Steven C. (SteveTheDM) - , reviewed on 10/29/2010 + 204 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

I really, really enjoyed this book. In much the same style as Heinlein did in the mid 20th century, Varley has generated a tale of young people doing amazing things. It's a celebration of American-style innovation and risk-taking, of youth, and of underdogs, with a slight anti-government thread woven through. I loved the characters, I loved the plot, and I loved the feeling I was left with when the book was done.

You could complain that these kids had everything go right. They tried things that would probably kill or injure 99 of 100 people who attempted them, yet time and again, things went well. But there's good in that. This isn't the study of mistakes, this is a study of the power of optimism and a bit of foresight. The characters can easily become role-models for kids who read the novel, rather than tragic figures whose behavior should not be replicated.

I'd heartily recommend this to young teens as well. The celebration of youth is enough to keep them interested, but there's lots more.

A hearty 5 of 5 stars.

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