A rebellion in space pits one boy’s past against his future.
Lucas Adebayo grew up on a small mining ship in the asteroid belt, but wants to join the Navy and become the best pilot in the galaxy. The Navy has never accepted a Belter cadet before, but Lucas’s skills secure him a place on the training ship, the Orpheus.
Life in the Navy couldn’t be more different than life in the Belt, and Lucas struggles to find his place. As a Belter, he’s an outsider among his peers; as a Navy cadet, he doesn’t quite fit in at home anymore, either. Lucas is caught between the worlds of his past and his future when a Belter rebellion puts everyone’s lives at risk. Only he can lead the way to peace.
First sentence: If you get caught, I'm going to pretend I don't know who you are.
Premise/plot: Lucas Adebayo dreams of joining the Navy, but as a "belter kid"--someone who grew up on a mining ship--it seems unlikely, until it isn't. Given the opportunity to join the Orpheus as a cadet, he is thrilled at the opportunity. Even if his older sister (adopted), Tali, is strongly against it warning him that the Navy life isn't all that wonderful and that it will be all work with little reward.
And it does have its challenges. Sure he gets along (mostly) with his bunk mates, Elena and Rahul. But the other cadets don't exactly welcome him in. And the teachers don't know quite what to make of him. In some ways he's far advanced--than even fourth year students--but in others he's way behind from where he needs to be. Still, they see some potential.
But it won't be easy divorcing his old life from his new--and the Belters don't necessarily have high opinions of the Navy (calling them Muskrats) and vice versa. His new career--especially once he becomes a commander or a pilot (etc.) will have him at odds.
There is plenty of tension between the two...and as the jacket copy implies...when rebellion comes it may be up to Lucas to save the day (and save lives).
My thoughts: I liked this one. I loved, loved, loved Swiedler's In the Red. I didn't love this one. It was solidly good. I didn't dislike it. But I wasn't wowed like I was with In the Red.
I have no idea how this is 400 pages. I read an e-book of it, and so I never held the book in my hands. But it went by way too fast to be 400 pages.
I would recommend this one to young readers (upper elementary to middle school) who love science fiction.
Lucas is a Belter, which means his dreams of going to the Navy academy are just that, dreams. He's a lowly Belter, the Navy takes the kids who aren't from the fringes and have a more stable and traditional life in the center of the system. But suddenly the captain of the Navy's academy ship Orpheus contacts Lucas' dad and says they've heard what an excellent pilot Lucas is and want to offer him a spot. Wary of how the Navy treats Belters, Lucas' dad is reluctant, but gives into Lucas' begging. The academy is definitely tougher than Lucas ever thought it would be. There's a huge cultural and knowledge gap between Navy kids and Belters. Lucas is lightyears behind in some subjects, while lightyears ahead in others. In the middle of his training, the Orpheus is taken over by Belters who want to start a revolution. Can Lucas use his unique skill set and understanding of both cultures to bring about a peaceful solution, or is he going to get caught in the middle?
I like the way this makes readers think about social/cultural clashes, unrecognized privilege, and the value of people who can navigate multiple cultures to broker peaceful solutions. It's also a high action space academy/hostage situation adventure that is sure to keep readers turning pages. The situation is a little more serious than average for middle grade, making this feel more like a book that rides that line between middle grade and YA. Hand this to those upper middle grade/lower YA readers who love thrillers and space adventures.
Notes on content: 5-6 minor swears. No sexual content. There are some firefights that do result in injuries and one fatality that is a bit described. There's also a wrestling match that results in an arm dislocation.
It was a totally unbelievable plot but that didn't matter. Lucas, our 13 year old hero, was a totally likable character. And that made all the difference. I enjoyed it.
Walking with my youngest son, he asks the difference between olive jars and pickle jars. Then he abruptly asks what I thought happens when we don’t exist anymore (we don’t have to worry about olive jars or pickle jars?). Life as a kid can appear deceptively simple to adults and that’s why I’m always glad to find books like The Orpheus Plot, a book that isn’t afraid of complexity, but at the same time allows that complexity to coexist with an engaging story. This was a middle-grade science fiction book that was enjoyed both by my middle-grader and my much-older than middle-grader self.
The Orpheus Plot centers around two siblings, Lucas and Talia as they learn to navigate different worlds that seem to be united only in their insistence that they choose sides. Lucas and Talia are “Belters” (live in an asteroid belt) and are looked down upon by the Navy, whose cadets have previously only come from Earth or Mars. Fiercely independent, Belters live in tight quarters, their possessions reduced to the minimum because every extra kilogram costs them. The Navy meanwhile, is tasked with policing the mining activities of the Belters with immaculate and spacious ships.
Both Lucas and Talia wind up on the Orpheus, a Navy ship, as cadets. However, for reasons that Lucas is not privy to, Talia pretends that she does not know Lucas. And Lucas quickly starts to have suspicions about Talia’s actions and takes actions to try and figure out what she is up to.
I was instantly drawn in by the complex and realistic relationship between Lucas and Talia. Lucas finds himself missing his sister – “even when she’s right there.” At one point, Talia issues punishes Lucas for an infraction of the rules, but then after everyone else has gone, helps him out with completing the task assigned to him as punishment.
The plot is fast paced and reminded me a bit of the Maze Runner in that regard. There are also interesting, and often comical relationships with Lucas’ Orpheus mates, including Rahul a smart kid who suffers from astral vertigo and Elena, a strong girl who can handily finish off a competitor off in “low-g” judo and who is unable to tell a lie.
Lucas struggles in his attempts to fit in and to figure out what’s right. He makes mistakes and ultimately it’s his mistakes and the results of those mistakes that helps him realize that there shouldn’t be a need to choose sides - a message that is needed not just on the Orpheus, but down here on non-fiction Earth.
Swiedler writes engagingly, with a swift plot that reminded me a bit of the Maze Runner. And the book keeps the kids at the center of the plot. One of my favorite quotes from the is “We’re kids. That means they’re going to underestimate us.” I think everyone, myself included is guilty of this at times. It’s easy to do when you’re busy and life seems like an endless series of (unchecked) checklists. But it’s books like these that remind me that below the non-stop questions of kids is tethered a complex human being who is struggling in their own way to make sense of the world.
Even after conquering the challenges of space exploration, humans are likely to continue to experience the same interpersonal conflicts that have plagued them through all of time. Thirteen-year-old Lucas Adebayo is a Belter, having grown up in the Asteroid Belt and away from the comforts of gravity. His piloting skills are exceptional, and while he dreams of steering a ship as grand as the Orpheus, his options are limited because of his upbringing. When Lucas receives the unexpected offer to become a cadet in the Navy on the Orpheus, he cannot be more thrilled. That is, until he sets foot in his new home to realize just how different he is from his peers. Circumstances change quickly for Lucas, challenging him in myriad ways as he works to unite the two disparate worlds he is a part of in order to save them both.
Compellingly written, this story rewards engineering-minded young adult readers with a complex and engaging narrative placed in the depths of space. Relevant terminology peppers each scene, orienting readers to what life in zero gravity is like amidst more recognizable relationships among the characters. Riveting action sequences increase the intensity of the book as Lucas and his companions find themselves in perilous situations they would not encounter were they on Earth. Accompanying this is rich character development as Lucas exhibits wisdom beyond his years while navigating his burgeoning leadership skills and more adult feelings toward his crew mates.
Space is a dynamic setting for this coming-of-age story because it incorporates a plethora of elements that divide humanity. Fans of Ender’s Game and The Maze Runner will recognize similar intensities in this book, as well. Satisfying in its delivery, this book connects readers to a complex yet accessible narrative while resolving in an eloquent manner. The structure of the novel is well-designed for a newer young adult audience, but readers will often forget Lucas’ true age because of his composure and maturity. Young adult science fiction readers will appreciate the layers found in this dramatic story and will consider their own actions and behaviors alongside Lucas and his friends.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
The Orpheus Plot, by Christopher Swiedler, is a science fiction book that takes place far in the future when humans are a multi-planetary species. The book takes place in outer space and on large asteroids. The book is quite realistic and makes living in space and on other planets seem possible and plausible, and is very interesting in how the plot moves forward, so it truly keeps you guessing until the end. The most interesting part, for me at least, is the role technology plays in it.
The book takes place in the asteroid belt, where Cadet Lucas Abedayo gets invited to join the navy and excels in some classes while failing in others, and later he learns and figures out how to win capture the flag by taking the other team's flag, being the first one ever to do so. At night he goes outside the ship and finds a box attached to the hull, which he promptly loses. Then the Orpheus, which is the ship they were on, stops at a small asteroid where Lucas is given a computer chip, and is told it has virtual reality software on it. He then goes on a mission to repair a radar station, and gets abandoned by two people on his team. He then needs a place to stop, and gets stuck in an airlock. After venting air from his suit to get out, he returns to the ship, and tests the computer chip, which has a virus. It reconnects the computer it was on to the ship's internet and then his friend destroys the computer. He gives the chip to his sister, who plugs it into the ship, allowing a mining ship to enter and take over. Through gaining people's trust, Lucas frees everyone and is awarded a medal of honor.
Lucas is an ambitious boy from the mining colonies on the asteroid belt. He wishes to become the best pilot in the navy, and tries hard to achieve his goal. He is very smart, having had to do complex math equations in order to fly. He also knows how to fix the spaceships, and he comes up with physics based answers to problems. He also has two friends from earth. His first friend is Elena, who learns fast and is strong from growing up with earth gravity. She is part of a group called the Truth-sayer Commune, meaning she has never told a lie in her life. She knows judo, and uses it several times, like when the group needs to shut off a computer, so she flings it at a wall. The second friend is Rahul, who is strong from earth gravity, and has an AI implanted in his eye. He gets motion sick easily, but does well in school, as well as being able to read computer files. He is rather matter-of-fact, and is also stubborn. Lucas also has a sister named Tali, who is secretive and tries to protect Lucas, but gets him in trouble as well. She is cunning, being able to hide things very well, and lies to get out of a debt she has.
The plot flows from the beginning, where Lucas gets inside a navy ship, but then gets allowed to fly it around. The next day he is invited to be a navy cadet, and goes to the Orpheus, which is a navy training ship. He then goes on a spacewalk one night with his friends and finds a small magnetic box, but then the rocket accelerates and he loses the box. Then, Lucas plays capture the flag, where he captures the other team's flag. Later he gets to watch a group going on a scouting mission, where a mining ship hides from them and creates holographic clones, which Lucas helps to find the real one by using logic. Then they stop at a large asteroid, where Lucas and his friends get an antenna repair mission with three other people. After repairing the antenna, two people abandon the rest of the group, leaving them to walk back. They need to stop, though, and trap themselves inside an old airlock. Lucas decides they should vent the air from their oxygen tanks, and they do, and make it back to the spaceship. While on the asteroid, however, Lucas was given a computer chip, which he is told has VR simulations on it, But when his friend plugs it into a computer, it has a virus. They destroy the computer, and Lucas gives the chip to his sister, who plugs it into the ship because she was being blackmailed, and people invade. Lucas and his friends defeat them, and then Lucas earns a badge, and becomes a junior officer.
In all, I think it was a good book, with many twists, and many secrets that keep you reading until the end. It was an interesting read, and very realistic for most of it. There are some parts that are not realistic, but that is a very small portion. I think that if you like any action books, want to get new ideas, or like science fiction, you will like this book. So if you're looking for your next good read, this book is right for you. Also, the Technology is layered into the book in such a way that it seems as if that is what will happen when we, as humans, advance.
Fun, exciting, and high-energy. Lucas Adebayo dreams of being a cadet in the navy, but growing up on the asteroid belt makes him an unlikely candidate from both sides, seeing there has never been a navy cadet from the belt, and "belters" don't tend to look too kindly at the navy. But his problems don't end at being accepted as the first belter cadet, and he has to do all he can to prove himself worthy while questioning his decisions and abilities as war between the belters and the navy brews out in space. Age appropriate while being fun for older readers as well. I liked this one a lot.
This was an exciting, well paced novel that will keep kids wanting to continue reading. I think it is a book that teens and tweens will enjoy. In this book, the kids are the heroes and they save the adults. It’s a fun, action packed novel that also has some good messages. There are lessons about being yourself, being truthful, being brave, trust, and forgiveness.
I liked this book and I would recommend it to others.
Thank you Net Galley and HarperCollins Children’s Books-HarperCollins for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Lucas has grown up in space -- specifically living and working on his father’s mining ship in the asteroid belt. He’s a “belter” and he desperately wants to follow his sister into the Navy. Can Belters and Navy cadets co-exist? And what is his sister so secretive about? When tensions rise between the Belters and the Navy (who work for those back on Earth), which side will Lucas take?
I read the entire book in a single day, really enjoyed the story. The build up to the big event is exciting and the resolution was fun to read. The MC isn't perfect, but always tries to do what's right. Great book.
Lucas joined the Navy to become a pilot but now he and his fellow cadets are in a fight for their very lives. Action and adventure, danger and intrigue. The plot is fast-paced and quite intense. The characters are well written.
Like a Heinlein Juvenile, there is a boy protagonist, the friends he’s making in military school, ethical issues for the boy to ponder, and lots of action. The plot moves along briskly. It’s not bad story and it’s not great. Four stars as a kids’ book; three, adults.
The Orpheus Plot is a solid next read for any middle grade and young adult reader that enjoys imagining humanity's space-faring future - especially if those books don't include romantic elements or a whole lot of cursing.
Slightly reminiscent of both Ender's Game and Nyxia, and the adult science-fiction show, The Expanse (based on an adult book series), The Orpheus Plot features classic sci-fi themes that are approachable to young readers.
It was a totally unbelievable plot but that didn't matter. Lucas, our 13 year old hero, was a totally likable character. And that made all the difference. I enjoyed it.
The best part about this book is I can offer it as a great introduction to hard science fiction to my 10 year-old. It is a well crafted YA mashup of The Expanse and Ender’s Game. However, this author doesn’t shy away from difficult topics and tough decisions for young adults. The main characters are three dimensional, each having unique backstories and flaws, and showing growth through the book. The main character is challenged to overcome bullying, stereotypes, past hurts/insults/betrayals, personal failures, near-death situations, and all-out war and yet does not resort to violence as an easy win. I hope this is the start of a series, there is so much left to explore!