Supernova: Book One of Echoes of a Neutron Star

by A.J. Salinas

Trevor Freeman is weird. At least, that's what most of his classmates tell him. He was born during a supernova that should have wiped out all life on Earth, only it didn't. He should have drowned in a freak accident while on a class field trip, only he didn’t. Instead, his head is filled with vivid memories of setting foot on another planet. Then there’s Alix, a mysterious stranger who tells him he is destined to save the world. Nothing makes sense anymore. Trevor used to think the daily grind of school was bad enough with the bullying and the loneliness, but what if he’s in store for something much worse? Being different is one thing, but Trevor must cast aside reality as he knows it if he is to accept his uniqueness and fulfill his destiny.

209 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 2013

About the author

A teacher. A writer. A gamer. I have always been a dreamer, searching for those rare stories that capture my imagination and take me on an incredible journey. For over a decade, I have written countless stories that challenged me as a writer. My goal has always been to create a story with unique characters that have a fantasy-rich adventure. While teaching is my job, writing is my life. With the incredible challenges and satisfying rewards that I face everyday, there isn't a more satisfying combination.

Reviews

[Aki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway! Thank you A.J. Salinas!

Supernova is a quick, easy, middle-grade read with an exciting premise. A.J. Salinas recreates a familiar world with relatable characters and a promising twist in the future. Everyone knows a Trevor Freeman, has probably lived a day (or several) in his shoes, which makes reading about the abuse from his peers difficult, and at the same time makes you want rally alongside him. I had a good laugh reading about the hierarchy at school, in particular, the social structure of the cafeteria.

“Social status also divided each grade’s section of tables…The last table was for everyone in the lowest tier of society. These groups included slackers, gamers, bookworms, and loners.”

I was a last table kind of gal. I also loved the chapters that were vaguely reminiscent (unintentionally I’m sure) of one of my favorite French films City of Lost Children, but I won’t spoil that for anyone.

My criticisms are few and far between. For a middle-grade novel I think the vocabulary was a little advance (for example, using words like cerebral). Some of the explanations were a little drawn out or unnecessary (such as neutrinos and explaining every aspect in which they appear in this book). I also think in general the pacing needs to be just a little bit faster. Nonetheless, I look forward to reading the subsequent novels in this series, where I’m hoping to learn more about Alix, Natalia, and this “other world” everyone seems desperate to get to.

For more about Supernova and its author, check out http://supernovaeons.com/

[Lowri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing! I loved all the character development. Learning about this new world and learning about how much others want to go there makes me even more curious about it! The start was gripping and an excellent way to get readers into the book, especially for the age of a middle schooler, I enjoyed the way the book was narrated by a third person rather being a one person opinion. It was really well written and was really relatable especially with the social ladder and it was really funny to read about it and realise how much of it was true! One small thing though that it could be a little slow at times, but that was only a tiny thing. I CAN'T wait to read more about Trevor and his adventures and I thoroughly recommend it! ( this was a goodreads first-read giveaway competition prize.) thank you a.j. Salinas for the amazing book you have written and I can't wait to read a sequel! :D

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Free book giveaway

Excellent story about a 12 year old boy, who is picked on in school by everybody, but actually special - special enough to save the world. Good start of the series. I want to read more.