Tag: sci-fi

Posted in Book reviews by Gabriel, Book reviews by kids

Book Review: Countdown to Yesterday

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's novel: Countdown to Yesterday by Shirley Marr

REVIEWED BY GABRIEL, 13, NSW

Countdown to Yesterday by Shirley Marr, Penguin Australia Pty Ltd, ISBN 9781761340598

The publisher provided a review copy of this book.

Countdown to Yesterday by Shirley Marr introduces James, a 10–11-year-old boy whose world unravels when his parents suddenly divorce. The narrative unfolds with the aftermath of this disruption, as James grapples with the emotional fallout and the breakdown of the life he once knew.

Through Shirley’s skilful writing, the story delves into the mind of a young soul. “Countdown to Yesterday” becomes a heartfelt exploration of the fragility of happiness and the intricate interplay between past and present. Shirley’s narrative invites readers to empathise with James’ struggle while prompting reflection. He meets someone who has a time machine. But the past isn’t always what it seems. Layers and years of secrets buried in the past are uncovered.

With its relatability and emotional depth, Countdown to Yesterday is 5 out of 5 stars, leaving readers with a memorable and contemplative experience. I would recommend this book for children ages 9+ and who enjoy true stories with a touch of sci-fi.

Gabriel is a regular book reviewer at Alphabet Soup. You can read more of his reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by Gabriel, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Mars Underground

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
Image shows the cover of Mars Underground, a children's novel by HM Waugh.

REVIEWED BY GABRIEL, 12, NSW

Mars Underground by HM Waugh, A&U Children’s, ISBN 9781761067105

Gabriel received a review copy of this book.

Mars Underground is a sequel to Mars Awakens written by HM Waugh. The main characters Dee, Holt and Chayse live in the Davinci colony on Mars. The colony will soon die out due to radiation-tainted genetics. However, there is hope. Holt has a set of special genetics untainted by radiation. Half a separate colony carries these genetics – the Newtonians, where Holt and Chayse originally came from in the first book. The only problem is the Newtonians are halfway around the world. Distance is the least of their concerns though. Others block the way. The Others are mutated bacteria that cause human bodies to malfunction. On top of that, no one has tried to contact the Newtonians for a long time. Unfortunately, Holt and Chayse are kept by the Davicians for their genes in “capture”. This is because Holt is an X and Chayse’s genes have no trace of radiation. It’s almost like Mars is trying to stop them, still Holt, Dee and Chase embark on this quest. In a world full of enemies can they survive the complex web of tunnels in order to travel and escape? 

Will Dee, Holt and Chayse reach the Newtonians in time to save the Davinci colony? Can they escape the tight grasp of the Davinci? Why is there an age-old vendetta between the two settlements? Why have they been trained to hate each other? Will the Newtonians help the Davincians who are seen to be taller, have better senses, and breathe the air of Mars without a “Dome”?

Challenge after challenge is loaded into this action-packed novel. I recommend this book for children ages 8–14 who love suspense, Sci-Fi and dystopian books. I would rate this book highly as there is a complex story and subject that is engaging. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it up late in the night. You can buy a hard copy book or download an ebook.

Read our July 2023 interview with the author of Mars Underground.

Gabriel is a regular book reviewer at Alphabet Soup. You can read more of his reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by Gabriel, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Mars Awakens

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
Image shows the cover of a children's novel: Mars Awakens by HM Waugh. The cover illustration shows the silhouettes of two children, standing face to face. Behind them is a greenish sky over the red ground on Mars.

REVIEWED BY GABRIEL, 11, NSW

Mars Awakens by HM Waugh, A&U Children’s, ISBN 9781760526979

The publisher provided a review copy of this book.

Mars Awakens is a sci-fi novel written by H. M. Waugh. The book is set in the future after humans colonised Mars. Something falls out of the sky near two separate colonies. Is it backup and resources from Earth? Holt from the first colony and Dee from the other one separately fly over to the crash site to investigate and meet for the first time. One of the colonies thought they already knew about the other colony and despised them, while the other didn’t even know that the first colony existed.

Dee and Holt face many troubles and will need to work together to survive and tell their communities about some new information they just obtained.  

What I liked about the book was how the author used science and accurate facts to form the story. I also appreciate it because it has a fun and enjoyable storyline. 

I recommend the book for people in primary school around 3rd to 6th grade, also for children that enjoy sci-fi and science.

Check out our earlier interview with the author, HM Waugh.

Gabriel is a regular book reviewer at Alphabet Soup. You can read more of his reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!