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The Icarus Chronicles #2
Homebound
Beloved and bestselling author John David Anderson returns with the conclusion to the sci-fi coming-of-age tale that began in Stowaway.
Leo Fender is no stranger to catastrophe, whether it's the intergalactic war that took his mother's life or the ongoing fight for his own. He's seen his planet plundered, his ship attacked, his father kidnapped, and his brother go missing--and found himself stranded on a ship with a bunch of mercenary space pirates.
Still, nothing could have prepared him for the moment he and the crew tried to save his father...and discovered a dark plot that could destroy hundreds of worlds in the blink of an eye.
Now Leo is adrift. His father has sent him on a mission with nothing but a data chip and a name of someone who could help, and Captain Bastian Black and the crew of the Icarus are determined to see this through to the end with Leo, to fulfill his father's wish and prevent further conflict.
But as Leo searches for answers, he can't help but wonder what it would take to end the war, to track down his father and brother and return to whatever home they have left--and if the cost of doing so is one he would be able to pay.
Leo Fender is no stranger to catastrophe, whether it's the intergalactic war that took his mother's life or the ongoing fight for his own. He's seen his planet plundered, his ship attacked, his father kidnapped, and his brother go missing--and found himself stranded on a ship with a bunch of mercenary space pirates.
Still, nothing could have prepared him for the moment he and the crew tried to save his father...and discovered a dark plot that could destroy hundreds of worlds in the blink of an eye.
Now Leo is adrift. His father has sent him on a mission with nothing but a data chip and a name of someone who could help, and Captain Bastian Black and the crew of the Icarus are determined to see this through to the end with Leo, to fulfill his father's wish and prevent further conflict.
But as Leo searches for answers, he can't help but wonder what it would take to end the war, to track down his father and brother and return to whatever home they have left--and if the cost of doing so is one he would be able to pay.
390 pages, Hardcover
First published August 23, 2022
25 people are currently reading
1877 people want to read
About the author
John David Anderson
21 books623 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John David Anderson once hit himself so hard on a dare by his sister that he literally knocked himself out of a chair and nearly blacked out. He has since translated this passion and singularity of purpose to the related arts of novel writing and pizza eating. The author of STANDARD HERO BEHAVIOR, SIDEKICKED, MINION, THE DUNGEONEERS and the soon-to-land MS. BIXBY's LAST DAY, Anderson is a firm believer in wearing the same pair of jeans for three days in a row (four in the winter) and the power of writing to solve 73% of the world's problems. He lives with his beautiful wife and twins in Indianapolis, Indiana.
John David Anderson once hit himself so hard on a dare by his sister that he literally knocked himself out of a chair and nearly blacked out. He has since translated this passion and singularity of purpose to the related arts of novel writing and pizza eating. The author of STANDARD HERO BEHAVIOR, SIDEKICKED, MINION, THE DUNGEONEERS and the soon-to-land MS. BIXBY's LAST DAY, Anderson is a firm believer in wearing the same pair of jeans for three days in a row (four in the winter) and the power of writing to solve 73% of the world's problems. He lives with his beautiful wife and twins in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 23, 2025
I think there are WAY too many flash backs, but aside from that, it’s good!
September 7, 2023
Had to chuckle at the blurb that said this is "The Mandelorian meets Guardians of the Galaxy," though the general idea of alien sidekicks, nostalgia-pop-culture-focused heroes, and strong female characters good with sidearms is definitely here. Myself, I was getting more Star Wars Rebels. Anderson makes a nice balance of the saving our family vs saving the Earth/galaxy plotlines. His use of flashbacks is consistent enough that this qualifies for parallel plotlines. There does seem to be a disconnect in the timeline. The attack on Earth is only a few years in the past (and even the arrival of the Aykari is within Leo's young lifetime), so I feel like Baz's backstory (airplane pilot turned Coalition starfighter turned pirate with a bounty on his head) seems very compressed--though maybe the fact that he can only have been pirating for maybe 4-5 years at the most may explain why he's actually a "terrible" pirate. I know a lot can happen in terms of team-building over a short time--just for comparison with some other timelines in the genre: the two seasons of Andor take place over 4-5 years--similarly, looking at the Firefly/Serenity timeline, the series takes place only six years after the Battle of Serenity. In contrast, Han Solo partners with Chewbacca, makes the record-breaking Kessel Run, and wins the Millennium Falcon about 10 years before episode 1.
