What do you think?
Rate this book
Aces
Children are not supposed to rescue their parents, life is supposed to be the other way around. And rescues aren't supposed to be needed on the trip out to the new colony planet Valhalla. Slow, yes. Boring, yes. Dangerous? No, the trip is not supposed to be dangerous, never has been. When thieves attack the transport ship to steal an ancient alien artifact, and young Kaylee and her brother Manny are cut off from their parents, they have to stop the thieves from getting what they want, because once the thieves have the artifact, they're not leaving any witnesses.....
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2016
271 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
Craig Alanson
42 books4,242 followersIf you want to stay up to date on releases, receive promotion alerts and speak to me directly, please join my Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/Craig.Alanso...
My Bio:
Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.
The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.
Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.
https://www.facebook.com/Craig.Alanso...
My Bio:
Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.
The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.
Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 10, 2019
Aces is a children's middle grade/YA space opera about a family of four that has decided to pack up their earthly belongings and move to a new planet. En route, the freighter they're riding in, receives a distress signal. As the only ship in the near vicinity, it falls to their ship to respond. What they expect to be a quick detour and rescue mission, turns out to be a setup by a group of amateur pirates, intent on stealing an alien artifact that's being transported on the same ship as the family. When the two kids become, literally, separated from the rest of the ship and all alone with the pirates, they hatch a plan to foil the pirates and rescue their parents and the crew.
The story itself was entertaining but I listened to the audiobook and I didn't care for the narrator at all which kind of ruined the overall story for me. The voices he used for the children and the pirates were just so cheesy and annoying, it made the entire story a lot more childish and goofy. I know I would have enjoyed it more if I just read this one and skipped the audio performance. My 13 year old son didn't like the narration either. Definitely ruined an otherwise good story...
The story itself was entertaining but I listened to the audiobook and I didn't care for the narrator at all which kind of ruined the overall story for me. The voices he used for the children and the pirates were just so cheesy and annoying, it made the entire story a lot more childish and goofy. I know I would have enjoyed it more if I just read this one and skipped the audio performance. My 13 year old son didn't like the narration either. Definitely ruined an otherwise good story...
December 5, 2019
An OK read.
May 22, 2018
This is a YA book by the author of the ExForce series. The protagonists are children, and it's a fun read. While it's definitely YA, it's important to note that none of Alanson's books are inappropriate for younger readers.
Aces is set up to be a series, but stands up well as its own book.
Craig Alanson has recently become one of my favorite authors, with his books lending themselves extremely well to audiobook narration.
Aces is set up to be a series, but stands up well as its own book.
Craig Alanson has recently become one of my favorite authors, with his books lending themselves extremely well to audiobook narration.
February 14, 2021
Amazing book full of adventure!!
November 5, 2021
YA so entirely suited to the retired!
November 30, 2023
Quick little YA read. If you are an Alanson Fan, as I am, you will enjoy his fast-paced witty style complete with giving some humor and soul to non-organic beings.
December 6, 2021
I did like this book, it certainly gets you thinking about the possibilities of the future and space travel.
March 8, 2017
Excellent
Too short. Like my review. Very captivating with me adding this to my ever growing list of story lines to absorb and enjoy. Thx
Too short. Like my review. Very captivating with me adding this to my ever growing list of story lines to absorb and enjoy. Thx
May 16, 2021
The first half was mediocre but then it picked up and was rather fun. It’s suitable for middle schoolers. Made me feel like it was Jurassic World meets The Kane Chronicles.
August 31, 2018
“Aces” is the first book in what is to become an action-packed science fiction series which felt like a blending of the movies Gravity, Die Hard, The Poseidon Adventure along with a much darker version of Home alone. Throw in a sprinkling of Jurassic Park dinosaurs and trust me, you have a fun and entertaining adventure story. The book is written by Craig Alanson who is well known for many of his other series such as “The Expeditionary Force” and the “Ascendant” series. The audiobook’s narration is expertly performed by MacLeod Andrews; a veteran to audiobook narration with over three-hundred books (many including my favorites) to his credit. If you enjoy deeply engaging science fiction stories where the cold and darkness of space is the least of your worries, you will enjoy listening to “Aces”.
For a book that starts out with a family boarding a space elevator (how cool is that), arriving at a docked cargo ship, and will shortly be off on a routine trip to a new planetary system. Things begin to go wrong, and in some cases very wrong when a rogue group of people are determined to get back a piece of technology that has the power to change the world, and they will go to any lengths to get it. The author does a very good job of describing the scenes along with the more futuristic technology. Everything felt believable in a near future scenario. Not only does this book take place on this large cargo ship, we are for a time, dropped down on a planet and see how harsh a place it can be to only survive. One thing the author does well is to show the determination of a parent for their children, and even the other way around. Yes, even teenagers when put in the right situation will express their love for a parent.
For a book that was filled with action sequences (some quite graphic), I was somewhat surprised that the prologue had less of a hook than I would have expected. This is not to say it was boning or drab, but lower key and less impactful than the rest of the book. If you are just starting the book and begin feeling it is not your liking, listen up to chapter seven at least and see if you can put it down then. The book really begins to open up and shine around chapter five. The author does a good job of using chapters one through four as story background and build up. Starting at chapter five onwards, what seemed mundane quickly devolves into a tangled web of hide and seek along with multiple games of survival. Really, it is one very well-done serial novel.
I had to laugh when things are going from boring to catastrophic, the kids at first were completely oblivious to the events happening around them. As things heated up, I liked the shifting from one scene to another and each was a mini story all its own. Somewhat like side missions in a role-playing game that were taking place at the same the main storyline progressed. I quite enjoyed the ingenious ways some of the characters were able to get out of what seemed to be impossible situations. Often, the kids did not seem to want to save themselves (as many would), but instead were focused on the mission and the desire to save their parents. Even with the main focus being on the action and activities happening, the author did a good job of showing us some of the more emotional side of things. Not only are we shown the love between family, but one gets a sense of the weight and burden the kids carried to be successful at their task.
As stated earlier, I enjoyed some of the technology the author created for us. We are shown some rather unique missiles and hand weapons. The ship felt vast with many paths and tributaries I would image finding in a large modern-day seafaring cargo ship. We are also presented with an interesting and fun robot that often will make you laugh out loud when he scolds a “bad kitty” who gets into trouble.
With regard to the audiobook’s narration, MacLeod Andrews hits a home run in my book. The voicing is flawless. He is able to narrate the teenagers quite well, even when listening to the audio at higher speed then normal. There were small added elements showing that the narrator is skilled in his ability by portraying subtle pieces of sarcasm. The characters all felt distinct with their own personalities. I know this is often an aspect of a book’s writing, but narration can help enhance this a great deal. There were also some light sound effects thrown is which provided a bit of ambiance to the book. The effects were not over done, nor did they overpower the story for those who only like books containing strict narration.
For parents and younger readers, I have to give the author credit for not having to throw in vulgar language, sexual themes, or adult subject matter and still produce an exciting and action story. There are a few scenes where there is some rather graphic violence, but nothing that is included for shock factor or what would be outside of a science fiction novel. I’m not sure I would recommend the book to those younger then teenagers, but the book is easily enjoyable by both teens and adults alike.
In summary, if you are looking to fill your time with a new and exciting science fiction space survival story, I think you may want to have a look at “Aces” by Craig Alanson and MacLeod Andrews. At times it is light-hearted, other times it is intense, but all-in-all it is a well-crafted story narrated by an expert in his field. At the time of this review, only the first book in the series is available in Audiobook format (exclusive to Audible), but it is worth waiting for the rest after you listen to this one.
For a book that starts out with a family boarding a space elevator (how cool is that), arriving at a docked cargo ship, and will shortly be off on a routine trip to a new planetary system. Things begin to go wrong, and in some cases very wrong when a rogue group of people are determined to get back a piece of technology that has the power to change the world, and they will go to any lengths to get it. The author does a very good job of describing the scenes along with the more futuristic technology. Everything felt believable in a near future scenario. Not only does this book take place on this large cargo ship, we are for a time, dropped down on a planet and see how harsh a place it can be to only survive. One thing the author does well is to show the determination of a parent for their children, and even the other way around. Yes, even teenagers when put in the right situation will express their love for a parent.
For a book that was filled with action sequences (some quite graphic), I was somewhat surprised that the prologue had less of a hook than I would have expected. This is not to say it was boning or drab, but lower key and less impactful than the rest of the book. If you are just starting the book and begin feeling it is not your liking, listen up to chapter seven at least and see if you can put it down then. The book really begins to open up and shine around chapter five. The author does a good job of using chapters one through four as story background and build up. Starting at chapter five onwards, what seemed mundane quickly devolves into a tangled web of hide and seek along with multiple games of survival. Really, it is one very well-done serial novel.
I had to laugh when things are going from boring to catastrophic, the kids at first were completely oblivious to the events happening around them. As things heated up, I liked the shifting from one scene to another and each was a mini story all its own. Somewhat like side missions in a role-playing game that were taking place at the same the main storyline progressed. I quite enjoyed the ingenious ways some of the characters were able to get out of what seemed to be impossible situations. Often, the kids did not seem to want to save themselves (as many would), but instead were focused on the mission and the desire to save their parents. Even with the main focus being on the action and activities happening, the author did a good job of showing us some of the more emotional side of things. Not only are we shown the love between family, but one gets a sense of the weight and burden the kids carried to be successful at their task.
As stated earlier, I enjoyed some of the technology the author created for us. We are shown some rather unique missiles and hand weapons. The ship felt vast with many paths and tributaries I would image finding in a large modern-day seafaring cargo ship. We are also presented with an interesting and fun robot that often will make you laugh out loud when he scolds a “bad kitty” who gets into trouble.
With regard to the audiobook’s narration, MacLeod Andrews hits a home run in my book. The voicing is flawless. He is able to narrate the teenagers quite well, even when listening to the audio at higher speed then normal. There were small added elements showing that the narrator is skilled in his ability by portraying subtle pieces of sarcasm. The characters all felt distinct with their own personalities. I know this is often an aspect of a book’s writing, but narration can help enhance this a great deal. There were also some light sound effects thrown is which provided a bit of ambiance to the book. The effects were not over done, nor did they overpower the story for those who only like books containing strict narration.
For parents and younger readers, I have to give the author credit for not having to throw in vulgar language, sexual themes, or adult subject matter and still produce an exciting and action story. There are a few scenes where there is some rather graphic violence, but nothing that is included for shock factor or what would be outside of a science fiction novel. I’m not sure I would recommend the book to those younger then teenagers, but the book is easily enjoyable by both teens and adults alike.
In summary, if you are looking to fill your time with a new and exciting science fiction space survival story, I think you may want to have a look at “Aces” by Craig Alanson and MacLeod Andrews. At times it is light-hearted, other times it is intense, but all-in-all it is a well-crafted story narrated by an expert in his field. At the time of this review, only the first book in the series is available in Audiobook format (exclusive to Audible), but it is worth waiting for the rest after you listen to this one.
September 24, 2021
I should have read the reviews and I would have known that this book was written for children or young adults. Though not my cup of tea, I will review it from the perspective of the audience for which it was intended.
I listened to the audiobook and I found the reader irritating in terms of his voice characterizations that were more cartoonish than that of real people.
The kids are the main protagonists in this story after their section of a freighter is separated from the command section by space pirates, and being the only remaining crew, set out to try and undermine the pirates' attempt at locating and stealing an alien artifact. They also hope to somehow rescue their parents.
There are plenty of scenes in which the children come up with different ideas and manage to execute them. Of course, the scenarios are far-fetched painting the kids as brilliant and the pirates as complete idiots - just the kind of story pre-teens would eat up.
There is no foul language or adult situations. The science isn't bad either. The is a second book, but I will pass because I am not the right demographic for this type of book.
I listened to the audiobook and I found the reader irritating in terms of his voice characterizations that were more cartoonish than that of real people.
The kids are the main protagonists in this story after their section of a freighter is separated from the command section by space pirates, and being the only remaining crew, set out to try and undermine the pirates' attempt at locating and stealing an alien artifact. They also hope to somehow rescue their parents.
There are plenty of scenes in which the children come up with different ideas and manage to execute them. Of course, the scenarios are far-fetched painting the kids as brilliant and the pirates as complete idiots - just the kind of story pre-teens would eat up.
There is no foul language or adult situations. The science isn't bad either. The is a second book, but I will pass because I am not the right demographic for this type of book.
December 6, 2017
First rate YA Sci-fi
Two kids foil a dastardly plot to hijack an alien artifact. It's a bit 'Home Alone' in space, but it's nicely plotted and the action trips along at a healthy pace. Don't know yet if this is part of a series, but there are a few hints that Part 2 might be along at a later date...
Good old fashioned Lost in Space family drama with no awkward dude words or steamy scenes.
Two kids foil a dastardly plot to hijack an alien artifact. It's a bit 'Home Alone' in space, but it's nicely plotted and the action trips along at a healthy pace. Don't know yet if this is part of a series, but there are a few hints that Part 2 might be along at a later date...
Good old fashioned Lost in Space family drama with no awkward dude words or steamy scenes.
July 28, 2019
Audible recommended this book because I've purchased all of Craig Alanson's Expeditionary Force books. I purchased it from my phone, without reading any reviews. Imagine my surprise when bonehead is an insult and the bad guys say 'Crap!'.
So it's a kids' book. Enjoyed in that context, it was a pretty good book. If any future installments come out, I'll probably listen to them in the car with my kids.
So it's a kids' book. Enjoyed in that context, it was a pretty good book. If any future installments come out, I'll probably listen to them in the car with my kids.
September 30, 2023
Space pirates.
A nice little science fiction story by Craig Alanson about surviving space pirates in three different locations at the same time.
A little childish but I’m guessing that it suppose to be.
Excellent narration by MacLead Andrews for each of the characters in this creation.
My recommendations !!!
Oded Ostfeld.
A nice little science fiction story by Craig Alanson about surviving space pirates in three different locations at the same time.
A little childish but I’m guessing that it suppose to be.
Excellent narration by MacLead Andrews for each of the characters in this creation.
My recommendations !!!
Oded Ostfeld.
April 3, 2018
Great adventure story, reminds me a classic 90s family friendly action movie like Lost in Space, Jurassic Park, or Terminator 2. Yeah, everyone's a trope or a cliche, but it is done in such a bouncy fast-paced style its hard to mind. Very work-safe too, which is nice for listening to while doing chores or driving.
December 12, 2018
A good enough written book with a concise story and a surprising end.... but for teenagers. This is definitely not for someone with decades of reading on his back. Gave it 3 stars, not less, because I still acknowledge that it's well written, if just someone would label it "for teenagers" now that would be great.
January 5, 2022
I've been very entertained by most of what Alanson has wrote and this book was not any different.
It's a little lighter than the ExForce series and has no all powerful being or anything. Just a family in the future trapped in a tough spot on a spaceship.
I still enjoyed it as it has all the trademarks of Alanson's style even without as much insulting banter between characters.
It's a little lighter than the ExForce series and has no all powerful being or anything. Just a family in the future trapped in a tough spot on a spaceship.
I still enjoyed it as it has all the trademarks of Alanson's style even without as much insulting banter between characters.
February 15, 2022
Really not a full 5 stars cuz of the blatant cornyness of the kids saving the day. Also, the tinos (tynos? Sp?) didn't terrorize and brutally maul everyone in the main part of the ship. That would be reality. But this wasn't reality. It was FUN. It was CUTE. It was CORNY. It was MAKE BELIEVE. It was FICTION. And again, it was Fun!!
March 22, 2022
This was a fun ride! Loved it. Great characters and wonderfully paced story, viewed from multiple viewpoints. With the action taking place on three different ships, as well as in a planet, Aces was a page turner.
This is my first book by Craig Alanson and was pleased. Next up, Columbus Day book 1, part of the Expeditionary Force Series.
This is my first book by Craig Alanson and was pleased. Next up, Columbus Day book 1, part of the Expeditionary Force Series.
March 14, 2018
[audiobook] While not as stellar as his Expeditionary Force series, this was a good read. Short and compact. Seemed like it was aimed at the YA audience but still engaging for older readers.
Good narration.
Good narration.
April 3, 2018
I didn’t realize that this food was for elementary/middle school kids when I purchased it on audible. Everything about the book was simplistic and clumsy. I hope this book isn’t indicative of Alanson’s writing because I purchased a couple in a different series of his prior to reading Aces.
March 16, 2020
This one is for preteens
I was disappointed. It was written like a hardy boy adventure. I had enjoyed other books by the auThor but was very disappointed and will swear off for a while.
I was disappointed. It was written like a hardy boy adventure. I had enjoyed other books by the auThor but was very disappointed and will swear off for a while.
June 25, 2020
Very Slow
I've read his other books, they often repeat themselves, but there is more character separation than in this book. Too many characters make the same comments or references to something..ie The Wizard of Oz, that are completely different story lines.
I've read his other books, they often repeat themselves, but there is more character separation than in this book. Too many characters make the same comments or references to something..ie The Wizard of Oz, that are completely different story lines.
November 28, 2022
Since I had read all of the Expeditionary Force books I went looking for something else by Craig Alanson and I found this. It was a lot of fun, you get some kids messing with space pirates and space monsters that sort of help the kids unintentionally. It was a good book and well worth the read.
February 23, 2018
Kids are the greatest!!
Moved by their parents the two fighting siblings and up saving the day. In space no less. A very good read
Moved by their parents the two fighting siblings and up saving the day. In space no less. A very good read
March 4, 2018
Ok read, not his finest work. Seemed more like young adult/teen sci-fi
March 22, 2018
I think this was more of a middle grades/YA book. Once I figured this out and the action finally started, I enjoyed it.
July 10, 2018
It was OK but..................
July 16, 2018
Listened to this on a long road trip. The whole family enjoyed it. Winner!
November 4, 2018
Teen fiction
Maybe I missed the advertising, but this really teen sci fi space opera. Too bad Skippy did not appear to jazz things up.
Maybe I missed the advertising, but this really teen sci fi space opera. Too bad Skippy did not appear to jazz things up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews