Matt McAvoy Book Review

Having already read the two sequels in this series, it is nice to now read about the beginnings for young Sean and his space adventure; it perhaps helps to give a little context to the books overall.

To tell the truth, my favourite of the three is part 2, which I actually read first, but this is still a good, fun book to read.  I now have a great deal more background on Sean and am able to create a more accurate mental image of him, as well as understanding the backstory of his parents and how he came to find himself aboard the Aurora, crossing galaxies and dimensions.  There is something somewhat reminiscent of those action-adventure sic-fi movies of the ‘80s about this instalment, as Sean is taken from his life on Earth, suddenly finding himself thrust into the almost pirate-like life of a space explorer, having to prove his worth to the ship and its hardened crew, as an 11-year-old.  When the inevitable disasters strike, the hugely intelligent, resourceful yet humble boy finds himself tasked with saving the day on more than one occasion – and so sets up the theme and premise for the rest of the series: an unassuming hero and boy genius.

I am enjoying this series of family-friendly adventures in space.  I have mentioned before that there is something quite nostalgic and a little naïve about it, in a welcome way which I’m sure is fully intended by the author.  It is set in the future, but there is no reference to wars, apocalypse, dystopia or any other bleakness which have become contemporary tropes for the genre; this is exciting, swashbuckling space-travel fun in its purest form.  It is a book well worth a few hours of anyone’s time, and whilst maybe not the standout entry in the series, and perhaps not the most involved narrative, it is an entertaining and engaging way to dip your toe in.  I like the author, too; his style might be for the family, but he is clearly well-versed in creative writing, and crafting an adventure narrative.  I didn’t read this series in order and, whilst it doesn’t make too much of a difference, if you are able to then I recommend that you do, just so you can grow and progress with young Sean.