What do you think?
Rate this book
Blue Planets World #1
Sleepers
Jake Rose defianatly decides to skinny dip in the Gulf. He doesn't know that a Great White awaits. Will it be friend or foe?
A test-tube baby, fifteen-year-old Jake Rose is half human and half alien; he has both lungs and gills.
He's been raised on the "other blue planet," Rison. However, in a horrifying science-gone-wrong scenario, Rison will soon implode. He evacuates to Earth to live with his human father's parents on Bainbridge Island in Puget Sound. His mother, Dayexi Quad-de is Rison's ambassador to Earth. She's tasked with finding Risonians a new home on Earth in a peaceful manner.
If you like the intrigue and excitement of Ender's Game or I Am Number Four, you'll love Darcy Pattison's science fiction series of survival among the galaxies.
A test-tube baby, fifteen-year-old Jake Rose is half human and half alien; he has both lungs and gills.
He's been raised on the "other blue planet," Rison. However, in a horrifying science-gone-wrong scenario, Rison will soon implode. He evacuates to Earth to live with his human father's parents on Bainbridge Island in Puget Sound. His mother, Dayexi Quad-de is Rison's ambassador to Earth. She's tasked with finding Risonians a new home on Earth in a peaceful manner.
If you like the intrigue and excitement of Ender's Game or I Am Number Four, you'll love Darcy Pattison's science fiction series of survival among the galaxies.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2017
269 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Pattison
131 books117 followersDARCY PATTISON (www.darcypattison.com) is published in ten languages.
Children’s book author Darcy Pattison writes award-winning fiction and non-fiction books for children. Her works have received starred PW, Kirkus, and BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book, Junior Library Guild selections, and NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts. She’s the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children’s literature.
Children’s book author Darcy Pattison writes award-winning fiction and non-fiction books for children. Her works have received starred PW, Kirkus, and BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book, Junior Library Guild selections, and NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts. She’s the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children’s literature.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 6, 2017
As in all good fiction and fantasy, Darcy Pattison builds the alien world of Sleepers on scientific and historical facts, even mythology, knowledge that a YA readership would be learning in school. She also touches on many themes in this adventure; the compassion needed to make immigration work, races hating and distrusting each other, the possible extinction of earth creatures due to inactivity, the difference between politics and statesmanship, and military intrigue.
The protagonist Jake Rose, a high school freshman, is a half-human, half-Risonian test-tube baby living on Earth. But he must hide his Risonian roots and escape notice as he tries to live and interact at school and in the community. This means he must stay out of the water. Risonians are excellent swimmers, a people of the water, with Velcro legs and gills in their armpits.
The planet Rison is dying and at the point of the story’s beginning, the Risonians are negotiating with Earthlings to be able to build colonies, or Seasteads, deep in Earth’s oceans.
Like all good fiction, Pattison gives Jake the tools he needs to survive. A highly intelligent character, Jake grew up on Rison and learned how to fight hand to hand combat, which comes in handy. He understands Earth and Rison science and history. But he lives on Earth now and must learn about politics, girls, and terminology to deal with adolescence. A caring individual, he wishes to help other species, find friends, but he also wants to help Earth accept his race to be able to save Risonian lives.
Pattison does an excellent job of explaining the world of Rison through Jake’s thoughts and comparisons as Jake deals with day to day life on Earth. She offers a budding romance between Jake and an adopted Asian American named Em.
But volcanoes turn deadly in this story. Jake must explain to his Earthling father, a commander in the Navy, and a fellow Risonian’s father, a commander in the Risonian military, about his childhood friend’s scientist father’s discovery of an anti-gravity device. Together, Jake’s family must stop the sabotage done by those who wished to blame the Risonians and stop any chance of Earth accepting them to live in Earth’s seas.
Since this is only the beginning of the series, Pattison leaves some threads unanswered to entice us to read the second book. It works!
The protagonist Jake Rose, a high school freshman, is a half-human, half-Risonian test-tube baby living on Earth. But he must hide his Risonian roots and escape notice as he tries to live and interact at school and in the community. This means he must stay out of the water. Risonians are excellent swimmers, a people of the water, with Velcro legs and gills in their armpits.
The planet Rison is dying and at the point of the story’s beginning, the Risonians are negotiating with Earthlings to be able to build colonies, or Seasteads, deep in Earth’s oceans.
Like all good fiction, Pattison gives Jake the tools he needs to survive. A highly intelligent character, Jake grew up on Rison and learned how to fight hand to hand combat, which comes in handy. He understands Earth and Rison science and history. But he lives on Earth now and must learn about politics, girls, and terminology to deal with adolescence. A caring individual, he wishes to help other species, find friends, but he also wants to help Earth accept his race to be able to save Risonian lives.
Pattison does an excellent job of explaining the world of Rison through Jake’s thoughts and comparisons as Jake deals with day to day life on Earth. She offers a budding romance between Jake and an adopted Asian American named Em.
But volcanoes turn deadly in this story. Jake must explain to his Earthling father, a commander in the Navy, and a fellow Risonian’s father, a commander in the Risonian military, about his childhood friend’s scientist father’s discovery of an anti-gravity device. Together, Jake’s family must stop the sabotage done by those who wished to blame the Risonians and stop any chance of Earth accepting them to live in Earth’s seas.
Since this is only the beginning of the series, Pattison leaves some threads unanswered to entice us to read the second book. It works!
July 20, 2017
Wow – what a journey author Darcy Pattison takes us on in the first installment of her new middle grade SCI-FI adventure, Sleepers! It isn’t a stretch to think that teens who enjoy action/adventure would also love this series.
Because of the many scientific experiments with Brown Matter on the planet Rison, the planet's volcanoes have become hyperactive and are damaging the planet’s core. The only hope for Risonian residents is to find a planet that has the right elements for them to live. When the destruction of the planet Rison is eminent, it’s inhabitants, who can live in water or on land, make contact with the Blue Planet (Earth) requesting to be allowed to live in the oceans.
Jake, who is a test-tube created hybrid from a Risonian- ambassador mother and a human Navy Commander father, has been preparing to move to Earth by living at a moon based camp to learn the ways of life on Earth since he was eleven years old. At fifteen, he is brought to Earth and begins school on Bainbridge Island. He is forbidden to swim – ever – as his Risonian anatomy including his Velcro legs for proficient swimming and gills for underwater breathing would give him away immediately. This restriction is hard enough for him, but only gets worse when he falls for Em, the star of the school swim team.
Then, when Jake while in the company of Em, witnesses ELLIS Forces Captain Hill use a drone to release Brown Matter into Mt. Rainer with the intent to blame it on the Risonians, the previously quiet volcano activates, and it becomes impossible for Jake to keep a low profile.
This is an exciting first book in the series, and I can’t wait to read the next novel!
Because of the many scientific experiments with Brown Matter on the planet Rison, the planet's volcanoes have become hyperactive and are damaging the planet’s core. The only hope for Risonian residents is to find a planet that has the right elements for them to live. When the destruction of the planet Rison is eminent, it’s inhabitants, who can live in water or on land, make contact with the Blue Planet (Earth) requesting to be allowed to live in the oceans.
Jake, who is a test-tube created hybrid from a Risonian- ambassador mother and a human Navy Commander father, has been preparing to move to Earth by living at a moon based camp to learn the ways of life on Earth since he was eleven years old. At fifteen, he is brought to Earth and begins school on Bainbridge Island. He is forbidden to swim – ever – as his Risonian anatomy including his Velcro legs for proficient swimming and gills for underwater breathing would give him away immediately. This restriction is hard enough for him, but only gets worse when he falls for Em, the star of the school swim team.
Then, when Jake while in the company of Em, witnesses ELLIS Forces Captain Hill use a drone to release Brown Matter into Mt. Rainer with the intent to blame it on the Risonians, the previously quiet volcano activates, and it becomes impossible for Jake to keep a low profile.
This is an exciting first book in the series, and I can’t wait to read the next novel!
October 8, 2018
Review: SLEEPERS: THE BLUE PLANETS WORLD Series by Darcy Pattison
The Aliens are not always the Bad Guys. All the near-to-dying populace of the planet Rison wants is a new place to live, and Earth's oceans are ideal. Unfortunately, a minority of Earth supremacists are volatilely determined to repel what they consider to be an imminent alien invasion. Their overpowering xenophobia may be no match for peaceful citizens of either planet. 15-year-old Jake Rose is the test tube offspring of the Rison Ambassador and an American Naval Commander. As such, he is adored by both parents, but a target for the Earth supremacists, who intend to destroy all Risonians and sympathizers on Earth.
The Aliens are not always the Bad Guys. All the near-to-dying populace of the planet Rison wants is a new place to live, and Earth's oceans are ideal. Unfortunately, a minority of Earth supremacists are volatilely determined to repel what they consider to be an imminent alien invasion. Their overpowering xenophobia may be no match for peaceful citizens of either planet. 15-year-old Jake Rose is the test tube offspring of the Rison Ambassador and an American Naval Commander. As such, he is adored by both parents, but a target for the Earth supremacists, who intend to destroy all Risonians and sympathizers on Earth.
April 30, 2019
Wonderful!
The main character was very likeable and the world he came from was well created. Their life and cultures believable.
The moral and ethical dilemmas discussed from earth’s past correlated with what the Aliens and Earthlings were experiencing in their current timeline. Very interesting discussions within the book could also bring up some interesting discussions with the target reading group.
Although written for a youth audience I loved it. I can’t wait to read the next book!
The main character was very likeable and the world he came from was well created. Their life and cultures believable.
The moral and ethical dilemmas discussed from earth’s past correlated with what the Aliens and Earthlings were experiencing in their current timeline. Very interesting discussions within the book could also bring up some interesting discussions with the target reading group.
Although written for a youth audience I loved it. I can’t wait to read the next book!
June 16, 2019
My Book Review Number 165:
This review is on Sleepers, The Blue Planets World, Book 1 by Darcy Pattison. This is the first book I have read by this Sci-Fi author. It is a Sci-Fi Speculative YA suspense story good for any age level.
The story opens up with a Great White shark swimming in the Gulf of Mexico Ocean off the Alabama coast when a young teenager named Jake Ross decides to enter the water and swim with the shark. Normally, this would be a foolish endeavor, but this boy is only fifty percent human. Jake can breathe underwater and even communicate with the shark to prevent becoming the shark’s next meal.
Jake is from another planet called Rison, which is a water filled world located 25,000 light-years from Earth. Unfortunately, Rison is in serious trouble. All inhabitants must leave the planet or die. Jake’s mother is a diplomat sent to Earth to negotiate with our politicians to get permission to allow her people to settle on Earth; primarily in the oceans. So far the negotiations have not been fruitful.
Jake is a hybrid with a Rison mother and a human father. He must keep his true nature a secret from his friends while attending high school and try to pass as a normal human living on Earth with his father’s grandparents on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Washington. People are looking for him and his mother. Jake uncovers a secret that could derail peaceful negotiations.
Time is running out on Rison’s planet. The planet’s core will explode and be torn apart by internal forces very soon. It is critical for the people on Rison to be permitted to leave and settle on Earth or elsewhere if they can find another planet. A militant group on Earth tries to prevent this from occurring and sabotages the negotiations to the point where the lives of Jake and his parents are now at risk.
I give this book Five Stars because the premise of the story is suspenseful, interesting and totally believable. The main plot line moves at a fast pace with appropriate antidiscrimination messages. The scientific explanations and settings are well thought out. The main characters are well developed. The dialogue and writing style are excellent. There are three books in this series. I look forward to reading Book 2.
This review is on Sleepers, The Blue Planets World, Book 1 by Darcy Pattison. This is the first book I have read by this Sci-Fi author. It is a Sci-Fi Speculative YA suspense story good for any age level.
The story opens up with a Great White shark swimming in the Gulf of Mexico Ocean off the Alabama coast when a young teenager named Jake Ross decides to enter the water and swim with the shark. Normally, this would be a foolish endeavor, but this boy is only fifty percent human. Jake can breathe underwater and even communicate with the shark to prevent becoming the shark’s next meal.
Jake is from another planet called Rison, which is a water filled world located 25,000 light-years from Earth. Unfortunately, Rison is in serious trouble. All inhabitants must leave the planet or die. Jake’s mother is a diplomat sent to Earth to negotiate with our politicians to get permission to allow her people to settle on Earth; primarily in the oceans. So far the negotiations have not been fruitful.
Jake is a hybrid with a Rison mother and a human father. He must keep his true nature a secret from his friends while attending high school and try to pass as a normal human living on Earth with his father’s grandparents on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Washington. People are looking for him and his mother. Jake uncovers a secret that could derail peaceful negotiations.
Time is running out on Rison’s planet. The planet’s core will explode and be torn apart by internal forces very soon. It is critical for the people on Rison to be permitted to leave and settle on Earth or elsewhere if they can find another planet. A militant group on Earth tries to prevent this from occurring and sabotages the negotiations to the point where the lives of Jake and his parents are now at risk.
I give this book Five Stars because the premise of the story is suspenseful, interesting and totally believable. The main plot line moves at a fast pace with appropriate antidiscrimination messages. The scientific explanations and settings are well thought out. The main characters are well developed. The dialogue and writing style are excellent. There are three books in this series. I look forward to reading Book 2.
July 13, 2017
Truly science fiction, Darcy Pattison offers her readers an entertaining education on volcanology, astronomy, and anatomy. The idea of a person with both gills and lungs is fascinating. Mysteries and suspense abound. Why does Blevins hate the Risonians? Why are seals dying in Puget Sound? Are there other Risonians already on earth—Sleepers? Will brown matter destroy earth in the same way that it destroyed Rison? Will Jake and his biological father be able to stop the saboteurs?
The story is complex. Yes, the villains do evil things, but as Jake investigates them, he learns more of their history, which allows the reader to sympathize with Blevins and Hill. Throw in a little romance for a YA novel, and you have the perfect mix for a great story.
The moral ambivalence regarding Jake’s mom’s relationships with Blake Rose on earth and Swann Quad-de on Rison bothered me, though. Swann could easily have been Jake’s uncle or grandfather instead of his stepfather.
(Required note: I was given an early copy of Sleepers for an honest review.)
The story is complex. Yes, the villains do evil things, but as Jake investigates them, he learns more of their history, which allows the reader to sympathize with Blevins and Hill. Throw in a little romance for a YA novel, and you have the perfect mix for a great story.
The moral ambivalence regarding Jake’s mom’s relationships with Blake Rose on earth and Swann Quad-de on Rison bothered me, though. Swann could easily have been Jake’s uncle or grandfather instead of his stepfather.
(Required note: I was given an early copy of Sleepers for an honest review.)
July 7, 2017
The 14-year-old protagonist Jake Rose is a half-human, half-alien. After living with his mother on planet Rison for most of his life, Jake is sent to his father and in this first book of the series, he comes to live with his human grandparents on Earth. Rison is facing annihilation as a result of wrong scientific decisions and his mother, the Risonian ambassador to Earth, is tasked with the near impossible job of persuading the people of Earth to share their planet—or at least their seas—with the Risonians.
As any child who has had to move away from all that he’s ever known, we see Jake adapting to life in a new place, living with people he hardly knows, making friends with a girl, trying to blend in and also facing prejudice and ignorance.
Pattison does a great job of making the reader root for the protagonist. Using skills he learnt as a child, Jake has to find a way to safeguard his mother, himself and the Risonians’ chances of finding refuge on Earth.
Sleepers is fast paced and Pattison focuses the reader’s attention on human relationships. Therefore, as all 14-year-olds, Jake comes to terms with his growing affection for a girl, his need to make human friends, as well as his fierce pride in his Risonian heritage, which he needs to hide. Pattison also presents us with a boy’s homesickness for a planet and way of life he might never experience again.
Young readers should enjoy this book, especially if they enjoy Science Fiction. I received a free copy of the book, but don't think this affected my review.
As any child who has had to move away from all that he’s ever known, we see Jake adapting to life in a new place, living with people he hardly knows, making friends with a girl, trying to blend in and also facing prejudice and ignorance.
Pattison does a great job of making the reader root for the protagonist. Using skills he learnt as a child, Jake has to find a way to safeguard his mother, himself and the Risonians’ chances of finding refuge on Earth.
Sleepers is fast paced and Pattison focuses the reader’s attention on human relationships. Therefore, as all 14-year-olds, Jake comes to terms with his growing affection for a girl, his need to make human friends, as well as his fierce pride in his Risonian heritage, which he needs to hide. Pattison also presents us with a boy’s homesickness for a planet and way of life he might never experience again.
