Status Updates From Starbounders

So far, the glove technology does seem to be quite different from BOUNDERS so that’s a good sign

This is such a weird thing to notice but it seems like in all these space-academy series, the main boy always has a younger sister.

STARBOUNDERS: Zachary and Danielle
BOUNDERS: Jasper and Addy
VOYAGERS: Dash and Abby
ENDER’S GAME: Ender and Valentine
etc.

Right off the bat, it’s reminding me more of the VOYAGERS series. Starting off seemingly in the middle of the action, but then it turns out to just be a simulation.

Just based on the synopsis this series sounds eerily similar to the BOUNDERS series by Monica Tesler (set in the future, space academy, warp glove technology) so I’m reading this to see if there really is that many similarities or if it just happens to be another space academy series.

NOTE: I know that this came out 3 years before BOUNDERS so I really hope it doesn’t feel “copy-cat” similar

Finished, will review soon.

Are these middle schoolers legit taking their prisoner to a black market torturer?

"He said he was imprisoned for destroying a peaceful plant," Skold translated. "That doesn't sound so bad," Ryic said. "I have been guilty of herbicide on occasion. I especially like this dish you call Cobb salad." "I'm sorry," Skold said, correcting himself. "Peaceful PLANET."

Ryic shook his head. "What is this apparent mind control you're able to enact on me? Making me do things I normally wouldn't do?" "It's called peer pressure," Kaylee said. "Well, I don't like it."

Wait, the MC is a jock? How unusual.

Should have said *why* Zach was jealous about not going to school a few years ago (sounds like it's because his brother was going). We didn't know at the time he had a big brother, and it sounded like his parents were holding him from going at the same age as other kids - very different story setup.

Why are there so many references of 'things we haven't told you' from Zach's parents, and yet they don't seem at all concerned about sending him to this school?

Why are all the adults back in time to have kids? Is there a reason for this, or is the worldbuilding just not thoroughly thought through?