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Explorer X #1
Explorer X - Alpha
For most kids, a trip to space camp is a 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. Lucky for him, he was engineered to survive, thrive, and dominate. Without realizing he is being trained to conquer worlds, and manipulated under the guise of a camp, he unfolds the plot too late for a change of fate. Aadi's world is shaken upon the revelation that life before camp was not what it appeared. This solidifies his plan to save them all from the company that seeks to control him, only for his rescue to end abruptly due to a freak accident on a field trip to Mars. 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. Holding onto his humanity, in the midst of turning into a god is Aadi's biggest battle yet. This turn of events causes him to put his childish thoughts away, forcing him to accept his change, and to decide to save a world, or to do what he was trained to do, dominate it. In the midst his struggles with his changes, his power is coveted by the warring leaders of Shrenas, and he is forced to choose sides to save a life, or to save himself. A decision that may prove just how much humanity he has left.
- GenresFantasy
367 pages, ebook
First published December 10, 2009
24 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Preston
29 books646 followersLM. Preston was born and raised in Washington, DC. An avid reader, she loved to create poetry and short-stories as a young girl. With a thirst for knowledge she attended college at Bowie State University, and worked in the IT field as a Techie and Educator for over sixteen years. She started writing science fiction under the encouragement of her husband who was a Sci-Fi buff and her four kids. Her first published novel, Explorer X - Alpha was the beginning of her obsessive desire to write and create stories of young people who overcome unbelievable odds. She loves to write while on the porch watching her kids play or when she is traveling, which is another passion that encouraged her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 13, 2010
Explorer X - Alpha was my very first sci-fi book, and although it is a YA book, it was definitely
not a good book for me. I'm used to reading this genre, and when author LM Preston contacted me for a review, I said why not? I need to get out of my comfort zone from time to time.
This book's beginning was really slow for my taste, where I spent half of the book reading about Aadi and his friends at Space Camp, trying to find out more about why they were a part of an Experiment (called Experiment X). After the first 3/4 of the book, I did become attached to the characters, not wanting anything bad to happen to them. Let's not forget, this is the first in a trilogy, maybe that's why it was so slow to get into?
The writing was a little off for me, too. The character introduced themselves by saying: "Hello, my name is (Aadi)." After reading "Hi, my name is ..." ten times in a row, I started to get a little annoyed. It didn't sound like something a teen would say so often. I needed a "Hi, I'm ..." Sometimes less is more. Also, there were very few abreviations, which made the reading heavy. Sometimes, the kids sounded more like grown-ups than kids. I don't know if this type of writing is specific for the genre, but it was not my cup of tea.
Moving on to the story. We're immediately introduced to Aadi, our male protagonist, and join him in his entrance to Space Camp. Here he'll meet his new friends: Eirena, Raiko, Damien, Scott, Dakota and Tacitus. Aadi's relationship with Eirena begins as a competitive one, but it lets you know that they'll end up together in the end. Damien is your regular bad boy, very conceited. The rest of them were normal characters, with the exception of Tacitus, whom I'd like to find out more about. Overall, I thought the characters lacked depth. I would've liked to see more background to them.
In the last quarter of the book, the part I liked most, we finally see some action. Aadi and Eirena are thrown into an alien planet in the galaxy called Shrenas. Here they find allies... and enemies. They'll go through changes that'll turn them into something more than human and, while helping one of the races living in Shrenas win a centuries old war, they'll have to do everything in their power to find their way back home.
I confirm my previous suspicion: sci-fi is not a genre for me. I do like Star Wars, though.
But to those of you who do like this genre, I can tell you, you'd like this book.
not a good book for me. I'm used to reading this genre, and when author LM Preston contacted me for a review, I said why not? I need to get out of my comfort zone from time to time.
This book's beginning was really slow for my taste, where I spent half of the book reading about Aadi and his friends at Space Camp, trying to find out more about why they were a part of an Experiment (called Experiment X). After the first 3/4 of the book, I did become attached to the characters, not wanting anything bad to happen to them. Let's not forget, this is the first in a trilogy, maybe that's why it was so slow to get into?
The writing was a little off for me, too. The character introduced themselves by saying: "Hello, my name is (Aadi)." After reading "Hi, my name is ..." ten times in a row, I started to get a little annoyed. It didn't sound like something a teen would say so often. I needed a "Hi, I'm ..." Sometimes less is more. Also, there were very few abreviations, which made the reading heavy. Sometimes, the kids sounded more like grown-ups than kids. I don't know if this type of writing is specific for the genre, but it was not my cup of tea.
Moving on to the story. We're immediately introduced to Aadi, our male protagonist, and join him in his entrance to Space Camp. Here he'll meet his new friends: Eirena, Raiko, Damien, Scott, Dakota and Tacitus. Aadi's relationship with Eirena begins as a competitive one, but it lets you know that they'll end up together in the end. Damien is your regular bad boy, very conceited. The rest of them were normal characters, with the exception of Tacitus, whom I'd like to find out more about. Overall, I thought the characters lacked depth. I would've liked to see more background to them.
In the last quarter of the book, the part I liked most, we finally see some action. Aadi and Eirena are thrown into an alien planet in the galaxy called Shrenas. Here they find allies... and enemies. They'll go through changes that'll turn them into something more than human and, while helping one of the races living in Shrenas win a centuries old war, they'll have to do everything in their power to find their way back home.
I confirm my previous suspicion: sci-fi is not a genre for me. I do like Star Wars, though.
But to those of you who do like this genre, I can tell you, you'd like this book.
January 30, 2010
The Good: The premise of the story is great, perhaps not wholly original but definitely interesting and a good idea for a read. The characters are engaging and likable, and really liked how they became "something else" during the story.
The dramatic and drastic changes of the appearance, and even to an extent the personalities, of both Aadi and Eirena was interesting. They were vastly different beings, each changing as to be like something that was nearby them when the changes began on site. Giving each different powers, strengths, and challenges.
As the antagonist the corporation has much potential to be either wholly evil or only in part. With the parents being employees, all of the kids have the potential for finding more help from the inside and it begs the question of whose parents knew and didn't care and if or when or even how that aspect will play out for them.
The Bad: The synopsis on the back of the book was a bit too descriptive for me. It felt a little bit like a 10-year-old going "oh and then..." which I didn't find at all helpful for me to be enthusiastic about picking the book up.
I also got confused a little way into the book, and this may be because I sat down and read the entire book in one sitting. I had a bit of a time getting into the meat of the story, but once I got a few chapters in - perhaps 20 - I found myself interested but confused by the events. The time line, while established in the beginning of the book, is never clear on how much time is passing or has passed, but jumps as if they have been doing activities we haven't seen or heard about (or even slightly referred to).
The fighting sequences were too detailed for me as well. I found myself lost when trying to picture whose arm went where and how they were standing. It was hard to follow and I felt it distracted, rather than added, to the whole story.
Lastly, the beginning of the book focuses on all of the characters to a great degree and then only on Aadi and Eirena. Quite a bit of the story is from Aadi's perspective (as a third person, but relative to Aadi) but we spend a lot of time learning about everyone and everything. Then the focus changes to solely Aadi and Eirena and completely excludes the rest, which we had spent so much time learning about. I felt the change was very abrupt and a little disjointed from everything that had gone on previously. I found myself let-down by the total change of venue, from a story about a team to the story about just Aadi and Eirena and wished for either a more direct story about Aadi and Eirena or broader one to stay focused on the team as a whole.
Overall: I liked the book, and enjoyed reading it. I tried not to be overly critical of attitudes and thoughts the characters felt and had because this book is meant for a younger audience and their view on things is much different than my own. And while I am not the book's intended audience, I found I liked the characters and the story and am interested to find out what happens to them in the future.
The dramatic and drastic changes of the appearance, and even to an extent the personalities, of both Aadi and Eirena was interesting. They were vastly different beings, each changing as to be like something that was nearby them when the changes began on site. Giving each different powers, strengths, and challenges.
As the antagonist the corporation has much potential to be either wholly evil or only in part. With the parents being employees, all of the kids have the potential for finding more help from the inside and it begs the question of whose parents knew and didn't care and if or when or even how that aspect will play out for them.
The Bad: The synopsis on the back of the book was a bit too descriptive for me. It felt a little bit like a 10-year-old going "oh and then..." which I didn't find at all helpful for me to be enthusiastic about picking the book up.
I also got confused a little way into the book, and this may be because I sat down and read the entire book in one sitting. I had a bit of a time getting into the meat of the story, but once I got a few chapters in - perhaps 20 - I found myself interested but confused by the events. The time line, while established in the beginning of the book, is never clear on how much time is passing or has passed, but jumps as if they have been doing activities we haven't seen or heard about (or even slightly referred to).
The fighting sequences were too detailed for me as well. I found myself lost when trying to picture whose arm went where and how they were standing. It was hard to follow and I felt it distracted, rather than added, to the whole story.
Lastly, the beginning of the book focuses on all of the characters to a great degree and then only on Aadi and Eirena. Quite a bit of the story is from Aadi's perspective (as a third person, but relative to Aadi) but we spend a lot of time learning about everyone and everything. Then the focus changes to solely Aadi and Eirena and completely excludes the rest, which we had spent so much time learning about. I felt the change was very abrupt and a little disjointed from everything that had gone on previously. I found myself let-down by the total change of venue, from a story about a team to the story about just Aadi and Eirena and wished for either a more direct story about Aadi and Eirena or broader one to stay focused on the team as a whole.
Overall: I liked the book, and enjoyed reading it. I tried not to be overly critical of attitudes and thoughts the characters felt and had because this book is meant for a younger audience and their view on things is much different than my own. And while I am not the book's intended audience, I found I liked the characters and the story and am interested to find out what happens to them in the future.
January 20, 2010
Explorer X-Alpha is another middle grade book, though I find myself questioning that grouping with all the violence that took place. A lot of blood, punching, torturing, and simply fighting overall though, thankfully, no guts. Because of that, I'd recommend this book to either preteens or mostly boys that fall into the claimed range of ages 9-12.
Anyways, I always start off with negatives, and what irritated me the most while reading was the writing, mainly the dialogue. I have to give props for LM Preston for trying to write like a teenager, but due to the lack of apostrophes and strange wording, the dialogue came off awkward and forced; it's the kind of dialogue where it feels like the character is saying a certain line because he should as a (blank) stuck in (blank) situation. It felt weird to say the least. However, the dialogue didn't completely turn me off the book, but it did make me feel a disconnect when reading, especially a disconnect with the characters. The characters were an area of not exactly annoyance but definitely disappointment. The girls were always characterized as ready to kick some male butt, but beyond that? Nothing. Technically, most of the characters had different defining characteristics, like headstrong vs. egotistic, but I really didn't see a "personality," as in any difference internally. I felt like the characters were a blend of "teenager essence" (whatever that is) with a sprinkling of different spices for each one. Mix it all up, and what do you get? A spunky teenager! That being said, the characters were, without a doubt, independent and strong, just the way I like them.
Last negative point, though not a strong one, was that sometimes everything seemed to work out too perfectly. Just when something bad was going to happen - wa-lah! Extremely lucky coincidence combined with a bit of skill, and Aadi makes it out smoothly; in fact, I don't recall any situation where I seriously doubted Aadi was going to come out alive and usually the better from his experience.
