Explorer X - Alpha by L.M. Preston Review

Book: Explorer X - Alpha

Author: L.M. Preston

Type: Middle Grade

Pages: 368

Copy Provided by: Author

Summary (from Goodreads):

For most kids, a trip to space camp is the trip of a lifetime, for Aadi it was life altering. After receiving a camp immunization needed for travel to Mars, Aadi finds that the immunization is the catalyst of an insidious experiment. He realizes what is happening too late for a change of fate. The full experiment is set in motion when he and his co-pilot, Eirena, crash in a distant galaxy called Shrenas, where they change and realize the full extent of their power. This turn of events forces him to grow up quickly, accept his change, and to decide to save a world, or to do what he was trained to do, dominate it. His power is coveted by the warring leaders of Shrenas, and he is forced to choose sides, a decision that may prove just how much humanity he has left.

Review: Explorer X - Alpha was a fun adventure, but it had it's flaws.

The characters are strong and brave, but not all of them are (which I found to be a relief, and quite humorous at points). At first, I was a bit put off by Aadi, but soon grew to enjoy his character (and adore Ebu!), but I found myself really wanting to know more about a few other characters, like Tacitus. Eirena and Raiko were awesome female characters, although I preferred Raiko over Eirena, because I found Eirena's attitude to be insufferable.

Once the real action starts, the story grasped me and drew me in. In the end, I was pleased with what we found out, but left curious about a few more things (which is good, considering this is only the first novel). I wish I could say more, but then I would be spoiling the plot!

Highlights: Once the reader finally learns the secrets regarding this space camp, the story seems to really kick into action. Plus, by that time, I really was enjoying the characters. The action was addictive, and I loved how even the girls could totally kick butt. I love the world L.M. created, but I want to see more.

Lowlights: The worst part to the novel would have to be it's dialog. At times, it felt odd, and the characters only sounded like the children they were when they were insulting each other. The author rarely used contractions (instead choosing to say "I did not" instead of the simpler, more child-like "I didn't"), and so at times I found it a bit awkward. Even the narrative seemed a bit stiff at times. 

Rating:    

Lea

Guest Post: LM Preston

Today I have debut author L.M. Preston, author of Explorer X - Alpha (a sci-fi MG novel) here to take over. So without further ado, I give you L.M. Preston:

ACCEPTING THE UGLY PART OF NOT BEING A FOLLOWER

When I sit down to write my novels from a teenaged perspective, I have a lot of material to pull from. I was called all sorts of names, teased, and jeered at. I wasn't the lowest on the totem pole, but I was somewhere near the bottom middle of the middle school pecking order. Yet, through these experiences I learned something about myself. I was a survivor and I was never a follower.

THE LEADING MOMENT
The kids in my neighborhood would spend tons of time making up games. One we played was truth or dare. Usually I wasn't invited to play because I was the youngest kid in the neighborhood. However, this particular time, they allowed me to play. It seemed like the best day of my life. I was going to play with the big kids, and no longer follow behind them. That day, I had arrived at the table with the big boys. Talk about the strut of acceptance, I was on cloud nine.


THE SET UP
The game went on as usual. Dare's were made, secrets were told and the bottle was spinning. Finally, it was my turn. My moment, my acceptance, and then it came. The kid that had made the last spin, looked at me with a sneaky grin, and I knew immediately that I was doomed.

THE DARE

"I dare you to eat this beetle!" the kid said. I gulped. Then I compared the penalty for not going through with a challenge. The penalty was to let every kid spit in your face. The decision was difficult, the choices were both gross. However, I refused to be made to eat something that I didn't want. Something that was dead, big, black, squishy and downright disgusting. It had the ooze of entrails dried on each side of its gut. Yuck!

STANDING UP TO MY SO-CALLED FRIENDS
At that moment of recognition, I felt strong and fierce. Okay, no, really I was scared to death. However, I stood and said, "I renege on the dare!". There were gasps, snickers, and whispers. I held my ground, stuck out my chest and licked my lips. "You know what that means, don't ya?" the kid with the dead fat beetle snickered.
"Yeah, and I don't care!" I said, and swallowed as a tear ran from my eye. Man I was so angry. The other kids bustled to stand in line in front of me. Never before in our game of Truth or Dare had someone challenged their fate. I was the first, and they relished in the chance to demean me further.
There I stood, as each kid gathered as much saliva in their mouths as possible and spit in my face. My eyes closed as I felt the thick, cool, wet globs slide from my forehead, down my nose to my lips. I held back a gag.
Finally, it was over. My best friend, who was last in line did a fake spitting sound that held little or no power. Then she took out a tissue and wiped my face. "Why didn't you just do the dare?"
I opened my eyes and smiled at her, then said, "Cause I didn't want to."

HOW THESE EXPERIENCES AFFECT MY WRITING

I love to write about kids that go against expectations. Kids that, like me, were oddballs, imperfect, unpopular - yet strong. I was a lot of things, but no one (except my parents) had the ability to make me do something I didn't want. I had an inner stubbornness that just didn't let me concede. That attitude saved my life many times. If ever you don't want to follow your friends, dig deep, stand up, and be a leader.

In EXPLORER X - Alpha, Aadi does this even when he is not sure of the consequences. Staying true to yourself is the best thing you can ever do - for you!

Wow, thank you for the story and such an inspiring message L.M.! Click on the links to learn more about L.M. Preston or Explorer X - Alpha!

Lea

In My Mailbox 14

IMM is hosted weekly by Kristi of The Story Siren (and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie).

For Review:

Explorer X - Alpha by LM Preston

Bought:

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

Hope everyone has a great week!

Lea