Alien Attack

In this action-heavy first book in the Star Fighters series, set in the year 5012, debut author Chase wastes no time in getting right to the meat of the story. Eleven-year-old Peri is a first-year pilot trainee in the Intergalactic Force Academy, partnered with an acerbic half-Martian gunner, Diesel. While in training, they witness a terrible attack on Earth by aliens from the planet Xion. As part of a last-resort measure, Diesel and Peri are assigned to an experimental ship, Phoenix, where they meet Selene, a sassy mechanic. Their attempt to escape the alien invaders leaves them stranded in a distant galaxy, where they must fight for their lives. Cliffhanger chapter endings, ample technobabble, and lines like “What did you do, you cosmic wastoid?” give the story the feeling of a Saturday morning cartoon transferred to print (occasional bits of b&w spot art add to that effect). With plenty of adventure and a fair measure of whimsy, this is basic, fast-paced entertainment for young SF fans. Simultaneously available: Deadly Mission. Ages 7–10. (May)