Official Review: Zero G by Dan Wells

[Erin Dydek]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Zero G" by Dan Wells.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Su-Shu Huang, AKA Zero, is twelve years old, does not get along with his brothers, and loves to float around in zero gravity. In his futuristic world, he and his family are preparing to enter stasis for the 105-year journey to the Murasaki System on the Pathfinder, a high-tech spacecraft equipped with all the things they’ll need to start a colony on a far-off planet. The trip should be simple enough, but 28 days later, Zero finds himself the only one of the 20,000 passengers suddenly awakened. What caused the malfunction? Why is the pilot missing, and why does the artificial intelligence (AI) have a missing block of memory?

Suspicious activity, shenanigans, and space pirates are all part of the fun in Dan Wells' debut middle grade novel, Zero G.

Zero G reveals its strengths through a simple, yet exciting plot that is sure to keep a young audience riveted. With educational undertones, Zero engages in numerous conversations with Sancho, the Navigational AI, who informs Zero and the reader about topics vital to the plot. With definitions of speed, acceleration, and the effects of zero gravity, Wells keeps the information easy to digest without slowing down the flow of the story.

Wells also includes quite a bit of humor and keeps the action violence to an appropriate level for middle schoolers. Trust me, no aliens or space pirates were severely injured in the writing of this book, although some of them may think twice about what they eat for their next meal.

I think the only thing that was somewhat annoying in the story was the amount of arguing between Zero and his two older brothers. As a mom, I found it got on my nerves, but young readers may find it relatable. They may even take Zero’s side against the evil older siblings. Still, the book centers around Zero, and we do not see the brothers again after their stasis is initiated.

The book was clearly edited by a professional, and only one or two minor typos made it into the final draft. With short chapters and 150 pages, I recommend this book to 8-14 year-olds or families looking for a fun read-along adventure. I confidently rate this book a 4 out of 4. Promised as the first book in the Zero Chronicles, I look forward to future installments in Zero's ongoing story. Readers may also be interested to know that an audiobook version is available.

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Zero G
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[Gabriel Merêncio]

This sounds like an action-packed sci-fi story suitable for young audiences. I love that the book also teaches concepts such as speed and gravity. I'll definitely check it out sometime. Thanks for the review!

[MsH2k]

I currently work with younger kids, but I will keep this book in mind when I’m looking for an interesting read for 8-14 year-olds. Thanks for your review!

[Rayasaurus]

This sounds like something I would have loved when I was in middle school or early high school. I think I would like reading about the AI very much; I've always loved AI characters in books. Thank you for the review!

[Juliet+1]

It can be difficult to find good books for young people. This one sounds like a real winner.

[Prisallen]

This sounds like an interesting book for that age group and maybe even some older readers (me). Thanks for a great review, my friend!

[Julius_]

I like that the violence scenes are regulated so that it's suitable for middle schoolers too. Thanks for the review.

[Kelyn]

It sounds like a young adult version of the movie Passengers, only with aliens to defeat. I think I know a few young adults who would love this. It looks like it is done Manga style. Thanks for the great review!

[adamgreenrock]

Sounds like a fun read. I really like that we're getting more of manga inspired books.

[Nisha Ward]

This reminds me of an anime space opera, or a Beth Revis book. That's actually pretty good because it does open up science fiction to younger kids in a way that isn't Star Wars or Gundam. I do wonder why those twenty thousand passengers woke up though.

[Amy747]

This book sounds like a very interesting mystery and I love the front cover illustration too.