The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot
by Leonardo Ramirez
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: August 15, 2012
It is the year 1892 and Ian and Callie Castillo have had to suffer the hardships of a single parent family since their father went missing five years ago. Since then Ian has refused to use the last gift that his father left the wounded boy; a telescope that sits collecting dust in the attic.
When Callie decides to peer through its murky lens it activates the device and sends the Castillos to the steam-powered floating cities of Jupiter to rescue their father and save the Jovians before the Martians launch their attack.
What follows is the beginning of an era that will forever be known by its strange name…Steampunk.
by Leonardo Ramirez
- File Size: 399 KB
- Print Length: 54 pages
- Publisher: Leonardoverse (August 15, 2012)
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
- Language: English
- ASIN: B008Y65J1M
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: August 15, 2012
It is the year 1892 and Ian and Callie Castillo have had to suffer the hardships of a single parent family since their father went missing five years ago. Since then Ian has refused to use the last gift that his father left the wounded boy; a telescope that sits collecting dust in the attic.
When Callie decides to peer through its murky lens it activates the device and sends the Castillos to the steam-powered floating cities of Jupiter to rescue their father and save the Jovians before the Martians launch their attack.
What follows is the beginning of an era that will forever be known by its strange name…Steampunk.
Review:
Ian is sulking as he prepares to celebrate his 12th birthday five years after his father disappeared. The night of his 7th BD his father gave him a wonderful telescope but by the next morning his father was gone without a trace. Ian has refused to look at the telescope since. Although he bickers with his younger sister, Callie, she tries to cheer him up for his birthday, as does his mother.
Nine year old Callie is a typical younger sister. She loves to write to her “Dear Journal” and she reads taunting entries to aggravate Ian. Having failed to cheer Ian, Callie slips up to the attic to look at the wonderful telescope. Ian hears her and follows. The next thing they know the telescope transforms into a space craft that beckons them. As soon as they sit down they are launched into space.
The ship takes them to Jupiter where they are awed by a Jovian world of giant cities powered by steam. They are quickly surrounded by metal, geared robots with steam rifles. The Doomslayers identify Ian and Callie as the son and daughter of 'First Petros' and take them to the Martian Emperor, a large, formidable lizard creature. The children are placed in a cell and meet another metal robot, Francisus Flatulus Ferdinand, who has a steam and hissing problem. The children learn that “Stinky Frank,” as they name him, is a friend of their father and he can help them to find him. Ian and Callie are sent into the arena to battle the Doomslayers. They manage to escape with the help of Stinky Frank and head out to locate special orbs to fight the Martian oppression forces on Jupiter. Along the way they locate and rescue the First Petros, their father.
This is a story written for elementary age but it was sufficiently entertaining for me too. There is humor suitable for the audience level and the writing is easy reading. There is plenty of action in the adventure as well as interesting ‘characters’ to make the story move well. This is a good, clean and fun science fiction for kids to enjoy or for parents to enjoy reading with their children. I'm looking forward to sharing this with my 8 year old grandson.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here is a description of the Martian leader:Emperor Phobos was a large lizard with frills on the side of his head that looked like large, spiked fans. He had long fangs and claws that could easily cut through wood like paper. “Yesss, at long lasssst,” the Emperor spoke, in a raspy, reptilian voice. Location 367.Callie describes the Book of Worlds to her Journal:
Dear Journal,
The Book of Worlds is not one book. It’s a big round room with a bunch of floating books that make me dizzy. I might throw up on another planet.
Love, Callie
Location 517.
I received this title for honest review and a link for Giveaway from the Author's staff.
I will add this to my New Authors and Steampunk challenge lists.
JUPITER CHRONICLES: STEAMPUNK CHILDREN’S BOOK SERIES
LAUNCHES THIS SEPTEMBER!
WHAT: The Jupiter Chronicles Book One: The Secret of The Great Red Spot http://leonardoverse.com/the-jupiter-chronicles http://www.facebook.com/jupiterchroniclesWHO: Written by Leonardo Ramirez with Cover Art by Poochie Mars, and Weapons-&-Orb Designs by Ronan Hayes.
WHEN: Released On September 15th, 2012.
WHERE: Purchase Online at http://www.amazon.com/The-Jupiter-Chronicles-Secret-Great/dp/0615633331/ http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-jupiter-chronicles-leonardo-ramirez/1111580778
WHY: To Share an Ongoing Steampunk, Sci-Fi Adventure Story About Family Love, Sibling Camaraderie, and Friendship, with Early Elementary School Readers (Grades 1 – 3).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Leonardo Ramirez is a writer whose joy first comes from being a husband and a dad and enjoying life with his family. Every Saturday morning is Dad’s turn to make breakfast with bacon, blueberry pancakes and cheese eggs on the menu. There’s nothing better in this world than spending time with family. Then it’s off to karate where he trains and teaches as a 2nd Degree Black Belt along with his family at the American Karate Academy.
Lenny has been writing for 20 years with his first published work released as a graphic novel titled, Haven. With books in hand Lenny made it a point to reach out to as many events as possible with appearances at GMX where he hosted numerous panels including one with James O’Barr (creator of The Crow), Nashville Comic Con, Outer Limits Comics, Fairy Tales Bookstore, Southern Festival of Books and Author’s Circle at the Williamson County Library. He also enjoys meeting with local high schoolers about their passion for creativity and reading for elementary aged kids. His work made one of the top ten best new releases for 2010 by Gelati’s Scoop and has been featured on Comics About Girls…by a Girl Podcast as well as The Columbia Herald, Playstation Comics, Megacomics Weekly, and many others.
For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website or blog and tell me something you find of interest.
* This contest is open WORLDWIDE.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 2, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 3.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.