Now, moving on to the positives and what really redeemed this book for me: the plot and setting. It's been a very long time since I've read some science fiction, and I forgot how vivid and unique the settings can be. The first 2/3 seemed like a lot of set-up and development and, frankly, left me a little bored. However, the last third really kicked some major, major alien butt. It was a lot of new information to take in, but it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters change drastically, there's a completely new setting, and the pieces finally snapped together to help me understand the bigger picture. I only wish that the realization could have come sooner, and I could read more about their adventure rather than wait for the sequel.
Anyways, I always start off with negatives, and what irritated me the most while reading was the writing, mainly the dialogue. I have to give props for LM Preston for trying to write like a teenager, but due to the lack of apostrophes and strange wording, the dialogue came off awkward and forced; it's the kind of dialogue where it feels like the character is saying a certain line because he should as a (blank) stuck in (blank) situation. It felt weird to say the least. However, the dialogue didn't completely turn me off the book, but it did make me feel a disconnect when reading, especially a disconnect with the characters. The characters were an area of not exactly annoyance but definitely disappointment. The girls were always characterized as ready to kick some male butt, but beyond that? Nothing. Technically, most of the characters had different defining characteristics, like headstrong vs. egotistic, but I really didn't see a "personality," as in any difference internally. I felt like the characters were a blend of "teenager essence" (whatever that is) with a sprinkling of different spices for each one. Mix it all up, and what do you get? A spunky teenager! That being said, the characters were, without a doubt, independent and strong, just the way I like them.
Last negative point, though not a strong one, was that sometimes everything seemed to work out too perfectly. Just when something bad was going to happen - wa-lah! Extremely lucky coincidence combined with a bit of skill, and Aadi makes it out smoothly; in fact, I don't recall any situation where I seriously doubted Aadi was going to come out alive and usually the better from his experience.
Now, moving on to the positives and what really redeemed this book for me: the plot and setting. It's been a very long time since I've read some science fiction, and I forgot how vivid and unique the settings can be. The first 2/3 seemed like a lot of set-up and development and, frankly, left me a little bored. However, the last third really kicked some major, major alien butt. It was a lot of new information to take in, but it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters change drastically, there's a completely new setting, and the pieces finally snapped together to help me understand the bigger picture. I only wish that the realization could have come sooner, and I could read more about their adventure rather than wait for the sequel.
May 5, 2014
This review is going to show my bias towards Fantasy over SciFi simply because I can't really review this book without talking about it. I'm a hug Fantasy fan and tend to like almost every book I've ever read in that genre. My views towards SciFi is the opposite, there are few books in that genre I enjoy and would want to read over and over again. Explorer X-Alpha had fantastic characters and one of the most interesting plot lines I've read in a book written for middle schoolers but I couldn't help wishing that the story was set in a world of magic and dragons instead of one with science and outerspace. If you were to switch the settings I would be in love with this book instead of just liking it. The author, regardless of the setting, was able to hold my attention and left me wanting more in the next book.
Aadi, Eirena, and their friends are a great bunch of kids who find themselves in the middle of an experiment gone horrible wrong and they struggle to not only find the answers they need but to stay alive as well. They are for the most part believalbe given the situations they are in and I rooted for them the entire time I was reading the book. I was horrified when they were and I was enjoying myself to the nth degree when they are playing the live action video games. I cared about these kids and I want to make sure they survive to finish out the series.
My one complaint, if you can call it that, was that I wanted the book to be fleshed out more. There is so much packed into this book that I found myself wishing it was broken into two different books. The training on the ship and all the events that lead up to their discoveries should have been seperated from the final section of the book that took place on Shrenas. There was so much more to say in both these segements that I think they would have benifited form having their own books.
Aadi, Eirena, and their friends are a great bunch of kids who find themselves in the middle of an experiment gone horrible wrong and they struggle to not only find the answers they need but to stay alive as well. They are for the most part believalbe given the situations they are in and I rooted for them the entire time I was reading the book. I was horrified when they were and I was enjoying myself to the nth degree when they are playing the live action video games. I cared about these kids and I want to make sure they survive to finish out the series.
My one complaint, if you can call it that, was that I wanted the book to be fleshed out more. There is so much packed into this book that I found myself wishing it was broken into two different books. The training on the ship and all the events that lead up to their discoveries should have been seperated from the final section of the book that took place on Shrenas. There was so much more to say in both these segements that I think they would have benifited form having their own books.
January 14, 2010
Reviewed by Andrea for TeensReadToo.com
In EXPLORER X - ALPHA by LM Preston, Aadi is sent off to space camp instead of the sports camp that he longed to go to. Little did he know that the camp would forever change his life.
After getting an immunization before the camp's trip to Mars, he and his teammates discover that they are part of an experiment. The travel to Mars goes extremely wrong and Aadi and his partner, Eirena, discover that they are on a planet they have never heard of and come across creatures they never dreamt of. Aadi and Eirena have to do what they were trained to do and fight to stay alive.
The characters were okay for me. I thought that the main character, Aadi, was a strong, positive character. And I liked that the females were strong (both mentally and physically), as well. But I have to admit that I got a couple of secondary characters confused quite often. There were two characters named Dakota and Damien that I often got mixed up and had to go back and figure out which kid I was reading about. There were also times toward the end when the story was talking about the different species that I got confused.
But other than that, the plot was good and well thought out. I thought the idea of an experiment on these kids and what happened as a result was fresh and new. And I liked reading about all of the technology that was in the book in the year 2080. There were several that I thought that I wanted now!
The book ends on a cliffhanger and you don't really know if they are safe or not. I want to read the next book in the series to find out more!
In EXPLORER X - ALPHA by LM Preston, Aadi is sent off to space camp instead of the sports camp that he longed to go to. Little did he know that the camp would forever change his life.
After getting an immunization before the camp's trip to Mars, he and his teammates discover that they are part of an experiment. The travel to Mars goes extremely wrong and Aadi and his partner, Eirena, discover that they are on a planet they have never heard of and come across creatures they never dreamt of. Aadi and Eirena have to do what they were trained to do and fight to stay alive.
The characters were okay for me. I thought that the main character, Aadi, was a strong, positive character. And I liked that the females were strong (both mentally and physically), as well. But I have to admit that I got a couple of secondary characters confused quite often. There were two characters named Dakota and Damien that I often got mixed up and had to go back and figure out which kid I was reading about. There were also times toward the end when the story was talking about the different species that I got confused.
But other than that, the plot was good and well thought out. I thought the idea of an experiment on these kids and what happened as a result was fresh and new. And I liked reading about all of the technology that was in the book in the year 2080. There were several that I thought that I wanted now!
The book ends on a cliffhanger and you don't really know if they are safe or not. I want to read the next book in the series to find out more!
February 5, 2010
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.
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.
did-not-finish
March 23, 2017Well, this isn't really a review, because I didn't finish this one. I just couldn't get into it and I was forcing myself to read to the fifty page point. The voice didn't work for me, the dialogue was unrealistic, I didn't connect with Aadi, and I just couldn't make myself read it.
Hardcore science fiction fans might like this one more, but I can't in good conscience recommend it, as much I hate saying it.
No roses for this one because I didn't finish it.
(Cross-posted at my blog)
Hardcore science fiction fans might like this one more, but I can't in good conscience recommend it, as much I hate saying it.
No roses for this one because I didn't finish it.
(Cross-posted at my blog)
Read
March 15, 2015Thought that this was an interesting story, but it's more science fiction than fantasy. Because I'm not really into science fiction with space ships, robots, and simulations, I found myself focusing more on the character's personalities and their relationships with each other.
The main character is a boy named Aadi, a child prodigy who did not really want to attend the space camp run by his parent's employer. This is supposed to be a trial run for the camp, and all of the campers are children of TEGRC employees. The campers are divided into teams and put through various simulations and training in preparation for actual space travel. I thought that the simulations became a little violent for a book aimed at young adults, and the mystery Aadi's team discovers had disturbing implications.
Gave this book a 3/5 rating because while I enjoyed the story, I'm not a big science fiction fan. Also, the dialogue seemed a little stilted at times, and the author doesn't seem to like contractions. What child doesn't use contractions (will not instead of won't, can not instead of can't)? I did like that the girls in the story were strong and intelligent, holding their own with the boys. Not a bad story, and I'm curious what happens next with Aaid, Eirena, and the rest of the team.
The main character is a boy named Aadi, a child prodigy who did not really want to attend the space camp run by his parent's employer. This is supposed to be a trial run for the camp, and all of the campers are children of TEGRC employees. The campers are divided into teams and put through various simulations and training in preparation for actual space travel. I thought that the simulations became a little violent for a book aimed at young adults, and the mystery Aadi's team discovers had disturbing implications.
Gave this book a 3/5 rating because while I enjoyed the story, I'm not a big science fiction fan. Also, the dialogue seemed a little stilted at times, and the author doesn't seem to like contractions. What child doesn't use contractions (will not instead of won't, can not instead of can't)? I did like that the girls in the story were strong and intelligent, holding their own with the boys. Not a bad story, and I'm curious what happens next with Aaid, Eirena, and the rest of the team.
January 8, 2010
This book was different from books I normally read. I'm not normally into Sci-Fi type books but the author is so nice and its a YA book, so I agree to review it. And I enjoyed it!
The characters were okay for me. I thought that the main character, Aadi was a strong, positive character. And I liked that the females were strong (both mentally and physically) as well. But I have to admit that I got a couple of secondary characters confused often. There were two characters named Dakota and Damien that I often got confused and had to go back and figure out which kid I was reading about. There were also times toward the end when the story was talking about the different species that I got confused.
But other than that, the plot was good and well-thought out. I thought the idea of an experiment on these kids and what happened as a result was fresh and new. And I liked reading about all of the technology that was in the book in the year 2080. There were several that I thought that I wanted now!
The book ends on a cliff hanger and you don't really know if they are safe or not. I want to read the next book in the series to find out more!
The characters were okay for me. I thought that the main character, Aadi was a strong, positive character. And I liked that the females were strong (both mentally and physically) as well. But I have to admit that I got a couple of secondary characters confused often. There were two characters named Dakota and Damien that I often got confused and had to go back and figure out which kid I was reading about. There were also times toward the end when the story was talking about the different species that I got confused.
But other than that, the plot was good and well-thought out. I thought the idea of an experiment on these kids and what happened as a result was fresh and new. And I liked reading about all of the technology that was in the book in the year 2080. There were several that I thought that I wanted now!
The book ends on a cliff hanger and you don't really know if they are safe or not. I want to read the next book in the series to find out more!
February 20, 2011
From shutupimreading.blogspot.com
Explorer X-Alpha wasn't my favorite book....
The plot was very intriguing, but it did tend to drag. I usually don't read about spaceships type sci-fi (as apposed to, say, the Uglies series), but the plot wasn't bad at all and I think it will definitely keep kids entertained. One thing I didn't quite get, was why the kids kept beating each other up? It seemed very sudden and out of character at some points.
I never connected with the characters at all. They were strong but I just never loved any of them. Sometimes, I would get confused because of two similar names (Dakota and Damien) who also had semi-close personalities.
I've heard some heavy criticism on LM Preston's writing, but I never thought it was that bad. I thought that the dialogue was kind of stiff, and that could be one of the reasons that I never connected with the characters, but overall LM Preston's writing was good. She especially shines during action scenes.
So Explorer X-Alpha wasn't the book for me. But I'm definitely not it's targeted audience, either. I'd probably recommend the book to younger boys and sci-fi fans.
2 and a half stars
Explorer X-Alpha wasn't my favorite book....