Young readers should enjoy this book, especially if they enjoy Science Fiction. I received a free copy of the book, but don't think this affected my review.
October 3, 2017
Half alien and half human boy Jake comes to Earth to live because his planet is facing catastrophe.
I had fun reading this interesting story about mer-people from space. It definitely made me think about what could happen if Earth was faced with aliens who wanted to move here.
There were a couple of things that bothered me with this story. 1) The term "velcro-legs" was overused. I got it the first time. I didn't need to read it over and over. 2) I really didn't understand why Jake was kept in the dark about what was going on by his family. Especially since his fellow aliens were completely aware. Too much of what he experienced was left on his shoulders to deal with.
Aside from that, I enjoyed reading this story and would like to read more. This voluntary review is of an ARC version of this book.
I had fun reading this interesting story about mer-people from space. It definitely made me think about what could happen if Earth was faced with aliens who wanted to move here.
There were a couple of things that bothered me with this story. 1) The term "velcro-legs" was overused. I got it the first time. I didn't need to read it over and over. 2) I really didn't understand why Jake was kept in the dark about what was going on by his family. Especially since his fellow aliens were completely aware. Too much of what he experienced was left on his shoulders to deal with.
Aside from that, I enjoyed reading this story and would like to read more. This voluntary review is of an ARC version of this book.
February 26, 2021
A suprisingly well written, lighthearted book about human and alien interactions. When a hybrid raised on an alien ocean world is evacuated to Earth he faces the same problems almost all refugees face, prejudice, suspicion, kindness, fear, fanatics, paparazzi, culture shock, and conforming. The fact that his mother is an alien diplomat and his father military allows him a view of both the good and bad sides humanity has to offer.
As he learns more about Earth and his human heritage, he also unravels several threats to both worlds.
Reminiscent of series Animorphs and the movie District 9, I can’t wait to read the next novel in the series.
I like my books darker, this the 4/5, but this was a refreshing change of pace.
As he learns more about Earth and his human heritage, he also unravels several threats to both worlds.
Reminiscent of series Animorphs and the movie District 9, I can’t wait to read the next novel in the series.
I like my books darker, this the 4/5, but this was a refreshing change of pace.
March 28, 2020
It got my attention right away with the main character talking to sharks. The plot develops from there to explain why he can do that and what it means for his family. I don't want to give away surprises in the story and to say more might. However, the story is interesting and takes place in the area where I live, so that makes what is happening more important to me.
It sparked my imagination and I intend to read the other two books in the series.
It sparked my imagination and I intend to read the other two books in the series.
December 23, 2020
Great story!
Although I am way older than the target audience, I really got caught up in this story! Perhaps because I am a retired middle grades teacher or perhaps just because the story line is that good. There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end to entice you to the next book but the problems faced in this book were completely settled. I will keep be reading the next book and think that after reading this story, you will want to as well.
Although I am way older than the target audience, I really got caught up in this story! Perhaps because I am a retired middle grades teacher or perhaps just because the story line is that good. There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end to entice you to the next book but the problems faced in this book were completely settled. I will keep be reading the next book and think that after reading this story, you will want to as well.
February 21, 2018
Sleepers
Just finished reading the first book in the Blue Planet series and could not put it down once I got started. The author keeps you totally engrossed right from the start. If you like action and science with a great story then this is a must to have.
Just finished reading the first book in the Blue Planet series and could not put it down once I got started. The author keeps you totally engrossed right from the start. If you like action and science with a great story then this is a must to have.
September 12, 2021
No Cuss Words
I really liked this book, teen romance here and there. Just the right amount. Jake's parents are soo cute together! But I wish there wasn't much talk on cursing or wanting to curse.
I really liked this book, teen romance here and there. Just the right amount. Jake's parents are soo cute together! But I wish there wasn't much talk on cursing or wanting to curse.
December 27, 2022
For a YA novel it was a fun read. As always an A+ concept with a B- execution. I hope it does not fall into the dreaded love triangle troupe in the next book. But it did hook me enough to read the next book.