August 27, 2024
Fun to find out what happened, but this book was slower than the first one. Too many flashbacks.
October 23, 2022
What worked:
This book is a sequel to “Stowaway” but it can still be enjoyed without reading the first book. Leo’s father has instructed his son and a pirate crew to deliver a data chip to a man on another planet and that quest is the focus of the plot. The captain has no problem stealing from others but it turns out he has feelings and a conscience. He promises to help Leo deliver the chip and he proves true to his word. The main conflicts are trying to find the man to deliver the package and avoiding the threat of aliens searching for it. The chip holds the key to preventing entire planets from being annihilated and saving the billions of inhabitants living on them.
The book touches on several issues related to “real life”. The heart of the problem involves the mining of a newly-discovered source of power that pits two alien species in war with humans and other species caught in the middle. The aliens think collecting ore is the most important thing and any loss of life and destruction of planets are acceptable consequences. The question of maintaining a balance between technology and nature is vital as nature is callously destroyed. Similarities to oil dependency can’t be ignored. Humans are viewed as violent creatures as evidenced by our history of wars and conflicts between races. We’ve even enslaved our own species so the hypocrisy of humans judging other species is shared.
The complexities within characters and their relations with others are fondly developed in the story. As mentioned, the captain is a “ruthless” pirate who displays contrasting actions as he helps others. Leo deeply misses his father and brother and he cherishes the memories of his deceased mother. Robots are programmed to express personalities and emotions and two of them actually become close enough to exchange algorithms. An apathetic alien is forced to reconsider his position in the war before he becomes an ally to the main characters. The human race must reexamine friends and foes to make sense of the universe. Relationships aren’t black and white, but shades of grey.
What didn’t work as well:
The middle of the plot moves slowly so that may turn off some readers. Flashbacks to life on Earth before the arrival of aliens are detours from the plot but help to develop Leo’s character and provide a contrast to life in space. The story builds to a dramatic, exciting climax that will please readers.
The Final Verdict:
The author imaginatively creates a conflict throughout the universe and effectively develops engaging characters. He slowly builds the tension and suspense until an inevitable showdown to save Earth. I recommend you give this book a shot.
This book is a sequel to “Stowaway” but it can still be enjoyed without reading the first book. Leo’s father has instructed his son and a pirate crew to deliver a data chip to a man on another planet and that quest is the focus of the plot. The captain has no problem stealing from others but it turns out he has feelings and a conscience. He promises to help Leo deliver the chip and he proves true to his word. The main conflicts are trying to find the man to deliver the package and avoiding the threat of aliens searching for it. The chip holds the key to preventing entire planets from being annihilated and saving the billions of inhabitants living on them.
The book touches on several issues related to “real life”. The heart of the problem involves the mining of a newly-discovered source of power that pits two alien species in war with humans and other species caught in the middle. The aliens think collecting ore is the most important thing and any loss of life and destruction of planets are acceptable consequences. The question of maintaining a balance between technology and nature is vital as nature is callously destroyed. Similarities to oil dependency can’t be ignored. Humans are viewed as violent creatures as evidenced by our history of wars and conflicts between races. We’ve even enslaved our own species so the hypocrisy of humans judging other species is shared.
The complexities within characters and their relations with others are fondly developed in the story. As mentioned, the captain is a “ruthless” pirate who displays contrasting actions as he helps others. Leo deeply misses his father and brother and he cherishes the memories of his deceased mother. Robots are programmed to express personalities and emotions and two of them actually become close enough to exchange algorithms. An apathetic alien is forced to reconsider his position in the war before he becomes an ally to the main characters. The human race must reexamine friends and foes to make sense of the universe. Relationships aren’t black and white, but shades of grey.
