Dashiell Gibson is the luckiest 12-year-old on Earth, although he sees it through a different lens. The truth is, no one on Moon Base Alpha (MBA) feels different about their “extraordinary” opportunity. As this is the first-ever moon base to exist in 2040, everyone has their fair share of responsibilities. In Space Case, Stuart Gibbs shows how in the end, some of the limitations of the moon will always hold back humanity, or at least for now. Dash’s only friend at MBA is Roddy, another boy just one year older than him. Back on Earth, they probably wouldn’t have been friends. However, because they were the only ones around the same age, they didn’t get to choose. The story kicks off when a spaceship arrives with more people after Dr. Holtz’s murder. Well, that was what Dash assumed. The noble scientist stepped out of the air-lock alone and died immediately. With surprising persistence for a twelve-year-old, Dash continues to state that Holtz was murdered, which makes everyone else at the base think he is going mad. Kira, another twelve-year-old, has just arrived on the spaceship with new arrivals, and after hearing Dash’s theory, she starts to help him investigate. Along with her, a very mysterious character joins him in the quest to discover the cause of Holtz’s murder. Eventually, the suspects narrowed down to just a few, and to prove their theory, Dash and Kira go on a dangerous mission. But when they all think that everything is finally making sense, confusion rings the doorbell. I connected with Dash deeply because I just started middle school this year, and there is a significant change in everything, including the environment. In his case, Dash had to adjust to the new life at MBA and learn to cope with everything. This connection made the book an even better experience for me, which is why I recommend it. Overall, Space Case by Stuart Gibbs had me waiting with bated breath on every page. This thrilling mystery novel with hints of humor is the perfect read for any young reader around 9-14. As I progressed through the book, every page surprised me beyond comprehension. Even after completing the book, I wondered what would happen next, which meant that I had to read the next book in the series to satisfy the rising suspense, of course! Space Case by Stuart Gibbs. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2015. Buy the book here and help support Stone Soup in the process!
Book Reviews
Island of Thieves, Reviewed by Jeremy Lim, 10
I plucked Island of Thieves off the shelf absentmindedly when I visited the library on a borrowing-spree, and admittedly, I wasn’t expecting anything much. In fact, I had borrowed it for my little brother, who is an eight-year-old. However, our paths crossed sooner than I expected, as before a piano lesson I glanced at the relatively interesting cover and decided to bring it along. A decision that I both would and wouldn’t regret. This mild thriller and mystery by Josh Lacey, though a little off my age and reading level, was enjoyable from the start. From the perspective of twelve-year-old Tom Trelawney, the pace is set quite early in the book, with the story quickly jumping from place to place as the adventure progresses to the more exciting parts. Reminiscent of Gordan Korman’s action-packed novels, the story brings unknowing Tom into a world of gang leaders, fake painting sellers, and long lost treasure. The action and plot are relatively simple and understandable and the mystery is mostly laid out in front of you. However, with the addition of a few complicated parts here and there, this is still an intriguing story to read. Similar to the likes of Spy School and The 39 Clues, this book packs adventure and a treasure-hunt-style mystery together in one package. This book is a great stepping stone to see if you like the genre, from which you can progress to more intense and deeper stories in the young adult section, or prominent series such as City Spies. However, for younger readers, this book will be action and adventure at its best. The mystery is also so-so, but is also the reason I like it, because it can be cracked quite easily, at least compared to most other books in this genre. However, it still is quite interesting and fun to read the clues and figure it out as the story goes on, imagining yourself in the position of the main character and his uncle, relying on the mystery to keep themselves alive. They will have to follow the clues to find the treasure within an afternoon—or else get ditched by the gang leader. So all in all? What did I think? Well… For me, the book wasn’t extremely special in its category, with so many other great books, but was ultimately worth a read. However, as I have said multiple times before, the book is highly recommended for readers ages 5-8 as it is a relatively rare thriller for that age group. So, if you are looking for a random read, nab this book and in the comments below, tell me what you think! Island of Thieves by Josh Lacey. Clarion Books, 2013. Buy the book here and help support Stone Soup in the process!
Furyborn, Reviewed by Jeremy Lim, 10
“The world will fall. Two queens will rise.” These are the chilling words written on the cover of Furyborn. The first of the Empirium trilogy, written by Claire Legrand, this intense book will take your breath away. The words on the back cover perfectly sum it all up. “Two young women, living centuries apart, have the power to either save the world — or doom it.” Rielle, from the past, and Elaina, 1,020 years in the future. The two queens. Each shaping her own world. And separated by the impossible gap of a thousand years. Or are they really? This novel, set in the medieval age, stretches the limit of dual character connections with a narrative that switches perspectives between these two characters. It is impressive how the character developments are separate yet somehow linked in subtle ways. So as the book progresses, more connections are revealed between the characters. And the story ramps up, ending with surprising, climatic cliffhangers, which will lead you to crave more. A thing that I loved about this book is that romance is a huge part of the story, influencing each character, especially Rielle. There is an awkward love triangle between her, the prince of the Kingdom of Celedria, Audric, and the luring presence of the angel Corien, who Rielle doesn’t want to be, but is hopelessly attracted to. Audric and Corien are the two forces who determine which side Rielle is on, which future to believe in. For Elaina, her path is not determined by allegiances of love, but rather her own moral compass. As her perception of the world quickly changes as the story moves on, she finds herself struggling to choose between working for the empire she has served her entire life, or switching over to the resistance group, the Red Crown. As she struggles to decide, switching sides again and again, both sides bear the consequences of her actions. All in all, Furyborn is a book that older readers should enjoy, with the romantic moments making it a little unsuitable for younger readers. However, if you are up for it, you should definitely read it. It is a must read for ages 10 and above. If you like fantasy or realistic fiction, this is the book for you. I know it sounds weird putting both genres together, but its plot and descriptions are undeniably versatile. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and read it! Furyborn by Claire Legrand. Sourcebooks fire, 2019. Buy the book here and help support Stone Soup in the process!
