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MiNRS
A boy and his friends must find a way to survive in the mining tunnels after their new space colony is attacked in this gritty action-adventure novel, which School Library Journal called “a solid survival story.”In space. Underground. And out of time. Christopher Nichols and his family live on a new planet, Perses, as colonists of Melming Mining’s Great Mission to save the earth. Dozens of families like Christopher’s have relocated, too, like his best friend Elena Rosales. A communications blackout with Earth hits, and all of Perses is on its own for three months. It’s okay, though, because the colonists have prepared, stockpiling food and resources to survive. But they never prepared for an attack. Landers, as the attackers are called, obliterate the colony to steal the metal and raw ore. Now in a race against time, Christopher, along with a small group of survivors, are forced into the maze of mining tunnels. The kids run. They hide. But can they survive?
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2015
80 people are currently reading
1472 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Sylvester
59 books156 followersKEVIN SYLVESTER is an award winning illustrator, writer and broadcaster.
His new sci-fi series MiNRs is now out from Simon and Schuster. MINRs was named a 2017 Honour Red Maple and Manitoba Reader's Honour book and a 2015 CLA Honour Book. MINRs2 is out. MINRs3 will be released in 2018.
His series The Neil Flambé Capers is already a bestseller and critical success. Students across Ontario picked 'Neil Flambé and the Marco Polo Murders' as the Silver Birch winner for fiction in 2011!
There are 6 books in the series so far, Neil Flambé and the Duel in the Desert is the latest.
Super-chef Gordon Ramsay calls the series “Good Fun”.
Kevin also does picture books - "Super-Duper Monster Viewer" is out from Groundwood. GREAT (with the Gretzky family) is out from Penguin.
Kevin’s first picture book 'Splinters' was published in fall 2010 by Tundra. It’s about a young girl who only wants to play hockey, but the mean coach and her daughters won’t let her. Can her fairy goaltender come to the rescue?
Kevin non-fiction titles include Follow Your Money, Baseballogy, Basketballogoy, Sports Hall of Weird and Gold Medal for Weird.
Kevin has been a broadcaster on national radio in Canada for years and years and has covered eight Olympic Games. He also produced documentaries on topics ranging from racism in hockey to the history of church bells in Canada.
He now splits his time between his attic studio in Toronto and the radio. He was named a Massey Journalism Scholar in 2007 and used the time to study theology at the University of Toronto.
His new sci-fi series MiNRs is now out from Simon and Schuster. MINRs was named a 2017 Honour Red Maple and Manitoba Reader's Honour book and a 2015 CLA Honour Book. MINRs2 is out. MINRs3 will be released in 2018.
His series The Neil Flambé Capers is already a bestseller and critical success. Students across Ontario picked 'Neil Flambé and the Marco Polo Murders' as the Silver Birch winner for fiction in 2011!
There are 6 books in the series so far, Neil Flambé and the Duel in the Desert is the latest.
Super-chef Gordon Ramsay calls the series “Good Fun”.
Kevin also does picture books - "Super-Duper Monster Viewer" is out from Groundwood. GREAT (with the Gretzky family) is out from Penguin.
Kevin’s first picture book 'Splinters' was published in fall 2010 by Tundra. It’s about a young girl who only wants to play hockey, but the mean coach and her daughters won’t let her. Can her fairy goaltender come to the rescue?
Kevin non-fiction titles include Follow Your Money, Baseballogy, Basketballogoy, Sports Hall of Weird and Gold Medal for Weird.
Kevin has been a broadcaster on national radio in Canada for years and years and has covered eight Olympic Games. He also produced documentaries on topics ranging from racism in hockey to the history of church bells in Canada.
He now splits his time between his attic studio in Toronto and the radio. He was named a Massey Journalism Scholar in 2007 and used the time to study theology at the University of Toronto.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
March 8, 2023
Appropriately enough, I began and finished Kevin Sylvester's MiNRS underground. It was soOooOooOOoo good that I missed my subway stop. Twice.
MiNRS is Kevin's upcoming action-adventure sf book for middle grade ... though honestly, I believe older readers will enjoy it as well. The premise: A 12-year-old boy and his friend have to survive in the mining tunnels after their new space colony are attacked during an Earth communication blackout.
Love the unexpected plot twists.
Loved the action and adventure, sense of real danger. The darker bits are part of what helps set this sf middle grade apart from others.
Love the main character, Christopher, and how his character develops throughout the story. Love the fact that he's just an ordinary boy (no superpowers, etc.) who has to use resources available to him to figure things out and learn how to be a leader.
Loved the depth of the character interactions and complexity of some of the relationships.
