JANUARY 2019 - AudioFile
Advertised as a space story starring a motley crew, this audiobook is more of a land-bound conspiracy thriller than true science fiction. The story is filled with shrewd characters, deadly intrigue, and enough close calls to keep listeners on the edge of their seats. Narrator James Fouhey portrays Nax Hall with just a touch of snark, playing up the character’s jaded attitude perfectly. There is nothing casual about Fouhey’s overall performance, and his edgy delivery makes the multiple scenes of conflict that much more intense. Although the story differs from expectations, it’s still an action-packed fun listen for fans of YA science fiction. N.H. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
This laugh-out-loud sci-fi action-adventure will leave readers wanting more.” — School Library Journal
“If humankind requires saving, then this is the crew to do it.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Much to recommend: nonstop cinematic action, strong feminist messages, and great diversity of characters.” — ALA Booklist
“An action-packed, entertaining blend of space hijinks, humor, and romance.” — Kirkus Reviews
“An explosion of edge-of-your-seat twists and high-stakes danger that leaves you glued to the page and rooting for these lovable misfits. I wanted a snarky romp across the galaxy, and M.K. England delivered with the force of a supernova.” — Ashley Poston, author of Geekerella and Heart of Iron
“A clever, cosmic thrill ride packed with nonstop action and starring a motley crew that won me over from page one. Just too much fun!” — Mackenzi Lee, New York Times bestselling author of A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue
“Wildly entertaining and crackling with chemistry. Nax and his crew will crash land in your heart and leave you filled with laughter and hope.” — Kerri Maniscalco, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Escaping from Houdini
“A BLAST from start to finish! Absurd levels of fun, fantastic pacing, and lovable authentic characters bring this rollicking adventure to life. Looking for a book you can’t put down? Pick up The Disasters. Mission accomplished.” — Katherine Locke, author of The Girl with the Red Balloon (2018 Sydney Taylor Honor Book)
Kerri Maniscalco
Wildly entertaining and crackling with chemistry. Nax and his crew will crash land in your heart and leave you filled with laughter and hope.
Mackenzi Lee
A clever, cosmic thrill ride packed with nonstop action and starring a motley crew that won me over from page one. Just too much fun!
Ashley Poston
An explosion of edge-of-your-seat twists and high-stakes danger that leaves you glued to the page and rooting for these lovable misfits. I wanted a snarky romp across the galaxy, and M.K. England delivered with the force of a supernova.
ALA Booklist
Much to recommend: nonstop cinematic action, strong feminist messages, and great diversity of characters.
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
If humankind requires saving, then this is the crew to do it.
Katherine Locke
A BLAST from start to finish! Absurd levels of fun, fantastic pacing, and lovable authentic characters bring this rollicking adventure to life. Looking for a book you can’t put down? Pick up The Disasters. Mission accomplished.
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
If humankind requires saving, then this is the crew to do it.
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
If humankind requires saving, then this is the crew to do it.
School Library Journal
11/01/2018
Gr 9 Up—This laugh-out-loud sci-fi, action-adventure will leave readers wanting more. Teens meet Nax as he's walking through Ellis Station, ready to leave after being washed out in under 24 hours. He meets up with a few other candidates who were also denied, and they board the shuttle that will take them back to Earth. As they all contemplate the end of their dreams, extremists enter the space station and start shooting. It's up to them to escape, come up with a plan to defeat the shooters, and try to stay alive with the skills that got them kicked out of the Academy. England's debut teen novel pulls readers into a sci-fi world well established in just a few pages. The author also captures the disenfranchised teen voice exceptionally well. The pages, filled equally with action and dialogue, will keep readers engaged for the entire book—and hoping for a next. VERDICT Purchase where James Howe's The Misfits is popular.—Cathleen Ash, Manor High School Library, TX
JANUARY 2019 - AudioFile
Advertised as a space story starring a motley crew, this audiobook is more of a land-bound conspiracy thriller than true science fiction. The story is filled with shrewd characters, deadly intrigue, and enough close calls to keep listeners on the edge of their seats. Narrator James Fouhey portrays Nax Hall with just a touch of snark, playing up the character’s jaded attitude perfectly. There is nothing casual about Fouhey’s overall performance, and his edgy delivery makes the multiple scenes of conflict that much more intense. Although the story differs from expectations, it’s still an action-packed fun listen for fans of YA science fiction. N.H. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2018-09-17
A diverse crew of space academy washouts cracks wise and kicks ass while racing against time to save Earth colonies from terrorists.
By the year 2194, space colonization is a fact of life, and future colony officers train at the Ellis Station Academy on the moon. Wannabe pilot Nax Hall is mortified at failing out of the program on his first day. When terrorists attack the station, Nax steals their shuttle to escape, along with three other Academy washouts: Rion, a rich black boy from London with an interest in politics; Zee, a blonde, athletic trans girl from Kazakhstan who's skilled at medicine and surgery; and Case, a former child genius and tech prodigy with two moms (one Latinx, one Asian) who suffers from panic attacks. By the time they team up with Asra, a Bengali Muslim hijabi girl and talented hacker, they've been framed for the assault and have only days to save the colonies. As the five flee from planet to planet with terrorists on their tail, they build a believable friendship. The banter flows freely and the tension stays high while Nax contends with his growing attraction to both Rion and Case. The refreshingly normalized representations of Muslim, South Asian, trans, and bisexual characters enrich this appealing story.
An action-packed, entertaining blend of space hijinks, humor, and romance. (Science fiction. 13-18)