What didn’t work as well:
The middle of the plot moves slowly so that may turn off some readers. Flashbacks to life on Earth before the arrival of aliens are detours from the plot but help to develop Leo’s character and provide a contrast to life in space. The story builds to a dramatic, exciting climax that will please readers.
The Final Verdict:
The author imaginatively creates a conflict throughout the universe and effectively develops engaging characters. He slowly builds the tension and suspense until an inevitable showdown to save Earth. I recommend you give this book a shot.
October 31, 2022
Leo and the crew of the Icarus are on a very unlikely mission for a ship of pirates. They are in possession of a very important data chip that Leo's dad, Dr. Fender snuck into their care and they are in search of an alien named Zirkus Crayt who is supposed to be able to do something with the information on it. That data chip may be the only hope for the Earth and many other planets caught in the war over EL-486. As the Djarik and Aykari figure out how to weaponize the element that enables space travel, Leo, Bastian Black, Kat, Boo, and Skits are scrambling to find a way to disable the weapon before it is used. As we follow our adventurers across the galaxy, we also get flashbacks of Leo's life on Earth before his father moved him and his brother into space, and learn why he is so determined to save his home planet.
This was a very satisfying conclusion to this duology. It has a great balance of action, world building, and character development. Anderson really makes this futuristic world with space travel and a variety of aliens come to life for readers, and makes you care about the characters so that the climax is quite edge-of-the-seat as you wait to find out what happens to each of them. Because this is very much life or death for a whole planet (plus others) there isn't as much humor as in the first book, but that is fitting given their situation. I'm kind of sad this series is over, but those who like their series short will rejoice. Highly recommended to those who enjoy space romps with wonky crews, races to save the Earth, and futuristic worlds.
Notes on content: 3 minor swears that I remember. No sexual content beyond robots holding grippers. One character readers care about does die in the final climax (off page). There is a war going on so deaths are briefly mentioned but no gory details. Dangerous situations due to over-mining of planets comes up several times. There are injuries in battles, but the worst on page happen to robots. Wounds of aliens and humans are not described much.
This was a very satisfying conclusion to this duology. It has a great balance of action, world building, and character development. Anderson really makes this futuristic world with space travel and a variety of aliens come to life for readers, and makes you care about the characters so that the climax is quite edge-of-the-seat as you wait to find out what happens to each of them. Because this is very much life or death for a whole planet (plus others) there isn't as much humor as in the first book, but that is fitting given their situation. I'm kind of sad this series is over, but those who like their series short will rejoice. Highly recommended to those who enjoy space romps with wonky crews, races to save the Earth, and futuristic worlds.
Notes on content: 3 minor swears that I remember. No sexual content beyond robots holding grippers. One character readers care about does die in the final climax (off page). There is a war going on so deaths are briefly mentioned but no gory details. Dangerous situations due to over-mining of planets comes up several times. There are injuries in battles, but the worst on page happen to robots. Wounds of aliens and humans are not described much.
April 23, 2023
[Spoilers]
3.6 gyurts.
Where I liked the first one, this one seemed to exacerbate all the problems I had with it - pacing and tone.
The story itself is neat and tidy; it hits all the highs and lows and the tides recede before the waves hit, and on that point, I enjoyed the story. It was more of a device for the book to tell the tale of the characters than anything, but it was a very well-made device.
Pacing-wise, this book continues delving into Leo's past - while some people may enjoy it, and the author certainly has a way of putting them in and having them (mostly) relevant, after the first quarter or so of the book it begun to really, really grate.
We already knew everything relevant about Leo's past, and after a point, it felt like flashbacks for the sake of flashbacks, a lot of them linking up to the present in clunky ways. It didn't feel necessary, and really killed the pacing at certain points.
As far as the characters go, the direction they went in makes sense but that doesn't mean I like it. There was something hollow about it at all.
Though that ties back into the fact that I wasn't a big fan of the tone in this book - as someone who reads a lot of books set in this age range, I felt this book could have been better with less of a focus on... I'm not sure what the word is, but it felt really negative in a lot of places. I know the book is meant to come off as optimistic, or at least hopeful while creating parallels to today's Earth, but it just doesn't work for me.
Still a good book though! :3 I liked the first one more, but this was a near and tidy ending.
3.6 gyurts.
Where I liked the first one, this one seemed to exacerbate all the problems I had with it - pacing and tone.
The story itself is neat and tidy; it hits all the highs and lows and the tides recede before the waves hit, and on that point, I enjoyed the story. It was more of a device for the book to tell the tale of the characters than anything, but it was a very well-made device.
Pacing-wise, this book continues delving into Leo's past - while some people may enjoy it, and the author certainly has a way of putting them in and having them (mostly) relevant, after the first quarter or so of the book it begun to really, really grate.
We already knew everything relevant about Leo's past, and after a point, it felt like flashbacks for the sake of flashbacks, a lot of them linking up to the present in clunky ways. It didn't feel necessary, and really killed the pacing at certain points.
As far as the characters go, the direction they went in makes sense but that doesn't mean I like it. There was something hollow about it at all.
Though that ties back into the fact that I wasn't a big fan of the tone in this book - as someone who reads a lot of books set in this age range, I felt this book could have been better with less of a focus on... I'm not sure what the word is, but it felt really negative in a lot of places. I know the book is meant to come off as optimistic, or at least hopeful while creating parallels to today's Earth, but it just doesn't work for me.
Still a good book though! :3 I liked the first one more, but this was a near and tidy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 17, 2022I had really loved Stowaway, but this second one (the conclusion of the series) didn't work so well for me.
The main character is Leo, a 12 year old boy. His father is one of the most important scientists on Earth. Aliens arrive and invite Earth into the "Coalition" of good guy planets. But through Stowaway and this one, we learn things aren't so black and white. The family gets separated, and most of this book was about Leo (traveling with space pirates) trying to find his father and brother.
In this book, the author did something that often works for me but this time didn't: Half of this second story took place in the past, before the first book started. Sections alternated between the past scenes and the plot moving forward. For me, it really slowed down the story's momentum and eventually I just started skipping the sections set in the past.
I liked the first book so much, I wish this second one hadn't been such a slog for me. I considered DNFing it multiple times, but instead just pushed through hoping it would improve. Sadly it never did.
This author is so hit-and-miss for me. I loved Stowaway and another book (The Dungeoneers) from this author so much, but others by him just didn't work at all for me.
The main character is Leo, a 12 year old boy. His father is one of the most important scientists on Earth. Aliens arrive and invite Earth into the "Coalition" of good guy planets. But through Stowaway and this one, we learn things aren't so black and white. The family gets separated, and most of this book was about Leo (traveling with space pirates) trying to find his father and brother.
In this book, the author did something that often works for me but this time didn't: Half of this second story took place in the past, before the first book started. Sections alternated between the past scenes and the plot moving forward. For me, it really slowed down the story's momentum and eventually I just started skipping the sections set in the past.
I liked the first book so much, I wish this second one hadn't been such a slog for me. I considered DNFing it multiple times, but instead just pushed through hoping it would improve. Sadly it never did.
This author is so hit-and-miss for me. I loved Stowaway and another book (The Dungeoneers) from this author so much, but others by him just didn't work at all for me.
February 8, 2024
This felt like a strong ended to The Icarus Chronicles. I wish there was more!
This book felt even more fast-paced than the first—especially toward the end. While there weren't a lot of surprises, I enjoyed the thoughtfulness of the characters... going into their inner-thoughts and experiences.
The only gripe I had is that I'm not sure whether I preferred the POV storytelling... it was like everything was told by an invisible narrator who regularly took the liberty of explaining the characters feelings and logic behind them.
There were times when that felt a little forced to me, but I think it's a personal preference thing. I would still highly recommend this series to anyone—especially if you don't mind that 'invisible' POV.
A great achievement for John David Anderson! I will encourage my kids to read these next. Also, I think The Icarus Chronicle would make a great young persons' movie!
This book felt even more fast-paced than the first—especially toward the end. While there weren't a lot of surprises, I enjoyed the thoughtfulness of the characters... going into their inner-thoughts and experiences.
The only gripe I had is that I'm not sure whether I preferred the POV storytelling... it was like everything was told by an invisible narrator who regularly took the liberty of explaining the characters feelings and logic behind them.
There were times when that felt a little forced to me, but I think it's a personal preference thing. I would still highly recommend this series to anyone—especially if you don't mind that 'invisible' POV.
A great achievement for John David Anderson! I will encourage my kids to read these next. Also, I think The Icarus Chronicle would make a great young persons' movie!
April 20, 2024
I was going to rate this book 3.5, but I feel like the ending deserved a 4 star rating.
For most of the book I didn't like it as much as the first one. It felt more meandering and less focused, and also the pacing was a little all over the place. BUT I think the book's focus on relationships is its strong point. And us as the reader really grows to love the main characters. I think the book also contains a pretty powerful anti-war message.
So overall, this was a great duology. I would definitely recommend it, especially to those who like sci-fi.
For most of the book I didn't like it as much as the first one. It felt more meandering and less focused, and also the pacing was a little all over the place. BUT I think the book's focus on relationships is its strong point. And us as the reader really grows to love the main characters. I think the book also contains a pretty powerful anti-war message.
So overall, this was a great duology. I would definitely recommend it, especially to those who like sci-fi.
January 5, 2023
Brilliant, swashbuckling, action-packed adventure in space with excellent characters and some of the best pop culture references I've ever read in a MG book.
I don't want to give anything away, for either the first or the second in this series, but I will say I think the aliens are interesting, the alien worlds even more so, and the characters have depth in the first book and it gets even better in the second.
Highly recommended.
I don't want to give anything away, for either the first or the second in this series, but I will say I think the aliens are interesting, the alien worlds even more so, and the characters have depth in the first book and it gets even better in the second.
Highly recommended.
June 29, 2025
This one was interesting and I didn't like it as much as the first one. Considerations: there is a robot who is programmed to act like a teenager and "falls in love" with another robot. They "plug into each other" and exchange data. It was a bit weird and although you can tell it was written to be comic relief, it made me a little uncomfortable. I'm not sure your kiddos will feel the same but thought I would mention it.
Found in L4M OT Volume 47. (Also found in L4T Volume 3)
Found in L4M OT Volume 47. (Also found in L4T Volume 3)
February 28, 2023
Strong finisher. StarLord would be proud.
Was expecting this to pick up from where book 1 last left us (with Leo's brother, on what might've been a parallel journey with the Coalition navy) but alas, that would've shifted the story's focus in ways the author was *evidently* uninterested in exploring. Anyways this remains Leo's story, from Leo's perspective. Nothing changes that, and we're all the better for it!!! ^^
With Leo Fender we again explore new worlds, new dangers, new species, and new ways for droids to act... spectacularly shameless =)
The fate of our world, and indeed many worlds, lie in the balance - now more than ever! It's a good thing Leo and friends are on the case!!!
Was expecting this to pick up from where book 1 last left us (with Leo's brother, on what might've been a parallel journey with the Coalition navy) but alas, that would've shifted the story's focus in ways the author was *evidently* uninterested in exploring. Anyways this remains Leo's story, from Leo's perspective. Nothing changes that, and we're all the better for it!!! ^^
With Leo Fender we again explore new worlds, new dangers, new species, and new ways for droids to act... spectacularly shameless =)
The fate of our world, and indeed many worlds, lie in the balance - now more than ever! It's a good thing Leo and friends are on the case!!!
August 21, 2023
Mr Anderson, please fire your PR department.
I HAD NO IDEA THIS BOOK EXISTED UNTIL NEARLY A YEAR AFTER IT WAS PUBLISHED? CRUEL UNUSUAL PUNSHIMENT.
I was very glad to see Pirate Nannies back again for the last time. No, I didn't read it for the plot, but I think they did a great job regardless.
Humour and family love? Count me in.
I HAD NO IDEA THIS BOOK EXISTED UNTIL NEARLY A YEAR AFTER IT WAS PUBLISHED? CRUEL UNUSUAL PUNSHIMENT.
I was very glad to see Pirate Nannies back again for the last time. No, I didn't read it for the plot, but I think they did a great job regardless.
Humour and family love? Count me in.
December 14, 2023
A satisfying conclusion to Stowaway. Together this short series ranks as one of the best sci-fi series for teens and preteens. As with all of Anderson’s books, I feel absolutely no shame admitting my love for his work as an adult. Space pirates, a family pulls apart by an intergalactic war, and robot romance…this book has a bit for everyone.
May 1, 2024
it was very good. i read the first book for battle of the books and it wasn't as good as the second one. but it was because at the time i wasn't really interested in sci-fi or action books but this was really good. there was humor and good action scenes and i like the way the author describes the way Leo feels. this was a good read!
January 21, 2023
4.75/5 stars.
Homebound (and the previous book, Stowaway), master all that they set out to accomplish. From the space-themed world to an exploration of the importance of family, these stories weave everything together into a tapestry that makes for a captivating and intense read.
Homebound (and the previous book, Stowaway), master all that they set out to accomplish. From the space-themed world to an exploration of the importance of family, these stories weave everything together into a tapestry that makes for a captivating and intense read.
April 21, 2023
A wonderful and heartwarming continuation to Stowaway. It really builds on all the things I liked about the first book, like the world and characters, and makes it even better! I enjoyed my time following the adventures of the Icarus crew. :)
January 21, 2024
An exciting page-turner that teaches us that we should respect and honor our planet as the characters fight their way through the galaxies to save it. It's a great sequel that keeps the exciting pace of Stowaway. You will fall in love with these characters, human and otherwise.
March 8, 2024
More excitement, adventure, character growth, and complex issues--war, economic exploitation, interspecies relations, family, and meaning. Far more than a simple space adventure. Gripping and satisfying.
March 26, 2025
How important is one world in an entire galaxy? Earth isn't perfect, but Leo thinks it is worth saving. He doesn't know how, but maybe his father's coded message does. Things get pretty desperate, but Leo and the pirates cling to that very human quality, hope. Excellent conclusion.
October 31, 2022
Another great one
June 25, 2023
My daughter and I read this duo together. A really great set of stories. They are sci-fi with so much heart. I like that Leo wears his heart on his sleeve. Great adventure.
August 1, 2023
Great wrap up to this middle grades duology with space pirates.
My favorite character is the sassy robot with so much attitude for AI .
My favorite character is the sassy robot with so much attitude for AI .
February 13, 2024
Decent story. Language and jokes are for a more mature audience (teens)—I’m sure most of it went over my tweens’ heads, but definitely some words I wasn’t ready to expose them to.
May 2, 2024
A satisfying conclusion to the Icarus Chronicles! Leo Fender is still lost in space with a band of pirates trying desperately to find his father and brother and somehow make it back to Earth.
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January 3, 2025hard copy
February 6, 2025
STUNNING, i cried, i laughed, and most of all I learned to appreciate earth just fine. Hoping this book doesnt come true, but even if it does, I can't wait to meet the bastian black of this galaxy.
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September 17, 2025THE SEQUEL!!
June 29, 2025
This one was interesting and I didn't like it as much as the first one. Considerations: there is a robot who is programmed to act like a teenager and "falls in love" with another robot. They "plug into each other" and exchange data. It was a bit weird and although you can tell it was written to be comic relief, it made me a little uncomfortable. I'm not sure your kiddos will feel the same but thought I would mention it.
Found in L4M OT Volume 47. (Also found in L4T Volume 3)
Found in L4M OT Volume 47. (Also found in L4T Volume 3)
December 23, 2024
I really love this series it was one of my favorite books when l was younger although l was disappointed that Leo and his brother didn’t end up permanently joining the lcarus crew and becoming space pirates .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews