The trouble on Janus [Paperback]

Alfred Slote (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1985

Jack and his robot buddy, Danny One, set off for the planet Janus to rescue the young King Paul from his conniving uncle.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The fourth book about Jack Jameson and Danny One is a grand adventure; they travel to the planet Janus, which is under the rule of a 12-year-old. Ages 8-11.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 175 pages
• Publisher: Lippincott; 1st edition (1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0397321589
• ISBN-13: 978-0397321582
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,832,310 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun Final Adventure for Jack and Danny, December 13, 2003

By 

Mark Baker (Santa Clarita, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Trouble on Janus (Library Binding)

With three beeps in the night, Jack Jameson and Danny One Jameson are off on their final adventure. This time, Dr. Leopold Atkins needs them to find out what's happening on the distant planet of Janus. He's recently gotten an order for a robot to be the royal robot buddy to the young prince. The suspicious part is that the robot is supposed to be programmed to obey the Duke without question.

With the application of freckles, Danny and Jack look just like the prince. But a last minute problem makes Jack take the place of the robot. Can he maintain his cover? Where is the real prince? Is there any way Danny can help Jack out of this problem?

When I discovered there was a fourth book about this pair, I was thrilled. Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to the last couple in the series, even when I was a kid. First, Danny hardly has more then a walk on part, a definite downgrade from the other books. Second, the coincidence of Jack and Danny looking so much like the prince was too much to swallow. Finally, the two communicating solely through ESP was too convenient for my taste.

Overall, I do like this book, however. The alien planet is truly foreign and really captures the imagination. The plot takes a few unexpected twists I really enjoyed, and it's hard to figure out how Jack will make it out alive. Finally, watching Jack slowly get some skill in poetry, his school assignment before they leave, is a nice touch and fun to watch.

While not up to the last couple of books in the series, this story still has plenty to offer a fan of Jack and Danny. Even with its flaws, I enjoy it.