Loved the strong female characters.
Loved the fascinating tech/science behind some of the asteroid mining process.
Just ***LOVED***.
Can't wait until MiNRS comes out this September from Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster.
And Kevin: I want MORE, PLEASE.
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC)
MiNRS is Kevin's upcoming action-adventure sf book for middle grade ... though honestly, I believe older readers will enjoy it as well. The premise: A 12-year-old boy and his friend have to survive in the mining tunnels after their new space colony are attacked during an Earth communication blackout.
Love the unexpected plot twists.
Loved the action and adventure, sense of real danger. The darker bits are part of what helps set this sf middle grade apart from others.
Love the main character, Christopher, and how his character develops throughout the story. Love the fact that he's just an ordinary boy (no superpowers, etc.) who has to use resources available to him to figure things out and learn how to be a leader.
Loved the depth of the character interactions and complexity of some of the relationships.
Loved the strong female characters.
Loved the fascinating tech/science behind some of the asteroid mining process.
Just ***LOVED***.
Can't wait until MiNRS comes out this September from Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster.
And Kevin: I want MORE, PLEASE.
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC)
October 28, 2015
Science fiction over the years has reflected the fears and concerns of society. In the 50's, 60's, and 70's there was hype over landing on the moon and exploring space, the fear of alien invasions and nuclear war. The cold war fizzled in the 90's and the war on terrorism and technology exploded. Books such as "Fahrenheit 451," by Ray Bradbury reflected fears over the invention of the television while more recent novels like, " Hunger Games," by Suzanne Collins mirrored reality-TV shows and the Iraqi war. From biotechnology to artificial intelligence, science fiction dances across a gamut of topics exploring scientific, political, and social implications in a speculative society. Kevin Sylvester's book, "MiNRS," shows the political ramifications of one company controlling resources needed by a future Earth that has been destroyed by humans. When a war breaks out, the story unfolds from the viewpoint of one boy who is trying to survive and make sense out of violence.
Christopher Nichols appears like a typical kid, going to school and thinking about homework while adults run a mining operation for metals and minerals in his town-like setting; however, there is one itty-bitty detail that is far from typical... Christopher's "town" is a small space colony plopped on the asteroid named, "Perses." For a kid with a slant toward science and math, his life is not only cool, he absorbs the information and world around him like a hygroscopic substance. Perses threatened to collide with Earth until a scientist, Hans Melming, was able to use rockets and gravity to propel it into a habitable part of orbit. He terraformed the planetoid's surface and sent up humans to mine the ore. About twenty children live on Perses and Christopher is one of them.
As time passed, Earth depleted its resources and left Melming Mining Company with the golden rod or rock of invaluable resources. The colony seems unaware of the target on its back but some are worried, like Christopher's parents. Christopher has everything he needs and leads a privileged life with his parents who work as supervisors at the mine. He idolizes Melming and every year the school watches a propaganda movie about the great contributions Melming has made to the survival of Earth.
The inhabitants on Perses are readying for a blackout caused by solar interference and know that communications with Earth will be knocked out for a month. The colony is protected by the Melming Mining Company from Earth but the blackout means no protection or warnings. Their worse fears are realized when they are attacked by "Landers," an unknown group from Earth, intending to steal the ore. They bomb the facility and the adults are killed with only a few children able to seek shelter underground. Christopher's mathematical and scientific brain immediately goes into survival mode and makes plans. His parents had a backup plan if something went wrong during the blackout, except the plan was in code and Christopher is having a hard time deciphering it. With the aid of his friend, Elena, the two seek help from Earth and retaliate against the Landers.
Futuristic or science fiction novels speculate what the world would be like in a different setting. A common trope in these novels is an authoritarian government that is in control with a naive protagonist that accepts the status quo. The government is seductively attractive until the protagonist unravels serious flaws in the system. Such is the case as Christopher believes the propaganda at first before slowing realizing that all is not idyllic. Others are in forced labor and oppressive conditions but this has been hidden from the 20 children. When discovered, most of the other privileged children don't see what is wrong with it but slip into superior, prejudiced views that do not value other human beings. As Christopher's ideal world is exposed to harsh realities, he has to choose right from wrong and it is these internal battles that give the novel depth. Not only is Christopher dealing with problems on a personal level, but he has to analyze and think critically about the political and social issues of how the asteroid was governed and maintained by the adults.
The surviving children are suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome. They have seen family members blown up by bombs and shot at and respond in different ways. Elena tries to take comfort in military strategies and attacking the enemy. Christopher makes plans and tries to think of the survival of the group. Another character cares medically for the others, while another hoards food. Everyone reacts differently to traumatic events and it adds to the authenticity of the characters. The attack and subsequent deaths are traumatizing making it difficult to move forward each day.
