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Rigged: A StarNet Novel
"Libraries and young readers ... will appreciate the considerations of empowerment and proactive thinking, and the twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end." - Midwest Book Review, D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer
An everyday thirteen-year-old.
A planet-changing decision.
Will Cadet Tori Winston break the rules to stop a devastating war?
Tori Winston is typical. She doesn’t have the best grades—or the best home life—but she makes up for it in spirit.
Excited to start her first day at StarNet Academy, the young cadet bangs into another cadet, has food spilled all over her, and even fails her first inspection. Not the best start to her new school, and Tori knows it. So she buckles down for the next few weeks, but still somehow manages to blow herself up in the flight simulator.
She somehow makes it to her first field training mission to the planet Adonell on a diplomatic vessel. But even the officers aboard that ship heard about her infamous flight class. Tori pushes through it all, determined to show that she is capable.
But one mistake leads to another, and before Tori can blink, she is locked up by the Adoni Leader, who happens to be of the same age, and is accused of spying. Can Tori escape in order to save herself, and both worlds from a war that she has caused?
2024 Royal Dragonfly Awards - Middle Grade Honorable Mention
2024 Royal Dragonfly Awards - Youth Author Fiction Honorable Mention
An everyday thirteen-year-old.
A planet-changing decision.
Will Cadet Tori Winston break the rules to stop a devastating war?
Tori Winston is typical. She doesn’t have the best grades—or the best home life—but she makes up for it in spirit.
Excited to start her first day at StarNet Academy, the young cadet bangs into another cadet, has food spilled all over her, and even fails her first inspection. Not the best start to her new school, and Tori knows it. So she buckles down for the next few weeks, but still somehow manages to blow herself up in the flight simulator.
She somehow makes it to her first field training mission to the planet Adonell on a diplomatic vessel. But even the officers aboard that ship heard about her infamous flight class. Tori pushes through it all, determined to show that she is capable.
But one mistake leads to another, and before Tori can blink, she is locked up by the Adoni Leader, who happens to be of the same age, and is accused of spying. Can Tori escape in order to save herself, and both worlds from a war that she has caused?
2024 Royal Dragonfly Awards - Middle Grade Honorable Mention
2024 Royal Dragonfly Awards - Youth Author Fiction Honorable Mention
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
2 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 17, 2024
I borrowed this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription, and I read it between my tablet and phone using the Kindle app.
This is a lighthearted and quick-to-read sci-fi novel aimed at pre-young adult readers who enjoy books like Harry Potter, but with a twist: instead of magic, it features other planets and aliens. The premise is simple—a school of cadets studying to become scientists, fleet commanders, and more, all in preparation for war.
The main protagonist is Tori, and we follow all her adventures as she tries not to mess up in class and during her missions. I really liked that she is not the typical perfect main protagonist. In fact, she is far from perfect, but her hard work and determination make her relatable.
Another standout feature of the book is the excellent world-building created by the author. The universe surrounding the story is rich with potential, and I look forward to reading more installments in this series.
In summary, this is a great book for pre-young adults, but also for older readers who want to enjoy a lighthearted sci-fi adventure.
This is a lighthearted and quick-to-read sci-fi novel aimed at pre-young adult readers who enjoy books like Harry Potter, but with a twist: instead of magic, it features other planets and aliens. The premise is simple—a school of cadets studying to become scientists, fleet commanders, and more, all in preparation for war.
The main protagonist is Tori, and we follow all her adventures as she tries not to mess up in class and during her missions. I really liked that she is not the typical perfect main protagonist. In fact, she is far from perfect, but her hard work and determination make her relatable.
Another standout feature of the book is the excellent world-building created by the author. The universe surrounding the story is rich with potential, and I look forward to reading more installments in this series.
In summary, this is a great book for pre-young adults, but also for older readers who want to enjoy a lighthearted sci-fi adventure.
December 20, 2024
Sweet YA book
The main protagonist is a young cadet by the name of Tori. We follow along on her adventures as she tries very hard not to mess up during her classes and during her missions.
I thoroughly enjoyed that Tori wasn't the typical perfect main protagonist. She was the opposite, far from perfect, but her hard work and determination make her relatable to the reader, which is very important.
Through the story it features other planets and aliens and the premise of the story is quite simple, its a school of cadets studying to become either scientists, fleet commanders, and or something else that will be needed in preparation for war.
I love the fact that most of the chapters are on the shorter side, which makes it easy for younger readers or people who don't like stopping in the middle of a chapter but need to put the book down for a little while. Most of the longer chapters have a little break where the author uses a shooting star picture to break the chapter, which I really liked. Then when there was texting in the book the author somehow made it just like texts on the phone, grey and blue and this was really different and cool.
The main protagonist is a young cadet by the name of Tori. We follow along on her adventures as she tries very hard not to mess up during her classes and during her missions.
I thoroughly enjoyed that Tori wasn't the typical perfect main protagonist. She was the opposite, far from perfect, but her hard work and determination make her relatable to the reader, which is very important.
Through the story it features other planets and aliens and the premise of the story is quite simple, its a school of cadets studying to become either scientists, fleet commanders, and or something else that will be needed in preparation for war.
I love the fact that most of the chapters are on the shorter side, which makes it easy for younger readers or people who don't like stopping in the middle of a chapter but need to put the book down for a little while. Most of the longer chapters have a little break where the author uses a shooting star picture to break the chapter, which I really liked. Then when there was texting in the book the author somehow made it just like texts on the phone, grey and blue and this was really different and cool.
January 18, 2025
Ideal for young readers
Rigged is an engaging and fast-paced sci-fi adventure that follows Tori Winston, an ordinary thirteen-year-old with extraordinary determination. Tori’s journey begins at StarNet Academy, where her clumsy and chaotic start highlights her relatability and spirit. From botched inspections to blowing up in a flight simulator, Tori’s challenges are both humorous and endearing, painting her as a flawed but lovable underdog who refuses to give up.
The plot takes a sharp turn when Tori joins a field training mission to the planet Adonell, only to find herself embroiled in interplanetary conflict. Her infamous reputation precedes her, adding tension and skepticism to her interactions with the diplomatic crew. However, the stakes skyrocket when Tori’s accidental missteps lead to her imprisonment by the Adoni Leader, a peer of her own age. The dynamic between Tori and the Adoni Leader offers a compelling exploration of leadership, misunderstanding, and the weight of responsibility on young shoulders.
She uses humor, suspense, and emotional depth into making it a captivating read for young sci-fi enthusiasts. At its core, the story is about resilience, personal growth, and the courage to make planet-changing decisions, even when the odds are against you. Tori’s journey from a bumbling cadet to a hero who must navigate diplomacy, danger, and self-discovery is both inspiring and entertaining, ensuring readers will root for her every step of the way.
Rigged is an engaging and fast-paced sci-fi adventure that follows Tori Winston, an ordinary thirteen-year-old with extraordinary determination. Tori’s journey begins at StarNet Academy, where her clumsy and chaotic start highlights her relatability and spirit. From botched inspections to blowing up in a flight simulator, Tori’s challenges are both humorous and endearing, painting her as a flawed but lovable underdog who refuses to give up.
The plot takes a sharp turn when Tori joins a field training mission to the planet Adonell, only to find herself embroiled in interplanetary conflict. Her infamous reputation precedes her, adding tension and skepticism to her interactions with the diplomatic crew. However, the stakes skyrocket when Tori’s accidental missteps lead to her imprisonment by the Adoni Leader, a peer of her own age. The dynamic between Tori and the Adoni Leader offers a compelling exploration of leadership, misunderstanding, and the weight of responsibility on young shoulders.
She uses humor, suspense, and emotional depth into making it a captivating read for young sci-fi enthusiasts. At its core, the story is about resilience, personal growth, and the courage to make planet-changing decisions, even when the odds are against you. Tori’s journey from a bumbling cadet to a hero who must navigate diplomacy, danger, and self-discovery is both inspiring and entertaining, ensuring readers will root for her every step of the way.
February 2, 2025
Delightfully comedic
In "Rigged: A StarNet Novel," Rose Horn masterfully brings readers into the exhilarating world of StarNet Academy through the eyes of Tori, a relatable heroine brimming with youthful anxieties and excitement. The story is infused with a delightful comedic tone that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Tori's relationship with her roommate Celia is particularly captivating, showcasing the tension and growth that come with adjusting to a new environment. One of the standout moments is Tori's unexpected talent in her Hand-to-Hand Combat class, where she discovers a surprising knack for swordsmanship. The evolving dynamic between her and her partner, Jamison, adds depth to the narrative, transforming their initial annoyance into a robust camaraderie filled with sharp, witty banter.
Rose Horn's engaging writing beautifully blends humor with the thrill of self-discovery, making Tori's journey both relatable and inspiring. Readers will find themselves eagerly turning the pages, excited to witness Tori's personal growth and adventures at StarNet Academy. This novel is a must-read for anyone who loves a blend of humor and action!
In "Rigged: A StarNet Novel," Rose Horn masterfully brings readers into the exhilarating world of StarNet Academy through the eyes of Tori, a relatable heroine brimming with youthful anxieties and excitement. The story is infused with a delightful comedic tone that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Tori's relationship with her roommate Celia is particularly captivating, showcasing the tension and growth that come with adjusting to a new environment. One of the standout moments is Tori's unexpected talent in her Hand-to-Hand Combat class, where she discovers a surprising knack for swordsmanship. The evolving dynamic between her and her partner, Jamison, adds depth to the narrative, transforming their initial annoyance into a robust camaraderie filled with sharp, witty banter.
Rose Horn's engaging writing beautifully blends humor with the thrill of self-discovery, making Tori's journey both relatable and inspiring. Readers will find themselves eagerly turning the pages, excited to witness Tori's personal growth and adventures at StarNet Academy. This novel is a must-read for anyone who loves a blend of humor and action!
December 17, 2024
The author does a good job of drawing the reader in. You’re taken to a futuristic world where some orb picks a childhood leader. I wanted to know more about what was going on in this world. Then the main character, Tori, is introduced. Tori seems very relatable and has a troubled, mysterious past. The academy seems like an exciting but intimidating place. Tori barely getting in adds tension to the story, because you question if she’ll being able to make it. The author does a great job giving a normal child goes into a special place feel, like Harry Potter, only she’s not a celebrity. It immediately feels like she’s an outcast here. This made me root for her. I love the mixture of aliens with people. The author’s style is very readable. Some things are told, but there is a good level of showing too. You would never know it was written by a high-school kid. Overall, I think it is readable for most readers over the age of ten, but I also think older age groups will enjoy it. If you like adventurous science fiction, I highly recommend this book.
January 31, 2025
Rigged: A StarNet Novel is a rewarding science fiction read aimed towards young adults. It features Tori Winston, a young cadet who by chance ends up in a position or undeniable responsibility and with the direction of a war firming on her shoulders.
I enjoyed the character of Tori. She is plucky, quick witted, and, while a little unsure of herself on occasion, has the characteristics to be a strong leader, if only she can unlock that part of her. She does not excel academically, and that is her strong suit as she makes it up in other parts. This is more evident in the later half, when she is forced to act rather than waiting to be placed in position, and the fate of so many lives rely on her fixing her mistakes.
The science fiction element was pitched at the perfect level. It is deep enough to be engaging but not overwhelming, and it has all the things you would expect in a novel like this, such as a hierarchy of command, other worlds, and alien species. The ending leads us into the realms of further novels and I am excited to see what is next for Tori.
I enjoyed the character of Tori. She is plucky, quick witted, and, while a little unsure of herself on occasion, has the characteristics to be a strong leader, if only she can unlock that part of her. She does not excel academically, and that is her strong suit as she makes it up in other parts. This is more evident in the later half, when she is forced to act rather than waiting to be placed in position, and the fate of so many lives rely on her fixing her mistakes.
The science fiction element was pitched at the perfect level. It is deep enough to be engaging but not overwhelming, and it has all the things you would expect in a novel like this, such as a hierarchy of command, other worlds, and alien species. The ending leads us into the realms of further novels and I am excited to see what is next for Tori.
January 1, 2025
Rigged is a YA novel for lovers of sci-fi or futuristic novels. The main character Tori works to prove herself in a world that she is new to. The many details the author uses clearly paints a picture in your head of this new world, drawing you in. The author, Rose Horn, masterfully constructs a vivid, immersive setting through rich, descriptive details that bring the futuristic world of Starnet to life.
The plot is a fun twist on a school drama and Tori's struggles are very relatable to the target demographic. The novel also explores thought-provoking themes like the impact of technology on identity, relationships, and competition, adding layers of depth to the story. The tension and stakes keep you turning the pages, while moments of vulnerability and humor provide balance.I found myself cheering for her as she found her place in Starnet and became a hero in her own right. A wonderful early effort by Rose Horn!
The plot is a fun twist on a school drama and Tori's struggles are very relatable to the target demographic. The novel also explores thought-provoking themes like the impact of technology on identity, relationships, and competition, adding layers of depth to the story. The tension and stakes keep you turning the pages, while moments of vulnerability and humor provide balance.I found myself cheering for her as she found her place in Starnet and became a hero in her own right. A wonderful early effort by Rose Horn!
December 6, 2024
Rigged is a wonderful sci-fi adventure story for kids in grades 4th -6th. The main character, Tori, is very relatable. She's not perfect, nor does she try to be, but she wants to be the best cadet she can. There are some obstacles she must face and some hard choices she must make, including going against what she should do and what's right. I think readers who like a good adventure will really enjoy this book!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews