Starbounders: Rebellion by Adam Jay Epstein

   A Brilliant Sequel

  Surely, after saving the universe once, Zachary Night deserves a break. Sadly, the answer seems to be absolutely not. Even with the outer galaxies safe, Zachary and his friends still have to contend with the secret message from Professor Olari and it seems someone else wants this information too. So, when the clues line up, and a conspiracy begins to appear, things get ominous. Soon, Zachary and his friends are dodging assassins and avoiding giant viruses. Not to mention, they still haven't decoded the message! Is a Starbounder's job ever done?

If you think you'll enjoy a book about a boy and his friends saving the universe, this book is for you. For those readers who remember Starbounders fondly, prepare for more of the same, with a little more intensity. This sequel contained all the elements of the previous book, although the comic relief was lessened in exchange for more intrigue. A wonderful story, I thought this book linked perfectly with its predecessor. Epstein's writing style makes this book perfect for readers of many ages and I thought that the plot was well thought out and easily followed without being predictable. Personally, I missed some of the humor of the first book, but I still enjoyed this one all the same. I gave this book five stars for a great plot and wonderful writing style.

Wildwood: Imperium

  

A Perfect Finale

Wildwood is on the verge of collapse. The magical borders of the wood are in danger, threatening to break and let loose the magic trapped within. Meanwhile, outside, a group of orphans and saboteurs gather to take down an industrial titan. Two worlds are about to collide and only one girl can stop the destruction of both worlds. Prue must gather the remaining bandits, former Wildwood Irregulars and friends to combat a growing evil or all will be lost. It’s a big job for a little girl, and she just might be too late.

    My first impression of this book was that it had some unbalanced literary elements. There was not enough comic relief to counteract many of the action scenes. It seemed to me that every second I kept reading, the world became in greater danger of destruction and some new calamity befell Prue and her friends at each turn. It could have used some comic relief to release the buildup of tension in the story. However, the writing content was laudable and my compliments go to the author for maintaining the writing style created in first book in the third book, unlike many other series I have read. The core plot was acceptable and it concluded the series well. The plot was a fitting finale, as it connects the events of the first book in a very final manner that doesn't leave room for more development. Overall, I gave this book four and a half stars for an admirable writing style, despite a lack of comic relief.