The world-building is well-done and not so scientific that young readers can't follow it. The reader never discovers who the enemy is and the end suggests that the government is seriously messed up down on Earth. I wanted more back story but enough was given to tease me along. While I would normally want to know who the attackers are rather than have these faceless, pirate villains that never interact with anyone, I didn't think it detracted from the novel. I think it was left out to entice the reader to the sequel, but I would have preferred more clues as to who the Landers were that so violently attacked Christopher's community.
The subplot of Christopher's budding romance with Elena adds another emotional element to the story, but is not overpowering. Elena's jealousy of the grinder is never realized in this novel and the cliff-hanger ending leaves more than just that question. The adults that Christopher thinks he sees raises new questions as well. This reminds me a little of the book "Shipbreaker," but less violent. Not that this one isn't. It is. The action adventure will appeal to many of my students along with Christopher's ability to use math and science to survive in dire circumstances.
Christopher Nichols appears like a typical kid, going to school and thinking about homework while adults run a mining operation for metals and minerals in his town-like setting; however, there is one itty-bitty detail that is far from typical... Christopher's "town" is a small space colony plopped on the asteroid named, "Perses." For a kid with a slant toward science and math, his life is not only cool, he absorbs the information and world around him like a hygroscopic substance. Perses threatened to collide with Earth until a scientist, Hans Melming, was able to use rockets and gravity to propel it into a habitable part of orbit. He terraformed the planetoid's surface and sent up humans to mine the ore. About twenty children live on Perses and Christopher is one of them.
As time passed, Earth depleted its resources and left Melming Mining Company with the golden rod or rock of invaluable resources. The colony seems unaware of the target on its back but some are worried, like Christopher's parents. Christopher has everything he needs and leads a privileged life with his parents who work as supervisors at the mine. He idolizes Melming and every year the school watches a propaganda movie about the great contributions Melming has made to the survival of Earth.
The inhabitants on Perses are readying for a blackout caused by solar interference and know that communications with Earth will be knocked out for a month. The colony is protected by the Melming Mining Company from Earth but the blackout means no protection or warnings. Their worse fears are realized when they are attacked by "Landers," an unknown group from Earth, intending to steal the ore. They bomb the facility and the adults are killed with only a few children able to seek shelter underground. Christopher's mathematical and scientific brain immediately goes into survival mode and makes plans. His parents had a backup plan if something went wrong during the blackout, except the plan was in code and Christopher is having a hard time deciphering it. With the aid of his friend, Elena, the two seek help from Earth and retaliate against the Landers.
Futuristic or science fiction novels speculate what the world would be like in a different setting. A common trope in these novels is an authoritarian government that is in control with a naive protagonist that accepts the status quo. The government is seductively attractive until the protagonist unravels serious flaws in the system. Such is the case as Christopher believes the propaganda at first before slowing realizing that all is not idyllic. Others are in forced labor and oppressive conditions but this has been hidden from the 20 children. When discovered, most of the other privileged children don't see what is wrong with it but slip into superior, prejudiced views that do not value other human beings. As Christopher's ideal world is exposed to harsh realities, he has to choose right from wrong and it is these internal battles that give the novel depth. Not only is Christopher dealing with problems on a personal level, but he has to analyze and think critically about the political and social issues of how the asteroid was governed and maintained by the adults.
The surviving children are suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome. They have seen family members blown up by bombs and shot at and respond in different ways. Elena tries to take comfort in military strategies and attacking the enemy. Christopher makes plans and tries to think of the survival of the group. Another character cares medically for the others, while another hoards food. Everyone reacts differently to traumatic events and it adds to the authenticity of the characters. The attack and subsequent deaths are traumatizing making it difficult to move forward each day.
The world-building is well-done and not so scientific that young readers can't follow it. The reader never discovers who the enemy is and the end suggests that the government is seriously messed up down on Earth. I wanted more back story but enough was given to tease me along. While I would normally want to know who the attackers are rather than have these faceless, pirate villains that never interact with anyone, I didn't think it detracted from the novel. I think it was left out to entice the reader to the sequel, but I would have preferred more clues as to who the Landers were that so violently attacked Christopher's community.
The subplot of Christopher's budding romance with Elena adds another emotional element to the story, but is not overpowering. Elena's jealousy of the grinder is never realized in this novel and the cliff-hanger ending leaves more than just that question. The adults that Christopher thinks he sees raises new questions as well. This reminds me a little of the book "Shipbreaker," but less violent. Not that this one isn't. It is. The action adventure will appeal to many of my students along with Christopher's ability to use math and science to survive in dire circumstances.
