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Space Brigade #2
The Shobble Secret
The second in a three-book outer space adventure series for young readers from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Big Little Lies !
Nicola Berry and her friends have barely caught their breath from their last trip to space when they are called on another intergalactic adventure! This time, they're on their way to Shobble, a beautiful snowy rainbow planet where nothing bad ever happens--or so they say. It turns out there is trouble brewing beneath this glittery exterior, and Nicola is put in a tough position. Should she risk defying the planet's dangerous commander-in-chief to help the people of Shobble? Leading the Space Brigade is no easy task!
Nicola Berry and her friends have barely caught their breath from their last trip to space when they are called on another intergalactic adventure! This time, they're on their way to Shobble, a beautiful snowy rainbow planet where nothing bad ever happens--or so they say. It turns out there is trouble brewing beneath this glittery exterior, and Nicola is put in a tough position. Should she risk defying the planet's dangerous commander-in-chief to help the people of Shobble? Leading the Space Brigade is no easy task!
- GenresFictionScience Fiction
240 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2009
About the author
Liane Moriarty
70 books79k followersLiane Moriarty is the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Big Little Lies, The Husband’s Secret, and Truly Madly Guilty; the New York Times bestsellers Apples Never Fall, Nine Perfect Strangers, What Alice Forgot, and The Last Anniversary; The Hypnotist’s Love Story; and Three Wishes. She lives in Sydney, Australia, with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 25, 2025
I absolutely adored Nicola Berry and the Shocking Trouble on the Planet of Shobble! While it’s officially categorized as a middle‑grade adventure, it reads with wit and whimsy that will delight readers young and old alike. Liane Moriarty weaves a story that’s equal parts chocolate‑marshmallow fantasy and ethical quandary—with a cast of friends whose loyalty and bravery make each page sparkle.
Nicola picks up right where her Globagaskar exploits left off—barely catching her breath before the Space Brigade is whisked off to Shobble, a “perfect” snowy‑rainbow planet dripping in pink marshmallow and galaxy‑famous chocolate. But behind the sweetness lies an undercurrent of injustice: one of their own is taken hostage, and the official commander‑in‑chief of Shobble may not be as benevolent as she seems. Moriarty captures the tension of leadership and loyalty with charming humor. Nicola wrestles with hard choices: obey the planet’s powerful ruler, or stand up for the oppressed—even if defiance means danger. Through it all, the banter between her, Sean, Tyler, Katie, Greta, and their alien friend Shimlara adds levity and heart—making their victories feel personal and earned. The world‑building is joyful and imaginative: imagine shimmering rainbows, edible landscapes of marshmallow, and moonlit chocolate waterfalls—yes, you read that right! But beneath that rainbow sheen is a society built on inequality, where only an elite few enjoy the bounty. The contrast is clever, and Moriarty slips in lessons about fairness and advocacy while keeping the tone light enough for laughter.
Finally, the pace is spot‑on for a middle‑grade audience (though I’d happily recommend it to teens and adults craving a whimsical break): action, moral dilemmas, and friendship dynamics all interlock beautifully. Nicola grows as a leader, and despite the zany setting, her emotional journey feels authentic and inspiring.
Bottom line:
This is sci‑fi with heart. If you loved the first adventure with Princess Petronella—or any story that balances humor, adventure, and a dash of social conscience—you’ll find this a delightful read. I can’t wait to keep going with Book 3 on Whimsy!
Nicola picks up right where her Globagaskar exploits left off—barely catching her breath before the Space Brigade is whisked off to Shobble, a “perfect” snowy‑rainbow planet dripping in pink marshmallow and galaxy‑famous chocolate. But behind the sweetness lies an undercurrent of injustice: one of their own is taken hostage, and the official commander‑in‑chief of Shobble may not be as benevolent as she seems. Moriarty captures the tension of leadership and loyalty with charming humor. Nicola wrestles with hard choices: obey the planet’s powerful ruler, or stand up for the oppressed—even if defiance means danger. Through it all, the banter between her, Sean, Tyler, Katie, Greta, and their alien friend Shimlara adds levity and heart—making their victories feel personal and earned. The world‑building is joyful and imaginative: imagine shimmering rainbows, edible landscapes of marshmallow, and moonlit chocolate waterfalls—yes, you read that right! But beneath that rainbow sheen is a society built on inequality, where only an elite few enjoy the bounty. The contrast is clever, and Moriarty slips in lessons about fairness and advocacy while keeping the tone light enough for laughter.
Finally, the pace is spot‑on for a middle‑grade audience (though I’d happily recommend it to teens and adults craving a whimsical break): action, moral dilemmas, and friendship dynamics all interlock beautifully. Nicola grows as a leader, and despite the zany setting, her emotional journey feels authentic and inspiring.
Bottom line:
This is sci‑fi with heart. If you loved the first adventure with Princess Petronella—or any story that balances humor, adventure, and a dash of social conscience—you’ll find this a delightful read. I can’t wait to keep going with Book 3 on Whimsy!
January 15, 2019
Book Two of the Nicola Berry trilogy and things haven't got any more involving for this reader as he ploughs his way through the pages to get to the other side. The title I read was certainly longer than this alternative title but apart from that bit of information nothing to see here move along please.
January 26, 2026
This book is rated as grades 3-7 but I think the plot is geared more towards the younger end of that. I'm a huge fan of middle grade novels but not the slightly younger juvenile fiction.
This story started out promising, was boring for 70% and then picked up at the end. It just seemed like they were never going to get where they were going,it went on and on.
This story started out promising, was boring for 70% and then picked up at the end. It just seemed like they were never going to get where they were going,it went on and on.
June 2, 2018
Perfect reading for a parent to read to an 8 yr old girl, although I think boys would also enjoy the action packed sci-fi adventure. This book is the second in the series and the author has ramped up the action and the drama. My daughter and I look forward to diving into the next book.
November 16, 2017
I recommend this book for a science fiction book. I loved it!
July 3, 2020
I'm an adult but I'm really having fun with the series.
July 30, 2022
About as silly as the first one but does definitely have the Moriarty breezy sense of humour.
September 3, 2022
The second fun and fantastical story of the Space Brigade. Could only locate an audio version and it was an entertaining story to hear.
September 16, 2026
Still cute.
April 3, 2015
Best out of the three! Love,love,love!!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews