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Rusthead
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 20, 2026
Reviews what you’re after? It’s been reviewed elsewhere really well! I’m rubbish at reviewing, but I do like a reminder for myself.
Safe to say, I’ve never met a Ross Mackenzie book I didn’t like- and this one didn’t let me down.
Two friends who scrabble about in the scrap heaps on their planet looking for bits of tech that can be reused, fall through the surface layer of decaying technology. Kol knows no one will come to find them, they’re too far out to be worth rescuing - despite Sully being able to pull together a transmitter from the junk hole they’ve fallen in to. Kol discovers a doorway to what seems like a completely different space. They go through and find it isn’t just a space, it’s a space ship! They discover a girl held in a kind of stasis at the heart of the ship. There begins the adventure.
Loved the pace how the world felt (as with all Mackenzie’s books) completely formed & although sci-fi has few limitations, everything had consequences and followed its rules. I did feel as if I was more interested in the ‘bad’ characters as they seemed more fully formed and I knew more about them - but maybe I just didn’t pick up on Kol, Sully & Solene’s backstories well enough. It was quite the page turner. Plenty twists to keep you interested.
Is there anything this man can’t write? Fantasy, magic, sci-fi - & manage to weave humanity through every page.
Safe to say, I’ve never met a Ross Mackenzie book I didn’t like- and this one didn’t let me down.
Two friends who scrabble about in the scrap heaps on their planet looking for bits of tech that can be reused, fall through the surface layer of decaying technology. Kol knows no one will come to find them, they’re too far out to be worth rescuing - despite Sully being able to pull together a transmitter from the junk hole they’ve fallen in to. Kol discovers a doorway to what seems like a completely different space. They go through and find it isn’t just a space, it’s a space ship! They discover a girl held in a kind of stasis at the heart of the ship. There begins the adventure.
Loved the pace how the world felt (as with all Mackenzie’s books) completely formed & although sci-fi has few limitations, everything had consequences and followed its rules. I did feel as if I was more interested in the ‘bad’ characters as they seemed more fully formed and I knew more about them - but maybe I just didn’t pick up on Kol, Sully & Solene’s backstories well enough. It was quite the page turner. Plenty twists to keep you interested.
Is there anything this man can’t write? Fantasy, magic, sci-fi - & manage to weave humanity through every page.
August 21, 2026
I really enjoyed *Rusthead* by Ross MacKenzie. I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley, and I’m really glad I got the chance to read it.
I liked the theme of space because I haven’t read many sci-fi books before, so I think this was a really good first impression of the genre. There was loads of adventure, but I also liked that friendship was such an important part of the story. Your friends can change a lot when you move schools, so I could relate to that.
My favourite character was Niyx because she is a robot who has human emotions, which makes her really interesting. Her brother is also the bad guy, and there are some HUGE twists involving their family relationship that I absolutely loved. Having an annoying sibling is something basically everyone can relate to, although hopefully most people's siblings aren't trying to freeze entire planets to death.
Speaking of the bad guy, I thought he was really cool and terrifying. Freezing whole planets to death is definitely one way to make an entrance. My favourite part of the story was when they get trapped by space pirates and assassins arrive. It was exciting, unexpected and had me completely hooked.
I think *Rusthead* is a great book for kids who love adventure stories but want to explore a completely new setting. Even if you don't normally read sci-fi, I would recommend giving it a try. It has friendship, family drama, space pirates, assassins and a villain with some seriously cold ideas.
I liked the theme of space because I haven’t read many sci-fi books before, so I think this was a really good first impression of the genre. There was loads of adventure, but I also liked that friendship was such an important part of the story. Your friends can change a lot when you move schools, so I could relate to that.
My favourite character was Niyx because she is a robot who has human emotions, which makes her really interesting. Her brother is also the bad guy, and there are some HUGE twists involving their family relationship that I absolutely loved. Having an annoying sibling is something basically everyone can relate to, although hopefully most people's siblings aren't trying to freeze entire planets to death.
Speaking of the bad guy, I thought he was really cool and terrifying. Freezing whole planets to death is definitely one way to make an entrance. My favourite part of the story was when they get trapped by space pirates and assassins arrive. It was exciting, unexpected and had me completely hooked.
I think *Rusthead* is a great book for kids who love adventure stories but want to explore a completely new setting. Even if you don't normally read sci-fi, I would recommend giving it a try. It has friendship, family drama, space pirates, assassins and a villain with some seriously cold ideas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2026
3.5 🌟
Thank you to Andersen Press and Netgalley for the e-arc!
This is a solid scifi book for middle grade readers to enjoy. The plot was interesting, the reveals kept me turning the page and the pacing was excellent. I liked our cast of characters and only hope that if this really becomes a series then more attention is paid to the characters. They were too simple to keep me invested.
Thank you to Andersen Press and Netgalley for the e-arc!
This is a solid scifi book for middle grade readers to enjoy. The plot was interesting, the reveals kept me turning the page and the pacing was excellent. I liked our cast of characters and only hope that if this really becomes a series then more attention is paid to the characters. They were too simple to keep me invested.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Really enjoyed this. Exciting space adventure
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews