August 1, 2013
Gr 5-10-In the first moments of this fast-paced conclusion (Aladdin, 2012) to Myklusch's trilogy, 13-year-old Jack is rescued from a Rustov prison by Solomon Roka, a daring space pirate (who prefers the term space entrepreneur). From this first harrowing prison break, the action never slows. As Jack speeds across the universe to return home to the Imagine Nation, a full-blown Rustov invasion is close on his heels. Amidst the turmoil of a Nation at war with itself and the impending invasion, Jack must come to terms not only with missing a year of his life while he was held prisoner, but also with the many things that have changed in the battle for control of the Imagine Nation (though the biggest change may just be inside him). As Khalix, the Rustov infecting him, grows in strength due to modifications, Jack begins to doubt whether he is up to the challenge of saving the world. Listeners will be guessing right up to the twist-filled conclusion. Skillfully narrated by Norbert Leo Butz, his unique voices and accents give the characters life. This action-packed, humorous, and well-written audiobook is a must-have for libraries already circulating the first two books of the series.-"Chani Craig. Converse Middle School. Palmer, MA"
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