EXOSTAR

by Rae Knightly

“Packed with engaging characters and nonstop action, this riveting SF adventure will delight readers.” — KIRKUS REVIEWS
"Nail-biting action and a courageous robot girl power this middle grade SF thriller." — BOOKLIFE

GRAND PRIZE WINNER - 2023 Gertrude Warner Awards for Middle Grade Fiction


IS SHE ANDROID OR MORTAL?

A piece-of-scrap. That’s how the townsfolk on Trinket’s planet label her. The twelve-year-old is determined to prove that she's more than just a discarded android, but her prosthetic leg and blue veins in her hands make her wonder about her true identity. Trinket knows that she must get off-world before the cruel and powerful Remnants send her to the scrap yard, but things take a turn for the worse when the Remnant Supreme Leader discovers her existence.

Trinket could be the key to a lost spaceship that is rumored to hold the greatest hoard of gems in the galaxy, and the Supreme Leader wants it. As the alien civilizations of the Magnus Star Cluster wake up to the possibility that the legendary  treasure exists, a frantic hunt for the lost spaceship - and its key - pits Trinket against an enemy that will stop at nothing to get what they want.

To uncover the truth about her identity, Trinket must confront the evil Supreme Leader or get to the treasure first.  But what if the truth is too shocking to bear?

Award-winning author Rae Knightly presents EXOSTAR, Book 1 in The Lost Space Treasure Series, which thrusts a young girl into a universe full of alien civilizations and an epic hunt to uncover the greatest treasure of all. This witty upper middle-grade science fiction story with a cast of unforgettable characters is perfect for fans of Alita, The Prometheus Project, Hana Hsu, and Dragon Pearl. Ideal for readers aged 10 to 14.

"An updated STAR WARS for our time."  ★★★★★
"An Astonishing Space Travel Adventure!" Giselle Schneider, author of Wands Upon a Time ★★★★★
"A spirited science fiction novel and a must-read for fans of Star Wars and space operas!" Mahtab Narsimhan, author of Eerie Tales from the East ★★★★★
"A fun space opera sci-fi adventure for 10+ years old." ★★★★★
"Intended younger audience, yet still highly entertaining for adult readers as well." ★★★★★
"If your a space-nerd or like anything space-related then I suggest you buy this book!!!" ★★★★★

Genres: Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Teen

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2023

About the author

Rae Knightly is a sci-fi/fantasy author for teens and the young-at-heart.

Rae was raised in various locations on Earth, during which time she picked up four languages and came to appreciate this blue pebble floating in the confines of space.

Her current human mission is to keep the stars shining in her two children's eyes, while hopefully igniting new ones within others across the globe.

Rae spends her time spirit travelling to distant galaxies or exploring the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia, Canada, before returning with more adventures for her ALIEN SKILL SERIES.

NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to Rae Knightly's mailing list and get a free prequel to The Alien Skill Series at www.raeknightly.com

FACEBOOK
www.facebook.com/rae.knightly.37

INSTAGRAM
www.instagram.com/raeknightly/

TWITTER
twitter.com/RaeKnightly

AMAZON
www.amazon.com/Rae-Knightly/e/B079V2K6PN

Reviews

[Kris Ruhler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trinket came into existence when she was six years old.

Exostar, a fun space opera sci-fi adventure for 10+ years old, takes place in the Magnus Star Cluster. The book follows the adventures of Trinket ‘Trin’, who has two goals: repair her prosthetic leg and save a six-year-old orphan from being sent to the mines. To do this, she must acquire enough money ‘modicum’ to buy two tickets to Kepra-1. But the Remnants, invaders of Kepra-2, turn up at her place and dig up the grave of the Old Scientist, who raised her.

The world-building in Exostar is top-notch: a mini-AI device in her ear that is Trin’s only companion, orbs that send messages, Sea Kapran and the different aliens living on Kepra-2, hovertrains, quantum engine, etc.,

There is much suspense in the beginning: why are the Remnants after the Old Scientist? What is the book about? Who were in the cryos? Although these questions were intriguing, the tension was low. We follow Trin as she tries to escape the Remnants and find a way off the planet. With many paragraphs/descriptions about the different aliens and Axios, I thought the events would be around them.

It is only past the middle of the book that the action picks up. Stinge brings Trin to the stronghold, and the meeting with the Supreme Leader turns the tables. The misunderstanding between Woolver, a noble rebel, and Trin made me chuckle. For the wild ride and fantastic cliffhanger ending, I give the book 5 stars.

Maybe I don’t understand the importance and value placed on a big, shiny diamond called the Exostar or why nations would wage wars over it. Maybe if it were an energy source or some use, I would. But I also never understood gold as a currency or medium of payment.

Many questions remain unanswered. What is Trin: a cyborg, an android, or a living being? What is the Lost Treasure? Is she the Dark Entity and the clue? Woolver must be Canadian. He is always saying sorry :) My takeaway in Tulo's wise words:

no matter what evolutionary step you find yourself in, in the end, it is how you treat yourself and how you treat others that will make a difference...Soul or no soul, it’s the combination of life experiences and how you react to them that define who you are. . And that, right there, is what really matters.

I eagerly await the next book in the series. I received a copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica Renwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting new planets, exciting space battles, and so much heart. I am so excited about this new sci-fi world Knightly has created, and I love Trinket so much! With her prosthetic leg and curious blue veins, her journey of discovering who she is really—an android or mortal being—really tugged at my heart. From the first chapter, her relationship with "Empty" (her information device) made me love her immediately. Follow that with her desire to help others like the children at an orphanage and her courage when faced with terrifying obstacles (seriously, that Supreme Leader of the Remnants is a terrifying enemy!), she is one plucky heroine and a great role model for kids! I also adored Woolver, a scary-looking, canine-like alien who can fight like a master but has a squishy heart deep inside. The way he cares for Trinket is wonderful.

Aside from the fantastic characters, I also love the mystery around the Exostar, Trinket's past, and all the politics with the Interstellar Alliance. This book ends with a bang (literally!), and I cannot wait for the next one! Kids and teens who love Star Wars will love this series!

[Sonia Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travel to a new galaxy, filled with aliens, androids, AI, and adventure, to discover Rae Knightly's new middle-grade sci-fi series. There you will find Trinket, an orphan on a desolate planet—the underdog I was rooting for—plus a great cast of allies and enemies. This series has mystery, suspense, and page-turning action. I can't wait for the next installment.

[Edwin Downward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit the opening of this novel left me wondering what I'd gotten myself into, but it didn't take more than a page flip or two for me to know I wanted to see more. The characters, the descriptions, and the developing situation kept me coming back right up to the almost cliff hanger ending. I look forward to the opportunity to continue reading the rest of this story in the future.

[Beagle Lover (Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting Sci-fi read for all ages!

5 blistering stars!

Rae Knightly delivers another outer space action/adventure tale that leaves the reader wanting more... again!

Without going into detail, which would ruin this read for future readers both young AND old, I will state the world building was outstanding. How the author managed to duplicate the excitement and adventure of the Beb Archer series, only with Trinket (aka Trin Moonrise) in another galaxy is beyond my comprehension! But manage it, she did.

Follow young Trin's perilous journey on her planet of Axiopolis, which is under the rule of advicerial Remnant leader Count Solomon Drakir. But he falls under the rule of the Supreme Leader, a skeletal figure seeking to recover the Exostar.

Be prepared for unusual names for the planets, people, androids and creatures,(Woolver) in this exciting book. Discover why the Exostar is so vital to Trin's entire space quadrant and how she came into possession of it.

If you loved the Ben Archer series, you'll love this series, too! Hold on tightly as you zoom across parsects in Trin's galaxy!

[Stephanie Gillis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun adventure for a middle grade scifi. It wasn't as cohesive as I would have liked, I definitely think it's a book that needs to be read over a shorter period of time than I did. Life got busy and so I didn't get to experience the full intensity the book would have had if I had just sat and read it in a day. I don't think we needed Woolver's POV either and would have been more compelling just from Trin overall. Still, it's a fun read that I could see others in the age range get into more.

[Linda (The Arizona Bookstagrammer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“EXOSTAR” (Lost Space Treasure #1) by Rae Knightly ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Upper Middle Grade Science Fiction/Space Opera. Location: Magnus Star Cluster in the Milky Way Galaxy. Time: Future. NOTE: Disability friendly.

THE SERIES: Trinket (Trin) woke up as a 6-year-old on the planet Kepra-2. She was either made or saved by the late “Old Scientist”. She has long, curly white hair, sapphire-blue eyes, a prosthetic leg, and blue veins in her hands. Her best friend is her mini information device named Empty. She’s 12 now, not sure if she is a mortal being with a metal leg, or an android with artificial emotions. Local residents call her a piece of scrap. But Trin is determined to prove she's more than that. The series follows Trin’s adventures.

THIS BOOK: Trin needs to get from Axiopolis on Kepra-2 to Omopolis on Kepra-1 to repair her barely-functional prosthetic leg, and save a 6-year-old orphan from the mines-and before the cruel, powerful Remnant overlords send her to the scrap yard. Meanwhile, the Remnant Supreme Leader is after Trin. She wants to find a lost spaceship full of gems, and thinks Trin is the hidden key.

Author Knightly has written a perfectly entertaining tale for readers aged 10+. Trin is spirited and resourceful, taking care of others as well as herself. (And that means maintaining her artificial leg so she can stay mobile.) The book is full of alien civilizations, action, and witty characters. You’ll read about cyan fur-covered Woolver, his partners Keshia and robot Vondor-3, and the delicate, finned Sea Kepran. Knightly includes a space map and a glossary.

It’s creative, witty, easy to read, and it’s 5 stars from me🌵📚💁🏼‍♀️ I’m definitely going to read the next book in her series. Thank you to author Rae Knightly and PoCo Publishing for this book.

[Laurel Decher · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page, I knew EXOSTAR was going to be a wild and imaginative ride!
"KEPRA-2
INDEPENDENT PLANET
MAGNUS STAR CLUSTER
MILKY WAY GALAXY
INTEREST: NONE" is the description of Trinket's home planet before Chapter 1 begins.

With deft touches like these that give quick details without slowing the story, EXOSTAR welcomes newcomers to the Magnus Star Cluster. The universe feels like an updated STAR WARS for our time, with much stronger roles for a Wookie-reminiscent-but-much-more-articulate hero named Woolver, androids of all kinds, and a loveable, tough heroine like Trinket who doesn't forget the orphans she's helping even when she's thrust into an epic quest.

The short chapters and fast pacing will pull readers into a believeable world where money is measured in "modicums", a "hovertrain" serves as a shuttle from the planet to "Space Central", and personal ear pieces that seem to work with artificial intelligence become sidekicks or even friends.

I'm very curious about what's going to happen with the "Remnants" who have a mysterious goal that seems to require subduing other planets and taking resources. The cliffhanger ending promises new adventures in an intriguing world (and a few big philosophical questions that are heading towards all of us in these wild-west days of artificial intelligence.) Looking forward to the next book, because I need to know what's going to happen to Trinket and Woolver!

I received an advance review copy of this book.

https://www.thisiseindhoven.com/en/lo...

[Caroline Noe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even Trinket isn't sure who she is. Piece of scrap to some, girl to others, she strives to escape a planet overrun by the Remnant invaders. But when their leader hunts her down for knowledge of where to find a legendary treasure, she's forced to trust a terrorist. But neither are what they seem.

Loved this pageturning adventure with its enthralling plot and sympathetic characters, especially Trinket and the fabulously gung ho Woolver. Huge fun. Look forward to the rest of the series.

[Kris Reguera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exostar was an extraordinary read which did not just include a wonderfully built sci-fi world and planets but also a dystopian real story, relatable to many humans, with disability representation and a total page-turner. I fell in love with Trinket instantly and was rooting for her the entire time. Lovely writing which makes you forget the story is happening on a completely different planet. Unlikely friendship, adventure, space prophecies, different species, I couldn’t put it down and cannot wait for the next in the series!

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: EXOSTAR: (The Lost Space Treasure Series, Book 1)
Author: Rae Knightly

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 5/5

Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“I want to know the answer to so many things – who is Trinket? Why is the Exostar so important? But the book ends on a cliffhanger so I will need to check out book two. But I don’t mind as I loved the first book.” Boy, aged 11
“Trinket is a robot with a prosthetic leg. She wants to know who she is. The Remnants are sort of the nasty characters – very nasty! This is a good book in many ways – (1) it’s exciting (2) Trin is fun to get to know as she’s kind (3) I loved all the futuristic stuff.” Girl, aged 12 – with a little help from her teacher
“Trinket is the best character EVER! I felt sad when they called her ‘scrap’. I think that was nasty. I think the pacing was the best part as it’s never boring. I think it’s the first book so I’m going to try to find the next. I want to know what happens.” Girl, aged 12
“Cool book. I LOVE sci-fi so this was perfect for me. I felt sorry for the girl, Trinket. She’s a robot/cyborg which is cool too. I loved the plot and how it ended.” Boy, aged 11 – with a little help from mum

To Sum It Up:
‘A thrill-a-page sci-fi adventure for 9 – 12 year olds. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Thistle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick synopsis : A girl-slash-android is looked down on by her town, but turns out to be super special.

Plot : Trinket isn't sure what she is. Is she a girl with mechanical parts? Or an android with human emotions? Turns out the question is moot though, because she's more than any of that.

Trinket spends half the books crying out "Won't somebody think of the orphans!!!" (by the end of the book, I was ready to send the orphans to the mines myself) and the other half outwitting every adult on the planet.

By the end of this book we discover she's a super special being, she's stolen the most expensive item in the universe "by mistake", and that the "Supreme Leader" (the leader of the bad guys) is after her.

Writing/editing : The writing (technical) could use more polish. The editing was okay, but a number of basic errors were missed.

What I Liked/What I Didn’t Like : This book is meant for ages 10+. Maybe preteens might see no issues with the story and enjoy it, but as an adult reader... wow. There were so many problems.

Almost no adult characters acted like reasonable adults. Either they were useless, sheep, or just things to get in the main character's way.

There were a ton of logic issues. Like after going without water for a day, the main character was able to "drink her fill" from morning dew.

The bad guys were so over the top bad, they were completely and utterly unrealistic. A bad guy, speaking of the main character: "And have the rest of its carbon fiber body melted. I need a deck chair for my pool."

Rating: 1-Hated / 2-Disliked / 3-Okay / 4-Liked / 5-Loved : 1.5. Half a star because the writing itself could have been worse, all the issues came from the story/plot.

[Mahtab Narsimhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trin is living a hardscrabble existence on her planet and is desperate to leave for Kepra-1 in the Magnus Star Cluster. An orphan with a prosthetic leg and curious blue veins on her arms, she’s reviled wherever she goes, and abused by her caregiver, Stinge who oversees orphans like her. An ancient minicomputer nicknamed Empty, her only companion, helps her hatch a plan to get off the planet. But the kind-hearted Trin will not leave without the new orphan boy who looks up to her. When the Remnant Leader Count Drakir lands on her planet and investigates her home where she’d once lived with the Old Scientist, secrets come to light. Secrets that will have far-reaching repercussions for Trin and her new friend, Woolver Talandrin, a terrorist and wanted man. It seems everyone is after the lost Space Treasure, especially Count Drakir, who will stop at nothing to get his hands on it and Trin might just be the key to it all.

Exostar is a spirited science fiction novel and a must-read for fans of Star Wars and space operas! Knightly’s imaginative world-building complements the explosive plot as she expertly tightens the net around a lovable protagonist who must escape the clutches of an evil Leader, greedy for the fabled Space Treasure. Readers will delight in Trin’s intelligence and resourcefulness as they race through this novel, eagerly anticipating her next adventure.

Highly recommended!

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this book. I wasn't really sure what to expect going in, and then just when I thought I figured it out, another complexity unfolded adding to the story. Excellent read - kept me up way too late. I loved the way the different character's story lines came together - and look forward to where the story is going next.

Knightly wrote a book that is both appropriate and engaging for its intended younger audience, yet still highly entertaining for adult readers as well. It is a fun old school space opera sci-fi adventure with just a little bit of magic that reminded me a bit of a cross between Meyer's Lunar Chronicles and Niven's Known Space series - except kid friendly. You've got this plucky kid trying to figure out who she is while being dragged into this situation bigger than she can imagine. A noble revolutionary with a penchant for getting into trouble and a faceted villain all pushed together on the background of a brewing civil war and/or galactic invasion. Yeah, huge story - and told so well. No Junior novelization here!

This is a spin-off series, but can be read and enjoyed with no prior knowledge of The Alien Skill Series. It works well as an entry point. This book does end rather abruptly - I was quite happy that there was a sneak peak for book 2 which resolved a tiny bit of the immediate issues. It does contain a full story arc, but huge reveal at the end for what is coming next and it's huge!

[Melati Lum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm posting this review on behalf of my 14-year-old nephew who enjoyed this new release from best-selling author Rae Knightley. Who is Trinket? Is she human, is she an android? All she knows is that she isn't welcome in town and she wishes her dad/creator had left her some concrete answers before he died. But alas, Trinket needs to go on her own journey to find out who she truly is, and why she is the key to the puzzling myth. This novel had an interesting and engaging storyline which makes the reader want to discover what the mystery is all about. It was exciting to learn about the new world created by the author which was a unique feature of this story. There were times when further description would have been appreciated, for example, a more detailed description of the features of the main villain, but all in all an enjoyable read with an intriguing new world!

[Lyndi Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart was immediately endeared to Trinket, the android/mortal protagonist in Exostar, by Rae Knightly, the minute I read the townsfolk call her a piece of scrap. While she may not understand her identity, she shows compassion for others. Instead of looking out only for herself, she attempts to earn passage to Omopolis Kepra-1 for a young orphan boy as well. Empty, her Mass Transfer Device, tracks the time she has left to secure identification and alerts her to pending danger. What she doesn’t know is that she is a key to finding the sought-after Lost Treasure and the Supreme Leader is out to find her.

Knightly brilliantly crafts this story using captivating characters and a fast-paced plot and high stakes to create a heart-pounding read. I can’t wait to follow Trinket as her journey continues in Megastar, Book 2, in The Lost Space Treasure Series.

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

ExoStar is a tale for teens or young adults, but you know what? It was refreshing to just read a story that was written for the story itself for a change. I generally try to ignore all of the sometimes not so subtle nudges in stories to believe this or that, or side with one or another political view, so it's very nice to read a story that's entirely meant just for enjoyment. I liked this book, and I think I'll read more in this series. It certainly wasn't the best scifi story I've read, not even this year, but it was lighthearted fun, and I could use some of that these days.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is Trinket really?

Such creative world building! Trinket doesn’t know if she is real or a sophisticated android. Her feelings feel real. She is a likable, caring individual who tries to help others. The beginning chapter contains several new words and acronyms, so at first it was difficult to get involved in the story. But then the action took over, and it was hard to put the book down!

The book ends with a victory, but there are unanswered questions, such as, will Trinket really be safe, is there really a treasure, and what role wild-card Stinge will play in her future. I received an ARC copy from the author, and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jada · Rating 1 out of 5]

It had potential, but it was boring, confusing, there was no character development, and nothing gets explained. Rae Knightly's books always start off promising, but take us on wild goose chases. There's no point in trying with her.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading and will read the next one ,
I was lucky to be selected as an ARC reader and just finished reading this ! Good enough to read again, thank you

[Scott Shjefte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good space opera. Evil villainess. Purchased this edition on May 16, 2024, from Amazon for free. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset.

[K.J. Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

a story that grabs you

Rae Knightly has constructed a universe that grabs you in like the gravity of a black hole. A great read.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book!
Look forward to reading the next one!
I'm an ARC reader and just finished reading this :) five stars ! Can't wait for the next book

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Giselle Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Astonishing Space Travel Adventure!

In this new galactic adventure into the Magnus Star Cluster of the Milky Way Galaxy, readers follow Trinket on a journey to fly off Kepra 2 for Omopolis. She needs a new prosthetic leg, and she hopes to save a six-year-old orphan boy from being sent to the mines. Except this journey becomes an impossible dream when the Remanant Supreme Leader turns up with the Exostar.

Before Trinket knows what is happening, she is thrust into a life-or death adventure. She meets many interesting aliens along the way, all of whom she may or may not be able to trust. Even more, important questions arise that cannot be ignored... Is Trinket a living being, an android, or a cyborg? What is the Dark Dyad and what does that have to do with her and Babbo's book?

This is a galactic adventure readers won't want to miss.