The plot was very intriguing, but it did tend to drag. I usually don't read about spaceships type sci-fi (as apposed to, say, the Uglies series), but the plot wasn't bad at all and I think it will definitely keep kids entertained. One thing I didn't quite get, was why the kids kept beating each other up? It seemed very sudden and out of character at some points.
I never connected with the characters at all. They were strong but I just never loved any of them. Sometimes, I would get confused because of two similar names (Dakota and Damien) who also had semi-close personalities.
I've heard some heavy criticism on LM Preston's writing, but I never thought it was that bad. I thought that the dialogue was kind of stiff, and that could be one of the reasons that I never connected with the characters, but overall LM Preston's writing was good. She especially shines during action scenes.
So Explorer X-Alpha wasn't the book for me. But I'm definitely not it's targeted audience, either. I'd probably recommend the book to younger boys and sci-fi fans.
2 and a half stars
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November 6, 2014I stopped reading at about page 175. This book has a very interesting plot but I just can't get into it. I'm already about half way through the book and there really isn't a lot of interesting stuff that goes with the plot going on. It's all Aadi and his friends playing at space camp. I'm also not feeling the characters too much. I feel no connection to them really. Also the writing style is bothersome at points... Too many people with similar names and personalities makes it hard to tell them apart and not a lot of pronouns used... I know that sounds weird but honestly it was annoying to read characters names over and over when a he or a she would work (I understand sometimes it's necessary to understand what each character is doing but in some parts it felt excessive)
Now this is a book I do want to try reading again. It took me a while to come to the decision to put it down. But at the moment, I just have so many books to read that I don't have time to force myself through a book. This book has potential but I'm just not feeling it right now. With that being said, I'm holding off on a star rating for now.
Now this is a book I do want to try reading again. It took me a while to come to the decision to put it down. But at the moment, I just have so many books to read that I don't have time to force myself through a book. This book has potential but I'm just not feeling it right now. With that being said, I'm holding off on a star rating for now.
February 16, 2010
The beginning to the novel was a little slow for my liking but about halfway through the book it started to pick up. The novel revolves around Aadi, a teen sent off to space camp against his will by his parents and soon is caught in a battle of good vs. evil. I think the reason why it was so slow for me was the writing. It just sounded like they were more adult then teenagers. Phrases were repeated often and the sounded like robots a lot of the time. Although, I will give the author kudos on how she would change the point of views every once in a while so that we could see it from a different character’s perspective. Those were def my favorite ones to read. I loved the idea of the novel and the overall message it expresses. There was def some action, a little romance and dangerous situation in which the author put the characters choose their own destiny. Overall it was a pretty good read, it’s one that you can sit down and read on a sunny day. Anyway, I give this novel 3.5 out of 5 paws.
February 9, 2010
Explorer X-Alpha embodied a well-written and fun Sci-fi start to an interesting series. I admired the strong characters, especially the females. However, I did find it humorous at times which balanced out their personalities. The beginning started out a little slow to me but once the secrets are revealed the story picked up. It was filled with action and the LM did get a good job putting the reader through an adventure. The ending was decent but it did finish with a cliffhanger. I wasn't surprised since most of my questions will probably be answered in the sequel, The Pack, coming out in Fall 2010. Overall, a cute read which would be better for Middle Grade but Young Adults could enjoy it as well. I surprisingly liked it even though I normally don't go for this type of genre. The only negative thing is I really dislike the cover, my first initial thought was Mega Man, remember that video game? hehe.
November 18, 2010
This book started out quite slowly, but the pacing became faster at the middle of the book. I never though it would be that exciting, and it really surprised me. The author's writing is well-suited for kids below 12 years of age. However, I did not expect the book to end so soon. It left a lot of things unexplained, such as what were the other team members' fates and what is the intention of the company to inject the immunization into the camp participants' body. I had no idea of Aadi and Eirena's ending - whether or not they survive and get back to Earth safely. Explorer X - Alpha will appeal to kids who love sci-fi.
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