Haarsma would resolve it all, and do it in a manner that stuck with the whole of the story. He did it amazingly well. There was even a small amount of romance and tragedy mixed in to the whole story that fit perfectly.

My mind is still racing from all of the tech, adventure, and thought provoking things this book brought out. Softwire is targeted for the 10 and up, but it is written so well that adults (or really big geeky kids like me) will enjoy it thoroughly.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started with this second book. The alien creatures and world are odd enough to be disconcerting, helps you feel for the human children being put to work. Like a foster care system. Main character can talk to computers but seems to be able to talk to a special alien he meets on Orbis 2. He's given a lot of responsibility and trouble by fellow foster kids and the Gaurdors. Very interesting, seeking to read more. Clean story, loses an arm and fight scene near end, not too graphic (11 and up)

[Denae Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was better than the first with the fact that there were some meaner characters. Yet, at the end of all the bullies or enemies, there's some sort of compassionate scene or event. For instance, JT sympathized with Weegin, Switzer, and Oglan (sp?) before their character left the book. I'm not sure if I'm impressed or annoyed. In one way, it's cool, showing that no one is bad at the core, but in another, it becomes predictable.
I did like how JT and Switzer's roles were a little reversed when JT had to zap him and suddenly everyone felt sorry for Switzer instead. I also liked how, though they seemed ready enough, the children rebelled against the way JT was put in charge over them.
Ketheria's pretty neat, and I think we'll see more from her, more secrets, in the next book.
I liked the way JT's slowly learning about his parents, and the mission (which he will eventually discover, with Toll's help or Ketheria's or someone else's), and about the spacejumpers. The books will end with him becoming one, I bet, or being offered and he refuses.
I admire the way PJH has so many new words in the books (o-dats, chit, spoke) that sound English enough to be realistic, and yet fit well enough into their designed roles, though it is a little hard to keep track exactly how long a time frame lasts. (Spoke is related to hours, and cycle to day, and rotation to year....)
I do wish JT would meet other softwires, not just spacejumpers, but other, alien-softwire kid/beings, like Vairocina.

[KeepOnFlyin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to get my hands on this second book of the Softwire series. I was so excited to continue reading about the adventures of JT and his friends and little sister. PJ Haarsma did not let me down!

I loved the entire book from start to end. As the children are moved to the second ring to begin working their next rotation, their lives continue to be filled with adventure and mysteries to be solved. Orbis 2 is much different than Orbis 1 and has such places as underground tunnels with treasures and danger in them.

The children learn how to work through challenging issues such as taking care of a younger sibling in a strange place and handling bullies and the caretakers who are mean to them.

What I enjoy most about PJ's writing is his ability to create and describe unique alien beings, some friendly, some scary, and all quite interesting. The alien gadgets he comes up with are just as exciting to me. There are several in this book that are fun to dream about having.

I was surprised how much I like the Softwire series as a grandmother and I'm sure I would have loved it just as much as a young adult. It was really hard to put down once I got started!

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Once again, Haarsma gives us a unique entry into the young adult field with a true science fiction story. The second in the series, this book has a tighter plot than the first and continues to be wildly imaginative, though character development hasn't really progressed. As with the first book, my major gripe is with the dialogue, which is choppy and awkward. I find it hard to like the hero of the story, especially when he does some stupid things like he does here, and I think that some of the reactions from the childen in the book are hard to believe. Compared to all the young adult books I've been reading lately, this one seems to be targeted a bit more "young," and while I'd recommend this book for younger readers, it's not as compelling for adult readers as many other YA series are."

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the first one of this series a while ago. I couldn't believe my library actually had it. Of course, it didn't have any of the follow up books. I ended up finding HB copies of #s 2 and 3 for cheap on Amazon. I'm not gonna lie: I read the first one, based almost solely on the fact that Haarsma works with Nathan Fillion on Kids Need to Read. And I liked the first one well enough. I'm not sure that there was anything wrong, particularly, with the second one. I just think that maybe it's been too long since I've read the first one, and I've forgotten a lot. I read the first one around the same time as Beth Revis' Across the Universe and I may have gotten some details confused. I just wasn't as interested in this story. /shrug

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast read! A reader can really roll through these books! I liked this one as much as the first one. In this book we get a deeper look at the world JT and his friends live in. The story also starts filling in some information about who JT's father is and the mission behind their trip to Orbis. It does feel like it the book ends abruptly, there's not much of a denouement.

The nonstop action and quick moving pace of the story make it great for reluctant readers or those who need a quick read. The story builds on the previous book, but for the most part it is a self-contained story. There's enough backstory to fill a reader in without a reader reading the first book or if it's been some time between books. Highly recommended.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Betrayal on Orbis 2! I thought the characters had a lot of depth to them and I really felt connected. It was nice to see that the main character was flawed and had a lot of growing and learning to do. There was such a bond between him and his friends. I also felt connected to alien characters. Even though some of them were evil, I wanted to know why they were evil, what made them that way? I think that this book has a lot of adventure, is well written, and has an emotional element that will satisfy any reader.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something about these books stirs a deep anger in me that is not enjoyable. It has to do with the way the main characters are treated with unfairness and violence. I've not read any other book that comes to mind that affected me in this way. Can't say I recommend this for young adults. I won't be reading the last two books in this series.

Also the books spend a lot of time building up to the climax, which then goes by much too quickly, glosses over plot points and are a little too convenient.

The main characters are likable but a bit shallow on details.

[Terry]

This is a well crafted piece of science fiction. SciFi enthusiasts and reluctant readers will be captivated by the adventures. For me, this is a 7 out of 10. Space fantasy lovers will give it a 10 for sure. The author remains focused on his goal of using science fiction to capture the reluctant and/or non-engaged reader.

To read our full review, go to The Reading Tub®.

[Dayna Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in The Softwire series. Johnny and his friends are now on Orbis 2 with a new Guarantor. They are put in charge of the Samirans, large aquatic aliens, who cool the crystals on Orbis. Johnny is the only person who can speak to these creatures and he is tasked to find out what is wrong with them as their work rule is coming to an end. What he discovers endangers all of Orbis and it's up to Johnny to save the day again. If you liked the first book you will love the second.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

After JT's employer loses everything for conspiring against the Keepers, JT and company are sent to Orbis 2 to work with Samirans, large aquatic beasts who are under contract like the human children to work a certain amount of time on Orbis. The Samirans keep the crystals on the planet cool. Once again, the Trade Council is at odds with the Keepers and it is up to JT to help this endangered alien species reach freedom.

Upper elementary/middle school.

[MichaelD · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is full of action and adventure. JT and his friends get moved to Orbis 2 were they are assigned to Ordran there new guarantor. When there JT and friends find an old space jumpers belt. Switzer tries it on and teleports to a random location in the universe or a different universe. JT also has to talk to two giant aquatic animals called samirans. In all of this JT almost dies multiple times.

[Sheila Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrayal on Orbis 2 is the kind of outer space adventure that I loved in middle school. With non-stop excitement, rich world building, and lots of cool aliens and technology, this is a great book for science fiction fans and reluctant readers.

Read my entire review

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a little more exciting than the first one. The characters started to develop some personalities and take some intiative. For the first time in the series a character dies. The themes of oppresion and equal rights are starting to be more fully fleshed out by the author. It was a good read and I'll definately read the third book in the series soon.

[Austin Holzworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far JT,max, kathrina, and theadore chased after dolten and swizter and found out he was trainding stuff to get money and then nugget (who they found whyll chansing them) grabed on of swizers thigns and ran off with it and everyone followed and disscoverd a place were orbis kept secrit things then swizers grabed a space jumpers pelt.

[Libby · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 - a bit too much repetitive introspection from the main protagonist but otherwise still a fun, quick adventure. I'm onto the next - The Softwire: Worm Hole Pirates on Orbis 3

[John]

I thought that the book was very good and the story ended up getting better and better near the end. I can't believe that he lost his arm. I think that the story will really continue to keep up the action and there will be much more problems that are very different because next I get to go to the adventures on Orbis 3 and I can't wait.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic Christmas present to myself in aid of charity, the follow-up to PJ's Softwire Virus on Orbis One the next installement of JT's adventures on Orbis kept me so hooked that I read it in one sitting and am desperate for the next one:)

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book on a flight to Canada and I have to say this is definitely as good as the first one, if not better.
PJ Haarsma's writing is so good you won't be able to put it down, for anything. Even dinner. xD

[Andrew Marr · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the second ring of Orbis life is more challenging, more mysterious & more troubling. The Samirans, aquatic beings who make earthly whales looks small, are great creatures to meet. Some of the characters are not so pleasant. I look forward to the last two volumes of the set.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful journey on Orbis. I believe I enjoyed book 2 a bit more than book one. The characters became a bit more complex and it was good to see that good people can do bad things, yet still remain essentially good.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second adventure and I am looking forward to book three!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

My God! I have waited for this moment! It's coming out on March 25! eeep! Same day as my sister's birthday!

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Johnny Turball and company have their next set of adventures on the Rings of Orbis, and as is usual, nothing is what it seems.