Read
May 24, 2021Think before. You deside
I enjoyed this storyline and the cariturs, it was like a mystery, with thinking and doing a lesson that MIT happy in ower life time
I enjoyed this storyline and the cariturs, it was like a mystery, with thinking and doing a lesson that MIT happy in ower life time
July 25, 2024
Excellent Middle Grade Sci-Fi for people who kinda liked Ruby Gillman Teenage Kraken, but wish it had more aliens and scary gym teachers. Also, it's the first in a TRILOGY?!!!
February 13, 2020
A fine Sci-fi tale – speculating about alien sleeper cells….
Darcy Pattison is an Arkansas children's book author and writing teacher. In 1999, she created the Novel Revision Retreat, which she now teaches across the nation. As a children's book author her books have been translated into ten languages, and have been recognized for excellence by starred reviews, Book of the Year awards, state award lists and more. She is the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor's Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children's literature. SLEEPERS is Book 1 of her Blue Planets World series, and while it is designated for youngsters ages 9 – 12, the story reads as fine science fiction that should satisfy most everyone.
Darcy introduces the fascinating concept of alien sleeper cells on planet Earth and in doing so opens a window for not only entertainment, but also for cogitation about – possibilities!
A taste of the quality of her writing follows, the opening of her story – ‘The Great White shark moved silently through the surf, propelled by short sweeps of its crescent tail. It had no conscious thought for what it was doing so close to shore. It just hunted. The water shone brilliantly under the Milky Way, and its myriads of stars reflected on the face of the gentle ocean swells. A lone figure emerged from a dark beach house, trotted down the weathered boards across the dunes to the beach, scuffed through the soft sand and slowed to walk straight to the water’s edge. Wet sand under his feet now, Jake Rose threw a darting glare over his shoulders, and then turned to stare out to sea. He took a deep breath, letting the salty air fill his lungs, and suddenly the longing was overwhelming. I will go skinny dipping tonight. Defiant, Jake removed his shirt, flip-flops, and swim trunks, tossing them beside a piece of driftwood. He splashed into the warm August surf until he was immersed chest-deep, and he scooped water to splash over his shoulders, his face, and his hair.'
This initial episode in her series is summarized as follows – ‘A test-tube baby, Jake Rose is half human and half alien; he has both lungs and gills. He's comfortable breathing air—or water. He’s been raised on the “other blue planet,” Rison. However, in a horrifying science-gone-wrong scenario, Rison will soon implode. Jake evacuates to Earth to live with his human father’s parents on Bainbridge Island in Puget Sound. His mother, Dayexi Quad-de is Rison’s ambassador to Earth. She’s tasked with finding Risonians a new home in Earth's oceans in a peaceful manner. Jake accidentally discovers that Earth’s elite ELLIS forces are trying to sabotage Mt. Rainier. They plan to force Mt. Rainier to erupt…and then blame it on the Risonian aliens. Working to thwart them, Jake suddenly realizes his mother—the ambassador—is missing. Kidnapped!’
Exciting story told in a most satisfying manner, this is a fine beginning for the Blue Planets World. Jump on!
Darcy Pattison is an Arkansas children's book author and writing teacher. In 1999, she created the Novel Revision Retreat, which she now teaches across the nation. As a children's book author her books have been translated into ten languages, and have been recognized for excellence by starred reviews, Book of the Year awards, state award lists and more. She is the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor's Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children's literature. SLEEPERS is Book 1 of her Blue Planets World series, and while it is designated for youngsters ages 9 – 12, the story reads as fine science fiction that should satisfy most everyone.
Darcy introduces the fascinating concept of alien sleeper cells on planet Earth and in doing so opens a window for not only entertainment, but also for cogitation about – possibilities!
A taste of the quality of her writing follows, the opening of her story – ‘The Great White shark moved silently through the surf, propelled by short sweeps of its crescent tail. It had no conscious thought for what it was doing so close to shore. It just hunted. The water shone brilliantly under the Milky Way, and its myriads of stars reflected on the face of the gentle ocean swells. A lone figure emerged from a dark beach house, trotted down the weathered boards across the dunes to the beach, scuffed through the soft sand and slowed to walk straight to the water’s edge. Wet sand under his feet now, Jake Rose threw a darting glare over his shoulders, and then turned to stare out to sea. He took a deep breath, letting the salty air fill his lungs, and suddenly the longing was overwhelming. I will go skinny dipping tonight. Defiant, Jake removed his shirt, flip-flops, and swim trunks, tossing them beside a piece of driftwood. He splashed into the warm August surf until he was immersed chest-deep, and he scooped water to splash over his shoulders, his face, and his hair.'