January 3, 2019
Really good! Leaves off on a HUGE cliffhanger, I have to read the next book.
August 4, 2017
This is the first half of a story but at least it left off in a good place. I would say it's target audience would be young teenage boys but really anyone can read and enjoy it.
It takes place on a planetoid (seems a bit large to be realistic, maybe an asteroid would have been a better choice) which has been brought into orbit near Earth. It's being mined to provide our planet with the material we have completely used up. Pirates invade killing (all?) the adults leaving a small group of kids alone in the mines trying to stay alive.
I probably would have given it another star but for this: Partway through, the kids discover a group of other kids in the mine they knew nothing about. Food and water are scarce so almost all the original group of kids wants to let the new group die on their own in the mine. It was only through lying and manipulation that the protagonist was able to talk the rest into sharing and keeping everyone alive. It doesn't sound like much but while reading I progressively detested these kids more and more. They grew on me a bit more by the end but I'm hoping they grow out of their self-centeredness in the second half.
It takes place on a planetoid (seems a bit large to be realistic, maybe an asteroid would have been a better choice) which has been brought into orbit near Earth. It's being mined to provide our planet with the material we have completely used up. Pirates invade killing (all?) the adults leaving a small group of kids alone in the mines trying to stay alive.
I probably would have given it another star but for this: Partway through, the kids discover a group of other kids in the mine they knew nothing about. Food and water are scarce so almost all the original group of kids wants to let the new group die on their own in the mine. It was only through lying and manipulation that the protagonist was able to talk the rest into sharing and keeping everyone alive. It doesn't sound like much but while reading I progressively detested these kids more and more. They grew on me a bit more by the end but I'm hoping they grow out of their self-centeredness in the second half.
August 1, 2016
Really liked thisbook. Full of action and you can think along with the characters as they plot their moves.
September 18, 2023
At first, I thought it was extremely overrated. No way a book could be that good.
Now that I've actually read it, wow, it lives up to its name and demand.
Now that I've actually read it, wow, it lives up to its name and demand.
May 10, 2016
Excellent!
My 9 year old loved it as well! So well done!
My 9 year old loved it as well! So well done!
July 26, 2018
Read this because I saw it recommended by a Twitter “friend”. It is the perfect middle grade sci-fi book. Haddix fans will love this book. Since it ended on a cliffhanger, I’ll definitely be reading the next one!
March 17, 2019
A great middle grade survival story. In space. Underground.
June 5, 2018
I enjoyed this dystopian YA novel from Canadian writer Kevin Sylvester. While lacking some of the complexities of a more adult novel, Sylvester deftly keeps readers engaged while keeping true to the maturity level of the teenage characters. I highly recommend this for teen and preteen readers. I'll be buying this for my guy for summer reading.
March 21, 2017
Chris is one of the few survivors of a mysterious attack on the mining asteroid he calls home. The attack was carried out as the asteroid moved into a communication blackout with the Earth. With the help of the other children who've survived the attack, Chris begins to fight back in order to survive long enough to get back in touch with Earth.
I picked this book up because the author will be visiting my school this week, and I was sent a copy in advance of his presentation.
I finished the book because I wanted to know how Chris was going to deal with all the issues facing him. He had to balance the needs of the survivors with the wishes of his parents, and his knowledge of how he was going to find the beacon to contact earth.
I would recommend this book to Tanner. I think there is enough action in it to keep him interested, but the book is also not that lengthy so he could make his way through.
I picked this book up because the author will be visiting my school this week, and I was sent a copy in advance of his presentation.
I finished the book because I wanted to know how Chris was going to deal with all the issues facing him. He had to balance the needs of the survivors with the wishes of his parents, and his knowledge of how he was going to find the beacon to contact earth.
I would recommend this book to Tanner. I think there is enough action in it to keep him interested, but the book is also not that lengthy so he could make his way through.
August 15, 2016
Interesting premise: A colony of people relocate to the planet Perses to mine for materials that Earth is running out of. They are believed to be Earth's hope for survival. The colony is preparing for a blackout period when Earth and Perses will not be able to communicate, but chaos ensues when bombs start to fall. A handful of children escape into the mines and they need to survive and fight off the attackers. Well-written, gripping, and holds high appeal for young readers.
First book in a series - and the cliffhanger ending makes the reader long for the next one!
Short-listed for the 2017 MYRCA.
First book in a series - and the cliffhanger ending makes the reader long for the next one!
Short-listed for the 2017 MYRCA.
September 11, 2022
I read this book at school.
Elena or whatever her name was, was so annoying, I wanted to shoot myself every time she talked.
Her jealousy of Fatima made me so pissed that I wish Chris ended up with Fatima by the end of the books instead.
All the good characters died and we got left with characters we either barely knew or no one cared about.
This book sucked and I’m only giving it a two stars because of finn and alek (idk if that was his name💀).
Elena or whatever her name was, was so annoying, I wanted to shoot myself every time she talked.
Her jealousy of Fatima made me so pissed that I wish Chris ended up with Fatima by the end of the books instead.
All the good characters died and we got left with characters we either barely knew or no one cared about.
This book sucked and I’m only giving it a two stars because of finn and alek (idk if that was his name💀).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2016
This book was a solid 3.5. Good action and suspense with a couple of twists. I had a difficult time visualizing some parts and craved more description, but overall a fun read.
April 5, 2018
This was a fantastic book. It made me cry because someone sacrificed their life for his child. This was the first time I cried reading a book and I couldn't put it down. It was lovely, suspenseful and heartbreaking. Thank you to my youth book club at the Burlington library for recommending this as a group read. Kevin Sylvester, you are a fantastic author, I will definitely read the rest of the series!
October 13, 2021
Man, that hit hard. Wasn’t expecting what happened to some of those characters. This book is intense, well-written (except for the bit about Christopher’s hair, but that’s not important), and full of amazing characters. I liked pretty much all of them. Jimmi grew on me, Julio and Naveem didn’t get enough page time, and Pavel wasn’t my favorite, but he’s alright. Anyway, 7/5 stars. Can’t wait to read the next one!
August 7, 2021
Children enjoying sci fi will love this I think, it feels like there is danger looming and the ending is a great hook. Just didn’t throughly grip me while reading it but I think it’s target audience will like it.
February 7, 2019
One of the best books I've read this year. Would recommend.
April 9, 2021
I LOVED THIS. Currently running to get the second one!
November 2, 2019
I think this book was the best sci-fi book of all time! It was cool and heartbreaking at the same time!
November 28, 2015
3.5 starts
The world is running out of resources, and Christopher, along with his family and others, have left earth to mine for resources on the planet Perses, a planetoid that almost obliterated planet earth. When the people on Perses temporarily lose communications with earth, the bombs hit. Christopher is forced into the underground tunnels, with only a map that proves impossible to decipher, or even find, given to him by his father, right before he rushed to his death. No adults survived, and only a few children made it to the tunnels. Supplies are running low, and worst of all, the people who bombed the place, the Landers, are still above ground, waiting to finish mining their resources so that they can finish off Perses, for once and for all.
Kevin Sylvester actually came to my school, to advertise his book. He talked about it and it sounded interesting, so I decided to put it on hold at the library. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing. Although it was pretty good, expectations were not met.
I thought it was a pretty good book. It had a really good storyline. It was hard to follow though. In the book, they went back to rooms that were told to be blocked off and caved in. They managed to acquire an IV tube. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure IVs are pretty high tech. If they don't even have food, how did they get an IV? That didn't make sense to me. Everything was hard to imagine. Most of us have never been in a mine before, so it's hard to imagine. I've been in a mine before, and still I couldn't really make sense of what was going on. The technology was advanced, and I had trouble imagining that also. In english class, we were talking about showing and telling. In my eyes, although maybe I just wasn't paying attention, Kevin Sylvester was doing more telling than showing in some parts of this book. Regardless, I still enjoyed reading this. I probably will read the second one, if one comes out, and I'm pretty sure one will, based on the ending, which, by the way, I did not see coming. I thought that this would be a one book series (actually thats not a series anymore but whatever) up until the end.
I would recommend this book to Emma. I know that she enjoyed the Neil Flambé series, which was also written by Kevin Sylvester, so I think she will enjoy this book.
The world is running out of resources, and Christopher, along with his family and others, have left earth to mine for resources on the planet Perses, a planetoid that almost obliterated planet earth. When the people on Perses temporarily lose communications with earth, the bombs hit. Christopher is forced into the underground tunnels, with only a map that proves impossible to decipher, or even find, given to him by his father, right before he rushed to his death. No adults survived, and only a few children made it to the tunnels. Supplies are running low, and worst of all, the people who bombed the place, the Landers, are still above ground, waiting to finish mining their resources so that they can finish off Perses, for once and for all.
Kevin Sylvester actually came to my school, to advertise his book. He talked about it and it sounded interesting, so I decided to put it on hold at the library. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing. Although it was pretty good, expectations were not met.
I thought it was a pretty good book. It had a really good storyline. It was hard to follow though. In the book, they went back to rooms that were told to be blocked off and caved in. They managed to acquire an IV tube. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure IVs are pretty high tech. If they don't even have food, how did they get an IV? That didn't make sense to me. Everything was hard to imagine. Most of us have never been in a mine before, so it's hard to imagine. I've been in a mine before, and still I couldn't really make sense of what was going on. The technology was advanced, and I had trouble imagining that also. In english class, we were talking about showing and telling. In my eyes, although maybe I just wasn't paying attention, Kevin Sylvester was doing more telling than showing in some parts of this book. Regardless, I still enjoyed reading this. I probably will read the second one, if one comes out, and I'm pretty sure one will, based on the ending, which, by the way, I did not see coming. I thought that this would be a one book series (actually thats not a series anymore but whatever) up until the end.
I would recommend this book to Emma. I know that she enjoyed the Neil Flambé series, which was also written by Kevin Sylvester, so I think she will enjoy this book.
October 6, 2015
Book talk:
Chris and his parents live on the planetoid Perseus at some point in the future from present day, when Earth’s natural resources have been depleted. Perseus is a big mining colony started by scientific and humanitarian visionary Hans Melming as an innovative way to return natural resources and precious metals back to Earth.
One day, a group of strangers come to bomb Perseus, and Chris’s life as he knew it comes to an end. His mother dies in front of him and his father whisks him to safety underground, where he meets a few other teen survivors from the bombing. Who could ever want to bomb a company out to do so much good? And what do these bombers really want? How will Chris and the other survivors find safety?
Review:
With tight pacing, PG-level content, and large spacing between lines of text, this book is perfectly suited for the middle grades reader in a way that similar survival series like Monument 14 and The Maze Runner are not. I found the overall premise engaging and felt that the book kept me on my toes just enough to allow me to race to the end.
What I found confusing, though, was the somewhat convoluted war strategy that Chris and his fellow survivors (the MiNRS) had against the outsider “Landers,” though I can’t tell if this is a weakness of the book or my own weakness in reading this genre. I also found it difficult to visualize some of the technology as it was described.
Though I appreciated how this book touched upon big ideas like the ethics of scientific exploration, readers who are looking for character development and literary merit are probably best off elsewhere.
That said, I think my students will like this one, and I will add it to my collection.
Chris and his parents live on the planetoid Perseus at some point in the future from present day, when Earth’s natural resources have been depleted. Perseus is a big mining colony started by scientific and humanitarian visionary Hans Melming as an innovative way to return natural resources and precious metals back to Earth.
One day, a group of strangers come to bomb Perseus, and Chris’s life as he knew it comes to an end. His mother dies in front of him and his father whisks him to safety underground, where he meets a few other teen survivors from the bombing. Who could ever want to bomb a company out to do so much good? And what do these bombers really want? How will Chris and the other survivors find safety?
Review:
With tight pacing, PG-level content, and large spacing between lines of text, this book is perfectly suited for the middle grades reader in a way that similar survival series like Monument 14 and The Maze Runner are not. I found the overall premise engaging and felt that the book kept me on my toes just enough to allow me to race to the end.
What I found confusing, though, was the somewhat convoluted war strategy that Chris and his fellow survivors (the MiNRS) had against the outsider “Landers,” though I can’t tell if this is a weakness of the book or my own weakness in reading this genre. I also found it difficult to visualize some of the technology as it was described.
Though I appreciated how this book touched upon big ideas like the ethics of scientific exploration, readers who are looking for character development and literary merit are probably best off elsewhere.
That said, I think my students will like this one, and I will add it to my collection.
January 23, 2016
Typical dystopian YA fiction. Cute, but "independent" girl who is a friend.... or more? Check. Genius boy as main character who's nice and everyone tolerates as the main character? Check. Leader of the community's son, who is spoiled, wants leadership, and might be secretly working against them? Check. New smart, funny independent girl who might become the third angle in a love triangle? Check. A horde of peeps who fill a broad spectrum of ancillary roles (medic, little kid, etc.)? Check. Danger and bad guys who are clearly nameless bad guys? Check. Subtle betrayal of all everyone believes to be true, and have built their entire lives upon? Check.
Where the book does make an effort, is in the setting (mining colony), though the series of events leading to its existence are also a little forced. The portrayal of the kids in various states of shock as their world crashing-down was also a well-thought-out part of the story, and it drives the plot well. But key factors like understanding basic Newtonian physics in the Verse, or the explanation behind the technology is a little vague and lacks real depth. "We must accept that such and such is true and now we'll use that prop to the death" kinda attitude.
In the end, the characters are simple, ignore obvious truths that every YA dystopian story character ignores until the end, and we're left with a feeling of having just eaten a spoon full of whipping cream when we hoped it'd be fork full of steak. There's not much substance, though some surprises are nice if unbelievable. And it suddenly wraps into a nice bow... until, of course, it doesn't so you can write another novel about the continuing adventures of some kids trying to survive on a rock against overwhelming group of faceless soldiers in the far orbit of our solar system.
Okay, I guess, just lacking in real substance and depth.
Where the book does make an effort, is in the setting (mining colony), though the series of events leading to its existence are also a little forced. The portrayal of the kids in various states of shock as their world crashing-down was also a well-thought-out part of the story, and it drives the plot well. But key factors like understanding basic Newtonian physics in the Verse, or the explanation behind the technology is a little vague and lacks real depth. "We must accept that such and such is true and now we'll use that prop to the death" kinda attitude.
In the end, the characters are simple, ignore obvious truths that every YA dystopian story character ignores until the end, and we're left with a feeling of having just eaten a spoon full of whipping cream when we hoped it'd be fork full of steak. There's not much substance, though some surprises are nice if unbelievable. And it suddenly wraps into a nice bow... until, of course, it doesn't so you can write another novel about the continuing adventures of some kids trying to survive on a rock against overwhelming group of faceless soldiers in the far orbit of our solar system.
Okay, I guess, just lacking in real substance and depth.
February 8, 2016
Throw a mix of characters into a small space and you have a great set-up for drama. Make that space an underground mining colony on Mars under attack and you’ve got a set up for GREAT drama. Kevin Sylvester is an award-winning author-illustrator of nonfiction for kids, picture books, and middle grade fiction. He is also the host of the podcast Great Kids, Great Reads, in which he interviews indie booksellers about children’s books. He is perhaps best known for his smart-alec, verbose kid chef-turned-detective Neil Flambe, the star in a series that is as much humour as it is mystery. With this new series , Sylvester proves he can also write sci-fi adventure.
Christopher is a reluctant but capable leader, which endears him to the reader and eventually the other MiNRs. He is kept honest by Elena, his best friend who is obsessed with military history, and Fatima, a wry and skeptical new ally who’s existence makes Christopher question everything he thought he new about his home and Melming Mining. Chris is not quite an everyman character, he has been taught to drive a digger by his father, for example, but he isn’t the kind of stock protagonist to which heroism and ingenuity comes naturally. The dialogue is snappy and allows Sylvester’s natural knack for comedy to peek through heavy situations.
The plot moves quickly and makes for one-sitting reading. Sylvester doesn’t languish at any point or get bogged down in losses or too much melancholy. The MiNRs are engaged in a race against time, and it feels like it to the reader. This is high-stakes sci-fi, lives are lost, alliances broken, but the tone still feels relatively light and appropriate for younger readers
Christopher is a reluctant but capable leader, which endears him to the reader and eventually the other MiNRs. He is kept honest by Elena, his best friend who is obsessed with military history, and Fatima, a wry and skeptical new ally who’s existence makes Christopher question everything he thought he new about his home and Melming Mining. Chris is not quite an everyman character, he has been taught to drive a digger by his father, for example, but he isn’t the kind of stock protagonist to which heroism and ingenuity comes naturally. The dialogue is snappy and allows Sylvester’s natural knack for comedy to peek through heavy situations.
The plot moves quickly and makes for one-sitting reading. Sylvester doesn’t languish at any point or get bogged down in losses or too much melancholy. The MiNRs are engaged in a race against time, and it feels like it to the reader. This is high-stakes sci-fi, lives are lost, alliances broken, but the tone still feels relatively light and appropriate for younger readers
July 16, 2015
This book definitely exceeded my expectations. It was extremely engaging and action packed, and I couldn't put it down (I finished it in less than a day). The books says it's geared for kids 8-12, but it's easily enjoyable for an older audience.
The premise of the story was original and it was written in a way that made it seem realistic. Good middle grade science fiction can be hard to come by, as many are cheesy and too far fetched. MiNRS makes a story about a mining colony in space seem like a perfectly reasonable solution to some of earth's problems.
I thought the characters were realistic, as well as the amount of danger in the book. When tragedy strikes, some take it well, others not so much, because, well, they're kids. Christopher was a very likeable character, and you root for him and the rest of the group throughout the story. The cast of characters is also very diverse, which was nice to see.
Just when you think all is well, the story takes a turn. The ending definitely leaves you wanting more. Can't wait for a sequel!
I received a copy of this book from the Goodreads firstreads giveaway.
The premise of the story was original and it was written in a way that made it seem realistic. Good middle grade science fiction can be hard to come by, as many are cheesy and too far fetched. MiNRS makes a story about a mining colony in space seem like a perfectly reasonable solution to some of earth's problems.
I thought the characters were realistic, as well as the amount of danger in the book. When tragedy strikes, some take it well, others not so much, because, well, they're kids. Christopher was a very likeable character, and you root for him and the rest of the group throughout the story. The cast of characters is also very diverse, which was nice to see.
Just when you think all is well, the story takes a turn. The ending definitely leaves you wanting more. Can't wait for a sequel!
I received a copy of this book from the Goodreads firstreads giveaway.
March 2, 2022
I really liked the diggers. They were the coolest thing ever. I liked how they like literally just went through anything, because they take apart the atoms in the stone. It is really cool. In fact, I bet they could actually go through bedrock.
The grinders knew a lot about that paint. I'd say the paint they used was pretty cool. The paint with the circles and X's and all that stuff.
Christopher was really on hand commanding them. He was a really good commander because he could actually like, make plans and people would listen to them... sometimes. And he's really good with helping them survive.
Alek was really brave to explode his digger to actually do it. If it wasn't for him, they would be all lying on the floor dead.
The book ended with Alek exploding his digger to save all of the other kids from the Landers. They will be safe for a short period of time. I think the Landers are coming for round two of trying to find some more ore.
-six years old
The grinders knew a lot about that paint. I'd say the paint they used was pretty cool. The paint with the circles and X's and all that stuff.
Christopher was really on hand commanding them. He was a really good commander because he could actually like, make plans and people would listen to them... sometimes. And he's really good with helping them survive.
Alek was really brave to explode his digger to actually do it. If it wasn't for him, they would be all lying on the floor dead.
The book ended with Alek exploding his digger to save all of the other kids from the Landers. They will be safe for a short period of time. I think the Landers are coming for round two of trying to find some more ore.
-six years old
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2016
Are you kidding me??? Ok, here's a spoiler for you - the end of this book is such a cliff hanger you will find no peace or resolution!! This book seized my imagination - yeah, I love scifi - and I stayed up for hours into the night each night because I could not put it down - so much action and adventure! The main character is not the most interesting kid, but there's a good cast of characters. Lots of death and destruction and you're underground but in space! Kids vs scary attackers! It's all so fun for scifi nerds. And then the ending - after staying up again, my heart racing with every page - finally these kids are gonna catch a break - two pages to go, all's gonna be good - last page. Nope. Cliffhanger. Sequel! Heart still racing with no way to go to sleep.
October 23, 2018
In my opinion MINRS is the most thrilling and mysterious book i’ve ever read.I would defendantly read the book again because it is heart pounding and is edgy.MINRS is a good book with some romance.The book really points out that you can overcome anything.I think the author shows that love shines through in the darkest of times.I would say this book is a very good book on space that I can relate too. I’ ll give you a sneak peek,’’we have breaking news.scientists at the Global Observatory in Oslo say earth is in the path of a asteroid .’’Years from now I will probably remember that small things still matter.If I could change this book I would probably show the Landers.I think you now have a good Guss what this book is about,but you might be wrong?
August 5, 2016
I thought this was about kids fighting to rescue their parents and loved ones after pirates bombard their mining establishment. NOPE. It's about kids fighting to stay alive after their parents and loved ones are KILLED. Many of them on screen. Torture is referenced, two people suicide, PTSD is very much a factor. So like, be prepared.
Also I'm skeptical of the science here. Why is only one asteroid terraformed? How did they terraform the entire thing so fast if it is big enough to have a gravity field equivalent to earth? What on earth is up with those Drillers, both the Machines and the spoilers? This seems inefficient.
Also I'm skeptical of the science here. Why is only one asteroid terraformed? How did they terraform the entire thing so fast if it is big enough to have a gravity field equivalent to earth? What on earth is up with those Drillers, both the Machines and the spoilers? This seems inefficient.
July 28, 2016
3.5 stars. I think this book will appeal to my MG readers - those who like science fiction already and those who are interested in trying a new genre. The story is fast-paced, and the characters face some challenging survival dilemmas (which make for great book conversations). I also really appreciated Sylvester's author's note about his inspiration for the space and the mining mix (relevant to today's world). For me, I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the characters, but I wanted more bite, or complexity, in Sylvester's writing style. A solid sci-fi choice for my G5/6/7 readers.
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