Review: Terrific world building with great characters-- and can I have a Starcat?
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 10, 2013
The author gave me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.Frontier Incursion by Leonie Rogers was an unexpected find for me-- I didn't realize I would love it so much! This book stars Shanna (and to a lesser extent her brother, Kaiden), who is a teenager who has decided to become part of the Scouts, an organization whose purpose is to explore the uncharted territories of their planet. She has grown up training Starcats, the gorgeous colorful panther like creatures, who are the permanent companions of each Scout. She brings this talent to the group. Dangers lurk on their home planet as well as beyond, and the Scouts need to use all of their talents together to save the planet they call home.There are so many wonderful things about this book. Possibly the strongest aspect of the book is Shanna, the true heroine of the piece. She is likeable and spunky, and it is easy to read about her as she works very hard to learn new skills but with a humility beyond her years. She struggles with trying to teach an older classmate, which is an intriguing storyline. But even more, I marveled at the world building. The starcats are an ingenious invention-- they are beautifully written and described-- I wish I had one of my own! I loved all the adventures Below, the uncharted terrain of their home planet, and all of the new species that they encounter of both plant and animal life. It is clear that the author has had some experience with this kind of camping/exploration. The novel shines at these points.My one big issue with this novel was the introduction of the "bad guys." Small paragraphs about them are scattered after each chapter, without really adding much. I imagined what the book would be like without these additions and only having the book through Shanna's eyes, and I think it would have been stronger that way. The small advances in plot could have easily been hidden from us until Shanna observed them directly herself.Overall, a very strong first novel with terrific characters and world building. I'll definitely be watching for the sequel.