This initial episode in her series is summarized as follows – ‘A test-tube baby, Jake Rose is half human and half alien; he has both lungs and gills. He's comfortable breathing air—or water. He’s been raised on the “other blue planet,” Rison. However, in a horrifying science-gone-wrong scenario, Rison will soon implode. Jake evacuates to Earth to live with his human father’s parents on Bainbridge Island in Puget Sound. His mother, Dayexi Quad-de is Rison’s ambassador to Earth. She’s tasked with finding Risonians a new home in Earth's oceans in a peaceful manner. Jake accidentally discovers that Earth’s elite ELLIS forces are trying to sabotage Mt. Rainier. They plan to force Mt. Rainier to erupt…and then blame it on the Risonian aliens. Working to thwart them, Jake suddenly realizes his mother—the ambassador—is missing. Kidnapped!’
Exciting story told in a most satisfying manner, this is a fine beginning for the Blue Planets World. Jump on!
June 2, 2020
full of on-the-nose, throat clearing, dull explaining everything.. no real pacing, no tempo change when action happens, so lame and gots to get a clue about how a great story is not enough, it has to be written well or people won't stay with it long.
I really wanted to like this. great premise...horrible execution.
And what is Mims house, is that a self-publishing "fake" publishing name... it's rare to find a self-published book that is actually from an author that i want to read. and this is no exception. If it is a real publishing house then STAT get the hell out of the business because this is drivel in my opinion. people don't like wasting their time, money etc. and this does all that.
I really wanted to like this. great premise...horrible execution.
And what is Mims house, is that a self-publishing "fake" publishing name... it's rare to find a self-published book that is actually from an author that i want to read. and this is no exception. If it is a real publishing house then STAT get the hell out of the business because this is drivel in my opinion. people don't like wasting their time, money etc. and this does all that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Currently reading
July 18, 2017Sleepers hooked me on the first page! Imagine a teenage boy, Jake, going for a night-time swim. Problem…a great white shark circling him. This isn’t the usual Jaws adventure, Jake is a shark-whisperer, literally! The two swim the night away in the Gulf of Mexico, and that’s just the first chapter.
Kids have no sense of time. When Jake returns home early the next morning, he doesn’t get an earful about curfew. It’s all about the swim. That’s because Jake is half-human, half alien, and no one can learn his identity. His home planet, Rison is ready to implode from volcanic forces, and they’re hoping to evacuate. Earth is their only option. Add into the plot, a revenge-seeking volcanologist, Rison-hating humans, and of course a cute girl. This is a great adventure story. I loved it so much I’m rereading it now.
For teacher/parents, this book is also a treasure-trove of nonfiction connections: volcanology, anatomy (Risons are able to live on both land and water), refugees vs the home population, World War II and the Japanese internment camp, and politicians/statesmen. Darcy explained the difference. But most of all, it’s a great story. That’s why I’m rereading it, and recommending it. Oh, I can’t wait for the next book in the series. There’s a mermaid in the mix…
Kids have no sense of time. When Jake returns home early the next morning, he doesn’t get an earful about curfew. It’s all about the swim. That’s because Jake is half-human, half alien, and no one can learn his identity. His home planet, Rison is ready to implode from volcanic forces, and they’re hoping to evacuate. Earth is their only option. Add into the plot, a revenge-seeking volcanologist, Rison-hating humans, and of course a cute girl. This is a great adventure story. I loved it so much I’m rereading it now.
For teacher/parents, this book is also a treasure-trove of nonfiction connections: volcanology, anatomy (Risons are able to live on both land and water), refugees vs the home population, World War II and the Japanese internment camp, and politicians/statesmen. Darcy explained the difference. But most of all, it’s a great story. That’s why I’m rereading it, and recommending it. Oh, I can’t wait for the next book in the series. There’s a mermaid in the mix…
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews