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Star Binder
A discovery made deep under the polar ice of Mars has profound implications for young Jim Trillion and his best friend, two orphaned grifters scraping a living in the planet’s oases resorts. After saving the life of a famous explorer from a terrorist attack, they’re thrust into a dangerous world of alien hunters, top secret organizations, and mind-bending interstellar travel.
As the threat of an invasion mounts, repeated appearances by a mysterious messenger persuades Jim to embark on a personal odyssey to solve the riddle of his past. Sergei won’t let him go it alone, nor will the group of loyal friends they’ve made along the way. But even together, they’ll need all their street smarts, as well as their newly-acquired skills, if they’re to have any chance of surviving an encounter at the heart of one of the galaxy’s oldest and most awesome secrets – the Star Binder.
As the threat of an invasion mounts, repeated appearances by a mysterious messenger persuades Jim to embark on a personal odyssey to solve the riddle of his past. Sergei won’t let him go it alone, nor will the group of loyal friends they’ve made along the way. But even together, they’ll need all their street smarts, as well as their newly-acquired skills, if they’re to have any chance of surviving an encounter at the heart of one of the galaxy’s oldest and most awesome secrets – the Star Binder.
- GenresScience Fiction
456 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2017
86 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Robert Appleton
64 books70 followersRobert Appleton is a British science fiction and adventure author partial to tales of survival in far-flung locations. Many of his sci-fi books share the same universe as his popular Alien Safari series, though tend to feature standalone storylines. His rebellious characters range from an orphaned grifter on Mars to a lone woman gate-crashing the war in her biotech suit. His sci-fi readers regularly earn enough frequent flyer miles to qualify for a cross-galaxy voyage of their choosing. His publishers include Harlequin Carina Press, and he also ghost-writes novels in other genres. In his free time he hikes, plays soccer, and kayaks whenever he can. The night sky is his inspiration.
His work has been nominated for several awards, and in 2011 he won the EPIC Award for Best Historical Fiction.
Be sure to follow Robert on BookBub for the latest on sales: https://bit.ly/3qLWVHu
His work has been nominated for several awards, and in 2011 he won the EPIC Award for Best Historical Fiction.
Be sure to follow Robert on BookBub for the latest on sales: https://bit.ly/3qLWVHu
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 28, 2022
This is what I'd call a good old fashioned science fiction book - and it's none the worse for it. Star Binder follows a long tradition in what used to be called juvenile SF and now young adult books, which have teenage protagonists but that are enjoyably readable by adults - a tradition that ranges from James Blish's 1962 A Life for the Stars to Brandon Sanderson's modern Skyward series. These in themselves fit into a wider grouping of books where youngsters succeed where adults can't - think of anything from Harry Potter to the Famous Five.
The main character, Jim Trillion, is a thirteen-year-old, fending mostly for himself with his friend Sergei on a rough and ready colonised Mars. As a result of a brave action, his is recruited into a secret training programme that feels militaristic, but at the same time clearly isn't. So far, so average - and if this were all there was, with a few good action scenes, I'd feel it was a bit meh. But what Robert Appleton does very cleverly is to bring in a couple mysteries where we don't initially understand what is happening - these really pull the reader in, and are handled very well.
Jim and Sergei's initial adventures kept me reading, but when things get mysterious, the narrative moves up several notches, taking us away from the confines of Mars to find we're dealing with something far bigger in scope. I was also really pleased that this doesn't appear to be part of a huge series - at the moment few other than luminaries such as Adam Roberts seem capable of writing standalone science fiction (or fantasy) novels - they all have to be part of an immense plan for future books. Admittedly, the world building here allows for things to go a lot further, but this book works entirely as a standalone.
I have seen a suggestion that the book features cultural Marxism (whatever that is) - this entirely misses the point. Jim's friend Sergei has Belarussian roots (just as Jim has British roots) - and Sergei does go on about the 'Soviet way' - but the underlying ethos of the book seems to be about going beyond the ties that bind. Admittedly the way the teenagers in the training establishment are allowed to form factions that are not prevented from attacking each other seems a highly ineffective way to train people (even if it's not much different to the approach of some old public schools), but I wouldn't say there was much Marxism going on here.
It's not perfect. The final mysterious situation is so complex that it's quite hard to get your head around - and Appleton resorts to a bit of 'get out of jail free' plotting. Even so, there's some genuinely interesting and original thinking here, which is why I think it fits so well in a timeline stretching forward from Blish's equally intriguing ideas.
The main character, Jim Trillion, is a thirteen-year-old, fending mostly for himself with his friend Sergei on a rough and ready colonised Mars. As a result of a brave action, his is recruited into a secret training programme that feels militaristic, but at the same time clearly isn't. So far, so average - and if this were all there was, with a few good action scenes, I'd feel it was a bit meh. But what Robert Appleton does very cleverly is to bring in a couple mysteries where we don't initially understand what is happening - these really pull the reader in, and are handled very well.
Jim and Sergei's initial adventures kept me reading, but when things get mysterious, the narrative moves up several notches, taking us away from the confines of Mars to find we're dealing with something far bigger in scope. I was also really pleased that this doesn't appear to be part of a huge series - at the moment few other than luminaries such as Adam Roberts seem capable of writing standalone science fiction (or fantasy) novels - they all have to be part of an immense plan for future books. Admittedly, the world building here allows for things to go a lot further, but this book works entirely as a standalone.
I have seen a suggestion that the book features cultural Marxism (whatever that is) - this entirely misses the point. Jim's friend Sergei has Belarussian roots (just as Jim has British roots) - and Sergei does go on about the 'Soviet way' - but the underlying ethos of the book seems to be about going beyond the ties that bind. Admittedly the way the teenagers in the training establishment are allowed to form factions that are not prevented from attacking each other seems a highly ineffective way to train people (even if it's not much different to the approach of some old public schools), but I wouldn't say there was much Marxism going on here.
It's not perfect. The final mysterious situation is so complex that it's quite hard to get your head around - and Appleton resorts to a bit of 'get out of jail free' plotting. Even so, there's some genuinely interesting and original thinking here, which is why I think it fits so well in a timeline stretching forward from Blish's equally intriguing ideas.
July 25, 2017
Star Binder by Robert Appleton follows Jim Trillion and his best friend, Sergei as they barely scrape by to make a living on the streets. After they save a man in a trench coat, the man offers them a chance at a secret academy, with promises of a heroic future. Jim is swayed by the chance to one day see the world, to be more than he is now, but with the threat of an invasion, life at the academy becomes complicated, including friendship and bullies. As Jim investigates the secrets of the academy he discovers secrets of his own unknown past. The closer he comes to the truth the more he has to rely on Sergei and their new friends to make it through training.
A coming of age story in the stars, Star Binder is a humorous and gritty adventure, which inspires all to follow their dreams. Robert Appleton has a light and intelligent writing style, with characters that are compelling, with attitude and heart. Bullying is a big theme, showing Jim and his friends learning to stand up not just for themselves, but for each other. Curiosity, loyalty, and friendship drives them to find answers, to learn, and to work together. The friendship between Sergei and Jim is heartwarming, sincere, and perfect. Every scene they shared made me care even more. Their scenes were funny and charming, and made me completely emotionally invested. Appleton pushes the boundaries of the imagination, with emotional stakes, and a heroic quest in this must read novel!
A coming of age story in the stars, Star Binder is a humorous and gritty adventure, which inspires all to follow their dreams. Robert Appleton has a light and intelligent writing style, with characters that are compelling, with attitude and heart. Bullying is a big theme, showing Jim and his friends learning to stand up not just for themselves, but for each other. Curiosity, loyalty, and friendship drives them to find answers, to learn, and to work together. The friendship between Sergei and Jim is heartwarming, sincere, and perfect. Every scene they shared made me care even more. Their scenes were funny and charming, and made me completely emotionally invested. Appleton pushes the boundaries of the imagination, with emotional stakes, and a heroic quest in this must read novel!
December 26, 2021
*Cultural Marxism Designed For Teens Promoting Soviets 2.0 and Child Soldiers*
“Star Binder” is a glib Cultural Marxism creed of two young teen orphans who get manipulated into being child soldiers for ‘the greater good’ in a vaguely, formulaic version of an “Enders’ Game” for the Politburo.
They’re dumped into a “Lord of the Flies”-esque military academy with other exceptional youngsters, where brutal, intramural violence is the accepted training device administered by adults, who are in turn marionettes of ‘The Committee.” It purportedly makes them ‘use their heads.’
Read fully via Kindle Unlimited, with some highlights/notes on Goodreads.
It’s not recommended.
“Star Binder” is a glib Cultural Marxism creed of two young teen orphans who get manipulated into being child soldiers for ‘the greater good’ in a vaguely, formulaic version of an “Enders’ Game” for the Politburo.
They’re dumped into a “Lord of the Flies”-esque military academy with other exceptional youngsters, where brutal, intramural violence is the accepted training device administered by adults, who are in turn marionettes of ‘The Committee.” It purportedly makes them ‘use their heads.’
Read fully via Kindle Unlimited, with some highlights/notes on Goodreads.
It’s not recommended.
November 8, 2022
This book isn't something I'd normally seek out. I don't read YA and, in general, hate all the school tropes (though, it's a highly unusual "school.") But despite that, it does have one big win for me: Sergei and Jim, their friendship was great and kept me reading.
I went into this blind, having made a vow to read more indies and stumbled across it. I have to say, I picked a winner. This was a very endearing read. The last 20% bumped it up from a 3 to 4 star, it really was the best-written part of the book. Even still, the 3-star was only by my own personal preference, not for any objective failings of the book. I felt that the character of Thorpe-Campbell could have been more fleshed out in an adult-lit setting; he feels a bit restrained. Also, a few too many 20th-century references for my taste. That said, Appleton is definitely going to stay on my radar, and I'll be reading the sequel.
I went into this blind, having made a vow to read more indies and stumbled across it. I have to say, I picked a winner. This was a very endearing read. The last 20% bumped it up from a 3 to 4 star, it really was the best-written part of the book. Even still, the 3-star was only by my own personal preference, not for any objective failings of the book. I felt that the character of Thorpe-Campbell could have been more fleshed out in an adult-lit setting; he feels a bit restrained. Also, a few too many 20th-century references for my taste. That said, Appleton is definitely going to stay on my radar, and I'll be reading the sequel.
September 6, 2021
STAR BINDER is really enjoyable YA level Science Fiction, and can certainly be enjoyed as a novel of future Mars Civilization--and beyond--by older readers as well. With its coming-of-age almost Dickensian theme, the strongly cemented friendship between two orphan boys (13-year-old Jim Trillion, sole survivor of his family's massacre, and 15-year-old Sergei, formerly of New Soviet colony), their clever but illegal skimming from resort customers in order to pay for food and sleeping arrangements (also resonances of Oliver Twist!), their bravery in the face of potential fatal danger, and the looming threat to Mars, plus the humanizing emotions of growing up and grief and first love, STAR BINDER magnetizes reader's attention and provides a very satisfying reading experience.
September 9, 2021
Un romanzo caciarone, divertente e ben scritto (anche se tutte le espressioni gergali che ci sono rendono piuttosto difficile la lettura in inglese). Il protagonista, un ragazzino che vive di espedienti su Marte, salva la vita a un uomo misterioso, e ha la possibilità di prendere parte a una missione che gli cambierà la vita. È un romanzo di formazione, ma anche una bella storia avventurosa. Niente di particolarmente originale, ma per divertirsi va benissimo.
December 6, 2021
Excellent story! Exciting read!
This is one of the best stories I've read in a long time!
A great mixture of action, thinking, and emotion.
It is, of course, a science fiction, but that is more setting and plot. The story tells of a child experiencing events beyond his control, until he TAKES control and guides events to an acceptable conclusion. But, of course, that is only the first chapter in what will be an Epic story! Can't wait for more!
This is one of the best stories I've read in a long time!
A great mixture of action, thinking, and emotion.
It is, of course, a science fiction, but that is more setting and plot. The story tells of a child experiencing events beyond his control, until he TAKES control and guides events to an acceptable conclusion. But, of course, that is only the first chapter in what will be an Epic story! Can't wait for more!
August 25, 2021
Wow this is a great read!
I loved the twists and turns in the plot, and all of the well-developed characters that tell this story. Think Ender’s Game meets Lord of the Flies - this was so much fun to read! I would love to spend more time with all these characters in a sequel to this story!
I loved the twists and turns in the plot, and all of the well-developed characters that tell this story. Think Ender’s Game meets Lord of the Flies - this was so much fun to read! I would love to spend more time with all these characters in a sequel to this story!
August 29, 2021
Deserves to be a long-term serial or at least a movie!
Best book I've read in a VERY long time! The story just pulled me in. I didn't want the book to end and yet I couldn't stop reading it. Great character development and a riveting story line. I have to find more by this author!
Best book I've read in a VERY long time! The story just pulled me in. I didn't want the book to end and yet I couldn't stop reading it. Great character development and a riveting story line. I have to find more by this author!
August 31, 2021
Incredible
Well written story about a couple of orphan skimmers on Mars who save a mysterious man's life and then get invited to join his special mission at a hidden enclave at the North Pole. They join a group of young people who all have special traits and soon discover the secret Star Binder hidden at their location. Wonderful reading
Well written story about a couple of orphan skimmers on Mars who save a mysterious man's life and then get invited to join his special mission at a hidden enclave at the North Pole. They join a group of young people who all have special traits and soon discover the secret Star Binder hidden at their location. Wonderful reading
October 29, 2021
This Is RIDICULOUSLY Good
The book begins in a fairly familiar trope: orphan kids being criminals to survive, only it’s on Mars because sci-fi… but this writer is GOOD. I mean, the narrative is smooth, the action is engaging, the characters are fleshed out, the concepts explained in a way that flows well.
I might have found another favorite author.
The book begins in a fairly familiar trope: orphan kids being criminals to survive, only it’s on Mars because sci-fi… but this writer is GOOD. I mean, the narrative is smooth, the action is engaging, the characters are fleshed out, the concepts explained in a way that flows well.
I might have found another favorite author.
October 24, 2022
Action Packed Adventure
An engaging story with 2 protagonists who are mildly into criminal behavior but have solid values. My only beef is an apparent anomaly that has the enemy appear where they don’t seemingly have the means to get there. But it’s a good story and one can overlook this and just go with it.
An engaging story with 2 protagonists who are mildly into criminal behavior but have solid values. My only beef is an apparent anomaly that has the enemy appear where they don’t seemingly have the means to get there. But it’s a good story and one can overlook this and just go with it.
April 15, 2022
Surprise Suprise!
It's always a joy to read a wonderful Scify story with a new plot, especially one that is not buried under huge star wars with thousands of space ships. The diverse collection of characters. And melding of diverse individuals is refreshing.
It's always a joy to read a wonderful Scify story with a new plot, especially one that is not buried under huge star wars with thousands of space ships. The diverse collection of characters. And melding of diverse individuals is refreshing.
January 10, 2024
Fun space action adventure
Two teenage boys who are skimmers on Mars get caught up in a bigger than life war with aliens, finding friends and allies along the way. Lots of action. Would make a good movie.
Two teenage boys who are skimmers on Mars get caught up in a bigger than life war with aliens, finding friends and allies along the way. Lots of action. Would make a good movie.
dnf-not-for-me
September 25, 20211/10: Couldn't get past the first few chapters; not for me.
October 19, 2021
Good story
December 16, 2021
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like space opera and lots of action
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like space opera and lots of action
March 10, 2024
I liked it.
Read
January 11, 2024Too good to putdown
Loved the characters.very well developed. Great description of Mars and the other worlds. Great story line and for science fiction believable. the story kept my heart racing. I hope this is part one of a sequel. Ended nicely but could continue with more stories with the same characters. I can even sees movie or a series made out of this book. Very e joyable.
Loved the characters.very well developed. Great description of Mars and the other worlds. Great story line and for science fiction believable. the story kept my heart racing. I hope this is part one of a sequel. Ended nicely but could continue with more stories with the same characters. I can even sees movie or a series made out of this book. Very e joyable.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews