Review: Passenger

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

This time traveling adventure will take you through various historical events and destinations as Etta and Nicholas search for a tool that could change their entire lives, both past, present, and future. In order to save her mother, Etta goes in search of the astrolabe, a tool wanted by Cyrus Ironwood who is keeping her mother hostage. Nicholas follows her after being promised his freedom from the Ironwoods if he makes sure Etta follows through on her promise to return it. Neither wants to tell the other the truth, but as they journey through time it becomes harder and harder to keep the truth a secret from one another.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. The pacing was pretty well done as Etta jumps from one time period to the next, following clues her mother left behind. She and Nicholas are thrown into various times that force them to adapt rather quickly, despite not having the right attire or means to acquire them. All while running from evil men chasing them throughout the time periods so they can get to the astrolabe first.

What I didn't like:
The romance between Etta and Nicholas was somewhat contrived. From the very beginning (as soon as they saw one another across a ship) they are taken with each other. And it's not just that they like one another--they are meant to be together. After one look. I wanted there to be some work on either or both of their parts, but it just came too easily. The only problem was that they were from two different time periods and someone would have to leave their time period in order for a relationship to be had.

Will I read the second book?
I haven't' decided yet. Probably. The place in which Alexandra Bracken leaves us, is one in which I must find out the end. Nicholas...I need to see him in Wayfarer after that ending. So many things revealed at the end that I'm going to need some closure here.

Happy Reading!

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Book Review: A New Hope - The Princess, The Scoundrel, and The Farm Boy

A New Hope: The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy
by Alexandra Bracken
Disney Lucasfilm Press, 2015
Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Movie
Source: borrowed from public library
Rating: 3.5 out of 5


This is the story of Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker retold.  Leia's first attempt at proving herself so the rest of the senate will respect her has gone all wrong.  The plans she was supposed to deliver to the Rebel Alliance are not someplace out there with a droid and she's in the hands of Darth Vader.  Han Solo didn't know realize what he was in for when he agreed to transport an old man, a kid, and two droids off Tatooine. Now that he's learning more, he's not sure what he thinks.  Luke is just learning about The Force and he's still reeling from his aunt and uncle's death.  Now he's been swept up into this rebellion with Ben Kenobi and a smuggler. 

Alexandra Bracken has delved just a little deeper into Star Wars: A New Hope, giving us insights into the thoughts of our main characters and letting us see beyond who they were portrayed in the movie.  This is such a great book for lovers of Star Wars--whether you're a veteran van or a newbie.  It's easily accessible for middle grade readers and a treat for older readers who are familiar with the movies.  It also won't disappoint because it doesn't stray from the movie, it simply adds a little more to the story.

In addition to the story, there are beautiful illustrations throughout.  They are formatted into the words, with the text surrounding them in a delightful and complimentary fashion.

The fifth and sixth episodes have also been retold, but by different authors.  You can check those out on Goodreads if you want to know more about them.

The Empire Strikes Back: So You Want to Be a Jedi? by Adam Gidwitz

The Return of the Jedi: Beware the Power of the Dark Side! by Tom Angleberger