Customer Reviews

The Comet's Curse: A Galahad Book (Galahad (Mass Market))

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I didn't have too much trouble getting into the first Starship GALAHAD novel, THE COMET'S CURSE but reading through the rest of the book required patience. The story is intriguing and the characters are all realistic. The problem is that every other chapter is set before the starship takes off from earth and deals with primarily adult perspectives. I wanted the adventure of outer space and strange planets.

I understand why the chapters are sandwiched as they are. Dom Testa, the author, wanted to show everything that happened that led up to the launch. If he had started there, it would have taken too long to get to the action. And it would have been more about the adults than the 251 kids aboard GALAHAD. Yet, simply launching into the action aboard the ship would have meant missing out on all the emotional turmoil our heroes had been through that shaped them. As well as the problems they're currently dealing with.

Even though there is a constant flood of backstory throughout the novel, Testa manages to convey genuine suspense and tension. And there is a decidedly creepy subplot concerning a possible stowaway aboard the ship. I enjoyed reading about the characters, watching them get to know each other and figuring out how they were going to relate to each other. After all, there is that whole five-year journey ahead of them. A lot can happen, and hopefully will.

I also enjoy the technology that Testa has created for his series. The idea of the Spiders, the all-terrain vehicles created for the ship's crews during exploration jaunts, is cool and I can't wait to see them in action. I wish a blueprint of the ship had been included with the novel, but maybe that will happen later. (You'll find more information at www.clubgalahad.com. The website also includes entries from Tree's journal.)

Roc, the artificial intelligence that runs the ship, is a welcome sometime narrator. His humor and insight adds a lot to the story and to the characters. But he's not infallible, as we find out in this first novel.

Interestingly enough, the Starship GALAHAD series began as independently published books. Early success of these books garnered praise and awards, and finally attracted the attention of Tor Books. Three of the novels in this series had been written and published before the acquisition. The author's first contract is for five novels.

The plot concentrates on the survival of the human species. After a comet flashes through the solar system and sprinkles a deadly virus over the earth, all the adults begin to die off. As soon as young people turn 18, they contract the disease as well. Faced with hard choices, earth's scientists come up with a major plan to put 251 teenagers in charge of a starship and shoot them across the universe toward a newly discovered planet named Eos. No one knows for sure what is there, but they are certain that it is earth-like and the ship's populace will be able to live on it. With hard work and a lot of luck.

Some of the novel's plot, especially the romantic triangle that is brewing, is to be expected. Since this is a young adult novel, I wouldn't expect anything else. We don't get to meet many of the ship's crew in this leg of the voyage, but I'm sure those introductions are coming. Each of the kids has unique responsibilities aboard and I'm sure that these abilities will be showcased as challenges arise.

There is science in the book, but it's not overwhelming. It's enough to get average kids thinking deep thoughts and intelligent kids excited. The major conceit of the book that will win over all young readers, as well as some older readers, is the sheer driving force of the question, "What if...?" That was the question that kept me reading science fiction all through my formative years. As I read this book, that question kept exploding through my mind.

My eleven year-old is fascinated by science and science fiction. Now that I'm finished with this novel I intend to loan it to him and let him read it. This is the kind of book that he will read and we will talk about for a long time. He'll probably even draw blueprints of the ship so he can understand where everyone is. Because he's that kind of kid. I may be tempted to help him. I know we'll both be looking forward to the second book, THE WEB OF TITAN.

I had heard this book was great, so ordered it for my Kindle2. It was everything the fans had said and I really enjoyed it. Funny, clever, and a real page turner! I was a bit skeptical because it is classified as Youth Fiction, but it was adults who recommended it. This book is for anyone who enjoys skillful writing and a great story.

I read this book when it was self published by the author, and there is a reason why it got picked up by Tor. It's a fantastic journey of survival in space filled with suspense, humor and creative technological concepts in sports, medicine and agriculture. Oh, there's a dash of romance too.

The story is told from the point of view of the super advanced computer, nicknamed Roc. This storytelling device really didn't work for me. For one thing, he (I know he's an it, but whatevs) wasn't present for everything he describes, which can be explained by people having told him later but would have worked better in a normal omniscient narrator scenario (especially since Roc makes sure to point out that he can't be everywhere and see everything). The other problem with Roc is that, much as all the characters love him and as much as he adores himself, I find him exceedingly irritating. His insertions into the narration, denoted by italics, always made me want to punch his computery face, especially the one in the last chapter.

Roc aside, the book was fairly predictable and standard. There's a love triangle, which, frankly, is the most absorbing part of the plot. The mystery of who is causing trouble on the ship is so obvious for most of the book that it provides little excitement. And, the final showdown cannot be that worrisome if you know there are two subsequent books. The writing is okay, but not inspirational

The most interesting aspect of the novel is the set up of the dystopia. There aren't too many environmental ones, which I am somewhat glad of after having read Life as We Knew It (shudder!). You have probably figured out how much I love dystopias by now, especially if they cover some new territory.

I recommend this to fans of Life as We Knew It and Gone (which I actually have yet to read, but I'm fairly confident that they're readalikes), young teens looking for an easy science fiction read or dystopia enthusiasts.

After 3 days of my daughter giving a daily book report at the dinner table, my curiosity got the best of me and I began reading, "The Comet's Curse," while she was at school. I couldn't have been more surprised that after 30 minutes with it, I was hooked! Not only is the story engaging, but the characters are well balanced and genuine.

The basic plot *no spoilers* follows a crew of 251 teenagers aboard a spaceship. More than a spaceship really, an "ark" of sorts, as these teenagers are mankind's last hope. A comet passing through the Earth's atmosphere has infected all of the humans with a disease that in short order decimates the population, with the exception of those under 18 years of age. Realizing that civilization as we know it is doomed, the world leaders create "Galahad" - a spaceship that will carry a specially selected crew of 251 teenagers to a distant planet to keep the human race alive. Without giving too much away, the crew of Galahad soon realizes that someone aboard the ship is attempting to sabotage the mission.

While the story itself is interesting, the characters are likeable while still being believable. Even though they are suddenly forced to grow up and act maturely and rationally, they are still portrayed as teenagers with typical adolescent insecurities, the desire to fit in and the crush on the cute guy or girl that the world seems to revolve around (anyone who has teens or `tweens knows what I am talking about). There's also a good dose of humor, generally administered by "Roc," the ships computer and the closest thing the kids have to an adult on board.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has a young adult in the house. It has the action and suspense to keep the boys interested and great characters that the girls will relate to. If the author can maintain the quality of this tale in the rest of upcoming series, it's likely to become the next "Harry Potter"

In the distant future, a passing comet has left behind a deadly pollutant in Earth's atmosphere. Bhaktul's disease is fatal for all humans, but only takes effect in adulthood. In the search for a cure, one scientist devises an idea to send a group of young people to another planet where they can live free of the deadly disease and allow a future for humanity. Only 251 teenagers are sent in the impressive ship Galahad. Together, these teenagers must survive and thrive in order to reach their destination and keep humanity alive.

The teen characters are mature and responsible beyond their years, forced into leadership and adulthood early. The ship's computer is an artificial intelligence named Roc who runs and maintains the ship itself. Roc is just as much a character as any of the humans, having a personality and sense of humor. Testa's characters are well-developed and complex with strong motivations.

First in a science fiction series for young adults, this installment focuses on character-building, the backstories of the crew and ship, and a mystery on the ship itself. This is a fairly short, fast-paced read with plenty of suspense and drama. Skillfully blending space opera and a thrilling mystery, science fiction fans of all ages will enjoy this fantastic story.

The Comet's Curse is another addition to the dystopian genre that is quite popular in teen books right now. The title is indicative of the story's contents. A comet dubbed Bhaktul leaves behind something more than stardust after making a rendezvous in Earth's atmosphere. Bhaktul leaves behind a modern plague that quickly ravages the entire planet. Death strikes adults soon after they exhibit signs of the degenerative and unknown disease, yet young teens and kids appear fine (that is, until they reach a certain age).

With the swiftness of the spread of disease, one scientist, Dr. Zimmer, decides that the best course of action to preserve mankind is to pick an outstanding group of teens (and eventually this number reaches 251) to leave their home planet and do something no one else ever has before: colonize another planet. The main characters are these select few, though the reader is only ever introduced to a very, very small number of that 251. Once out in space and on their way to what will become their new home, these teens find that they are not alone...and something might destroy them all before they ever even make it to their destination.

I love the premise of this book, but after reading it and realizing all of the paths the story could have taken and examined and included, I'm still quite disappointed. Characters weren't the best developed. With the exception of Triana (aka Tree, who still isn't that well developed), other characters remain one-dimensional and serve their respective roles, not adding much else. This isn't a huge problem in this story's case as the alternating views included in The Comet's Curse held my attention (the reader gets to see what's going on with the teens on the ship, Galahad, while also getting a glimpse of the events that took place before they launched -> this one specifically has to do with Dr. Zimmer). The latter glimpses into heartache and difficult choices were some of the most enjoyable for me for a number of reasons.

But one of the more negative reasons that caused me to rate the book as I have is that I felt that life on Galahad was not properly described. It is mentioned that everyone on the ship will be learning new things constantly (and by the time they reach their destination, will have the knowledge that would be the equivalent of having several - can't remember if it was pegged as two or three - degrees). The reader is told what items will provide this information for learning but never witnesses the characters learning. It is said that they exercise, play games, and have alternating roles and jobs to do. The last of the things listed is hardly described. Overall, I finished the book with very little knowledge of what these teens did (who I continued to view as kids, even though they proved their mettle at the book's end). The reader knows about the danger on the ship, about two sports that the characters take part in, about farming on the ship, romantic relationships (that really aren't that well developed), some of the characters' backgrounds, but almost nothing is told about ship life itself. We hear of Roc, the ship's brain - so to speak, who, though merely another form of artificial intelligence, comes across as more lively and multi-dimensional (not to mention entertaining) than the main characters. This really disappointed me. Clearly, there was better technological advances that made people believe that colonizing a planet was possible (unlike what's available right now), but I was shown no evidence of this, nor was anything really described.

Without this sort of information, the book is not as serious as it could have been. It is mostly a very light dystopian novel (that still does manage to cover character emotions, such as Dr. Zimmer's) and an easy read, which is alright for some, but which is one of the reasons I will only give it three stars.

Along with these points, the book is extremely predictable. There are really no suprises involved.

I think a lot of things were skipped over that could have fleshed the story out. I enjoyed the read, but I also see the potential that the story had, and that is why I have given it this rating.

For those interested in the dystopian genre, this might be something of interest. And for parents and teachers, the book also contains a reader's guide that presents some thought-provoking questions that allow readers to look beyond the story's surface and give things deeper consideration. Kudos to the author for including this. Also of note, the book really has no objectionable content. There is only a little violence at the end, but other than this, it's a pretty clean read. I might keep up with this series (don't know if I liked it enough to keep up with it, though); all I can say is that I hope it gets better.

I bought this for a kid who lives down the street from me but made the mistake of reading a few pages before giving it to him. Wound up reading the whole thing.

The book starts out at an almost literary pace (that I thought might be too slow for some kids, especially because it's dark) but accelerates nicely. By the end, the reader is flashing through pages as if it were a Clive Cussler novel. Like many books, it feels like the imaginary world in the author's mind became clearer to him the more he wrote. By the end, you're ready to just pick up the next book in the series and continue reading.

The characters developed into real people, the conflicts felt reasonable. I didn't notice anything would cause the famous eye roll of disgust in a middle schooler. Lots of nice literary touches, lots of wisdom and insight snuck in quietly. The book never feels preachy, yet feels like it's on a noble mission. Nothing happens that would give a young reader nightmares, but lots happens that might make it into an exciting dream.

Happy to recommend the book. It's a fun ride.

From the number of reviews here, it's clear there's no need for a synopsis regarding the innovative plot of 'The Comet's Curse'. Suffice it to say the catastrophe that spawns the first human expedition out of the galaxy is not brought on by direct impact -- no need for that. Simply passing through the toxic comet's tail has sealed the fate of mankind by condemning adults to a painful consumption-like disease that is unfailingly fatal (thus the voyagers headed for the new sun, Eos must, by necessity, be earth's best and brightest young adults, people not yet able to contract the disease).

This is the story of an idea: that science, skill, knowledge, and dedication can propel some of the most promising youths on the planet into the void to settle a new world, and how those brave souls cope with leaving their families, and their dying race behind. If the subject matter sounds dark, be assured there is hope to be found in the courage and pluck of the young people selected from all over the globe for this mission. Equally interesting are there reasons for accepting -- or, in one memorable case, rejecting -- the invitation to serve. The young people you'll be introduced to (teens like Triana, Gap, Lita, and Bon...), are faced with such an historic and daunting undertaking, they capture your imagination even before you realize a deadly oversight will threaten to turn the Galahad into a dark tomb for the kids. It's the character and ingenuity of these young adults that will bring you back to the series again and again.

An important point to be made about the Galahad Books is that they were aimed at young adults (read about author Dom Testa's dedication to youth education in his Bio here: http://www.amazon.com/Dom-Testa/e/B001JS80ZY/ref=sr_tc_img_2?qid=1289190052&sr=1-2-ent), but, factually, they are smart, absorbing, and interesting enough for anyone who loves Science Fiction. Taken as a Young Adult novel, I've never seen another YA title like it. That this book stands up on the quality of plotting and writing, and the entire series improves through the books is more than enough evidence this one is a *must read*.

Dom, if you're out there, please keep them coming. I hope for more than a trilogy here. The kids' futures are huge, as expansive and full of challenges as the dark, seemingly empty space beyond Pluto -- more than enough to write about for books to come!

This book was sooooooooooooooooo good! I can't wait for the next one called The Web of Titan, And then I can't wait for The Cassini Code.