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A Spaceship Repair Girl Supposedly Named Rachel
One minute, Rachel is taking a break from babysitting. The next, she's escaping the Earth on a pedal-powered interplanetary bus. It could happen to anybody.
It could. Generally it doesn't, but it could. Because what Rachel soon learns is that Earth is infected with Math, which is why we look at our solar system and see freezing balls of ice, gas, and rock whirling lifelessly through a hostile void. Everyone else sees air pirates sailing the Seven Skies of Saturn, the endless exciting fight scenes of Mars, the sullen ghosts of Pluto, and much more.
"More" including the Lighthouse of Ceres, the waypoint for all travelers of the solar system. That's where Rachel ends up, and where she finds out her hobbies of sketching and storytelling make her a genius at repairing Math-free spaceships. She loves it, and no one makes her reveal she's from the quarantined, much-feared planet Earth.
Instead they make up their own ideas of who she is and where she's from. Very dangerous ideas...
It could. Generally it doesn't, but it could. Because what Rachel soon learns is that Earth is infected with Math, which is why we look at our solar system and see freezing balls of ice, gas, and rock whirling lifelessly through a hostile void. Everyone else sees air pirates sailing the Seven Skies of Saturn, the endless exciting fight scenes of Mars, the sullen ghosts of Pluto, and much more.
"More" including the Lighthouse of Ceres, the waypoint for all travelers of the solar system. That's where Rachel ends up, and where she finds out her hobbies of sketching and storytelling make her a genius at repairing Math-free spaceships. She loves it, and no one makes her reveal she's from the quarantined, much-feared planet Earth.
Instead they make up their own ideas of who she is and where she's from. Very dangerous ideas...
- GenresScience Fiction
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2022
55 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Richard Roberts
24 books419 followersI've been writing for a long, long time. A long, long, long time. Do you remember when dirt was invented? I was using it to scratch out stories. Getting published was harder, but now I'm hooked up with Curiosity Quills and I have real books in paper, and you should buy some!
As a writer my fascination has always been children's literature, especially children's lit that is also adult lit. For some reason, this means that instead I write gothic light romance for fun, and very dark and tragic young adult books for passion. I love seeing the world through the eyes of strange people, and I believe that happy endings must be earned the hard way. There's a reason my friends started calling me Frankensteinbeck.
I could talk about how great my writing is until I turn blue, but I should let an expert do that for me. Check out the Kirkus Review for Sweet Dreams Are Made Of Teeth!
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-rev...
As a writer my fascination has always been children's literature, especially children's lit that is also adult lit. For some reason, this means that instead I write gothic light romance for fun, and very dark and tragic young adult books for passion. I love seeing the world through the eyes of strange people, and I believe that happy endings must be earned the hard way. There's a reason my friends started calling me Frankensteinbeck.
I could talk about how great my writing is until I turn blue, but I should let an expert do that for me. Check out the Kirkus Review for Sweet Dreams Are Made Of Teeth!
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-rev...
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 20, 2024
Did not finish. Written as if it were a child’s picture book, but with descriptions instead of pictures.
December 7, 2022
I started off really liking this, but it kinda dragged on longer than I'd have liked. Interesting characters, somewhat interesting plot.
August 25, 2022
A spaceship repair girl supposedly named Rachel is a mouthful. What a title, lets shorten it to Srgsnr. Lets also forget all about rules, because that is what this book does pretty much right off the bat. Author Richard Roberts, who should be well known for his toying with an abstract type of science fiction from his other works, turns that dial all the way to 11 and then tells one of the most grounded stories I’ve ever read. While Srgsnr may seem to be zany and all about adventure or just random on the surface, deep down the underbelly is relatable, touching and at times heart wrenching. For this review spoilers will be avoided, but unfortunately that may make it a little hard to follow.
The book starts out with your typical introduction of the world, which is far and away the most zany. It is made clear right off that you should forget about rules or any sort of rhyme and reason. The fact that characters refer to Earth’s moon as “The moon” while Earth itself isn’t a planet they’re going to consider to be the center of the universe should just be shaken right off. Seriously, it’s just not important. What is important is self discovery, relationships and the freedom to grow. Story telling regardless of what the plot is always has an underlining message. If the author plans it, then it’s brilliant, if the author doesn’t than maybe it’s a mess. Srgsnr is very deeply seeded with these messages and it’s mostly about self discovery and relationships. What seems like Alice in Wonderland is actually a coming of age story an extremely familiar feeling one at that.
Relationships are going to be the biggest part of this story, with a underpinnings of romance sprinkler here and there without ever actually having to venture down that road. A lot like adolescence actually. Characters will mingle in ways that flirt with possibility, without crossing that bridge and do so in a very authentic way. This creates an interesting vacuum where you feel those sorts of things even though they don’t happen. You maybe wonder if a character who processes only interest in the gender that isn’t our main character maybe makes an exception, or if another character might have interest deeper than stated. The answer is never entirely obvious because this book is show and don’t tell. If a character says they are a certain way or not ends up ultimately not mattering because the bigger importance is what relationships, be they familial, platonic friendship or more, hinges on respecting each other for whom they are, and Roberts clearly steers us to these morals through out the story.
The show but don’t tell is done so brilliantly that it almost hurts. You know when someone is acting in a way incompatible with the main and that while that doesn’t disqualify a friendship, it shapes the future of the characters interactions and relationships. All of these moving parts fit together so well because when something or someone is right, the story shows it through how they behave and then contrast it with the rest of the moving parts. By the end the puzzle is complete with just a few lingering questions you might have for what lies in the future. Not that life ever ties off with a complete bow and that’s not a bad thing, but I do hope we have some spin off storylines about our favorite kobold.
While the start and the zaniness maybe a little off putting to some readers, I think this is still worth giving a honest go because the true tale is much more personal and something that everyone has probably experienced some way or another in their life. Richard Roberts has never written a book I didn’t enjoy and this, his latest is in my view, his best, and that’s saying something.
The book starts out with your typical introduction of the world, which is far and away the most zany. It is made clear right off that you should forget about rules or any sort of rhyme and reason. The fact that characters refer to Earth’s moon as “The moon” while Earth itself isn’t a planet they’re going to consider to be the center of the universe should just be shaken right off. Seriously, it’s just not important. What is important is self discovery, relationships and the freedom to grow. Story telling regardless of what the plot is always has an underlining message. If the author plans it, then it’s brilliant, if the author doesn’t than maybe it’s a mess. Srgsnr is very deeply seeded with these messages and it’s mostly about self discovery and relationships. What seems like Alice in Wonderland is actually a coming of age story an extremely familiar feeling one at that.
Relationships are going to be the biggest part of this story, with a underpinnings of romance sprinkler here and there without ever actually having to venture down that road. A lot like adolescence actually. Characters will mingle in ways that flirt with possibility, without crossing that bridge and do so in a very authentic way. This creates an interesting vacuum where you feel those sorts of things even though they don’t happen. You maybe wonder if a character who processes only interest in the gender that isn’t our main character maybe makes an exception, or if another character might have interest deeper than stated. The answer is never entirely obvious because this book is show and don’t tell. If a character says they are a certain way or not ends up ultimately not mattering because the bigger importance is what relationships, be they familial, platonic friendship or more, hinges on respecting each other for whom they are, and Roberts clearly steers us to these morals through out the story.
The show but don’t tell is done so brilliantly that it almost hurts. You know when someone is acting in a way incompatible with the main and that while that doesn’t disqualify a friendship, it shapes the future of the characters interactions and relationships. All of these moving parts fit together so well because when something or someone is right, the story shows it through how they behave and then contrast it with the rest of the moving parts. By the end the puzzle is complete with just a few lingering questions you might have for what lies in the future. Not that life ever ties off with a complete bow and that’s not a bad thing, but I do hope we have some spin off storylines about our favorite kobold.
While the start and the zaniness maybe a little off putting to some readers, I think this is still worth giving a honest go because the true tale is much more personal and something that everyone has probably experienced some way or another in their life. Richard Roberts has never written a book I didn’t enjoy and this, his latest is in my view, his best, and that’s saying something.
April 21, 2023
*full disclosure up front - I was only able to get 70% of the way through this book (and tried for two months to get back into it) before I decided it was not worth it*
This book reminds me of The Phantom Tollbooth in that it is a world striving to be different than that found on earth, filled with random details and unique people. This book follows the story of "Rachel" (a person who is sure of her name despite everyone else being skeptical) being thrown into an adventure in space. She discovers that she is good at repairing ships, so she takes to that as a job, spinning tales of her origin, hiding her Earth roots. She makes various friends, enemies, and acquaintances along the way as she explores and fights to keep out of the grasp of those pursuing her.
Pros of this story: it has some unique elements and characters. The tie between art and engineering is interesting.
Cons of this story: the pace is slow and some recurring details are unclear (The spaceship Rachel hitched a ride on had to hurry to leave earth before it was "infected with math."). Also, the friends, while initially interesting, are slow to be developed, or develop questionable traits. One such "friend" is the Saturnian pirate princess Violent Violet, who views Rachel as more of a plaything than a friend. Despite (or, perhaps, because of) their many adventures together, I am a bit uncertain of the author's portrayal of this relationship. Rachel seems annoyed, but overall enjoys the relationship, which seems to imply that controlling relationships are fine as long as you get a good story out of it. Also, Rachel only occasionally thinks about her family, but less like she cares and more like it is a disconnected fact she remembers.
There are also a few typos and redundant sentences. Not a ton, but just enough to reduce the reading quality. (E.g. "I tried and failed not to grimace. Not more of this. My grimace hiding failed." p.g. 196)
Because of the aforementioned, it was a strain to finish this book and I ended up giving up the endeavor when I was 70% through the book. If someone mentioned this book, I would suggest against it, but I would not go around proclaiming how bad it is. Perhaps someday I will go back to reading it, but I highly doubt it.
This book reminds me of The Phantom Tollbooth in that it is a world striving to be different than that found on earth, filled with random details and unique people. This book follows the story of "Rachel" (a person who is sure of her name despite everyone else being skeptical) being thrown into an adventure in space. She discovers that she is good at repairing ships, so she takes to that as a job, spinning tales of her origin, hiding her Earth roots. She makes various friends, enemies, and acquaintances along the way as she explores and fights to keep out of the grasp of those pursuing her.
Pros of this story: it has some unique elements and characters. The tie between art and engineering is interesting.
Cons of this story: the pace is slow and some recurring details are unclear (The spaceship Rachel hitched a ride on had to hurry to leave earth before it was "infected with math."). Also, the friends, while initially interesting, are slow to be developed, or develop questionable traits. One such "friend" is the Saturnian pirate princess Violent Violet, who views Rachel as more of a plaything than a friend. Despite (or, perhaps, because of) their many adventures together, I am a bit uncertain of the author's portrayal of this relationship. Rachel seems annoyed, but overall enjoys the relationship, which seems to imply that controlling relationships are fine as long as you get a good story out of it. Also, Rachel only occasionally thinks about her family, but less like she cares and more like it is a disconnected fact she remembers.
There are also a few typos and redundant sentences. Not a ton, but just enough to reduce the reading quality. (E.g. "I tried and failed not to grimace. Not more of this. My grimace hiding failed." p.g. 196)
Because of the aforementioned, it was a strain to finish this book and I ended up giving up the endeavor when I was 70% through the book. If someone mentioned this book, I would suggest against it, but I would not go around proclaiming how bad it is. Perhaps someday I will go back to reading it, but I highly doubt it.
March 14, 2023
I really don't know why this book got listed under the Richard Roberts it is, but this is clearly the author of the Please Don't Tell My Parents I'm a Supervillain series. It has the same young girl creative energy bubbling out of every pore into an utterly fascinating world where Earth is a quarantined planet infected by math and everyone else is living their best life doing crazy things in space. And somehow a girl named Rachel manages to escape The Math and goes on to become a repair girl of all the crazy cool space vehicles and visits many of the planets in our solar system. There are. Space pirates.
(There's also a bit in there for children who have been over-parentified into watching and being responsible for their younger siblings all the time.)
It's such a fun romp and coming of age story that it mattered not a whit that I am an adult. I really couldn't recommend this adventure more.
(There's also a bit in there for children who have been over-parentified into watching and being responsible for their younger siblings all the time.)
It's such a fun romp and coming of age story that it mattered not a whit that I am an adult. I really couldn't recommend this adventure more.
September 29, 2023
Absurd, unhinged and delightful.
At many points this made me feel like I had been huffing paint (or what I imagine that would feel like) and I enjoyed the heck out of it. Roberts creates a narrative as fanatical as the ones that Rachel herself spins.
I was reminded at points of The Phantom Tollbooth, one of my all-time favorites. I look forward to reading more of Roberts’ writing.
At many points this made me feel like I had been huffing paint (or what I imagine that would feel like) and I enjoyed the heck out of it. Roberts creates a narrative as fanatical as the ones that Rachel herself spins.
I was reminded at points of The Phantom Tollbooth, one of my all-time favorites. I look forward to reading more of Roberts’ writing.
Read
May 27, 2024DNF.
I first thought about abandoning this book at 38 minutes in.
I officially moved onto the next title @14:51:07.
This book has been playing in the background. Not interesting, Shitty characters. Is there a story? Boring. I usually force myself to finish even the worst books but I won't waste anymore time on this SHIT. Zero stars.
I first thought about abandoning this book at 38 minutes in.
I officially moved onto the next title @14:51:07.
This book has been playing in the background. Not interesting, Shitty characters. Is there a story? Boring. I usually force myself to finish even the worst books but I won't waste anymore time on this SHIT. Zero stars.
January 28, 2025
As with all Richard’s books, this one takes you an unexpected adventure filled with lively and unique characters you wish you could befriend. His imagination is boundless and so is the protagonist, Rachel’s. It was fast, witty, fun with swashbuckling space pirates, monsters from the deep and cyborg teenagers who just want a piece of toast. Perfect read for young teens and adults alike.
May 30, 2023
Not as good as "Don't Tell My Parents..."
It's a bit different, but a fun read. Roberts writes some thought-provoking stories, and this certainly is one. It's just that I liked his other book series better.
It's a bit different, but a fun read. Roberts writes some thought-provoking stories, and this certainly is one. It's just that I liked his other book series better.
August 16, 2022
Very good book
I hate writing reviews, because I never know what to say, but this book is really good and I think you should buy it.
I hate writing reviews, because I never know what to say, but this book is really good and I think you should buy it.
December 20, 2022
I have loved everything by Richard Roberts that I have read, but with this book he has truly surpassed himself.
As with the Please Don't Tell My Parents ... series, it has a good blend of imagination and fantasy, unlike that series, it is, as present, a stand alone. Hopefully that will not remain true.
This is one of the rare books I wish I could give 6 stars.
As with the Please Don't Tell My Parents ... series, it has a good blend of imagination and fantasy, unlike that series, it is, as present, a stand alone. Hopefully that will not remain true.
This is one of the rare books I wish I could give 6 stars.
October 6, 2022
A fun found family adventure
If you are wishing to read this because you were hoping for more super villains vs heroes narrative, this isn’t part of that universe. For those who are used to the mad Marauders of Mage games, or the literary worlds of Oz and Wonderland, this is a book for you. The adventures of this girl called Rachel span the farther reaches of our solar system, finding new and unique wonders that the Math of our earth keep hidden from us.
I definitely recommend giving it a try and enjoying where the story takes you.
If you are wishing to read this because you were hoping for more super villains vs heroes narrative, this isn’t part of that universe. For those who are used to the mad Marauders of Mage games, or the literary worlds of Oz and Wonderland, this is a book for you. The adventures of this girl called Rachel span the farther reaches of our solar system, finding new and unique wonders that the Math of our earth keep hidden from us.
I definitely recommend giving it a try and enjoying where the story takes you.
November 1, 2022
Apparently for young children.
Guessing that this would be for children, as its beyond cute or funny, just ridiculously silly in a cartoon for young children.
Guessing that this would be for children, as its beyond cute or funny, just ridiculously silly in a cartoon for young children.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews