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Rusthead
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
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 - 3 of 3 reviews