CONSTELLATIONS: AUDIENCE AND REVIEWS

CONSTELLATIONS: MOONSHOT opens a door widely with engaging and believable characters set in the real world of NASA: past, present and future. 

The cinematic tale has a ready mainstream audience among young readers. But like any good story, its appeal isn’t limited to developing imaginations. It will find readers of all ages, like some of the most successful science fiction/fantasy series.

Based on real events, its “pulled-from-the-headlines” flavour latches onto the new space race, now faster than ever.

The story's mood reflects "The Book Thief," with its persecuted refugees and child protagonists. It borrows from "For All Mankind," the hit Apple speculative sci-fi series that remoulds NASA history. Its character conventions unfold a bit like the Oscar winning Pixar film “Up” – a rebel senior connects with a young stowaway. Or the Star Wars series “The Acolyte,” featuring young black twins and their search for super power. The story shares the quest for a higher ideal found in "See You in the Cosmos," "We Dream of Space" and "The Thing About Jellyfish." Then there's "Tia Martinez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything," a YA sci-fi success with quirky child/adult relationships.

CONSTELLATIONS: MOONSHOT also has strong educational appeal, dealing with current social issues like bullying, racism, political corruption and gender identity. But the story also delves into recent history and tangible, understandable science.

CONSTELLATIONS: MOONSHOT is a winner waiting to happen.

"You're an engaging and punchy writer, and the short chapters lend a brisk pace. Already I have some thoughts on sharpening the opening."

Nathan Bransford on the opening chapters, "Jacob Wonderbar" series author. Former literary agent. 

"Constellations is an intriguing science fiction story of the lives of several vivid and compelling characters in the Town of Titan, Florida.  How nuanced the characters come across is commendable. They are multifaceted, vivid and compelling, all developed interestingly among other strong points of the narrative like the vivid setting and world-building, and the incorporation of factual historical elements. I also like the attention paid to the voices of the characters. I would rate this story 4 out of 5, for all of its strengths and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy intricate plots with elements of suspense, science fiction and psychological depth." 

   Nsika, Nigeria

"Our attention is quickly drawn in by the gripping opening scene. The characters, especially the Twins and Abel, are well drawn. Your reader may feel strongly moved by the journeys they go through and the ways their character arcs unfold. Abel's character is made more nuanced and sophisticated by his encounters with the Twins and his commitment to his objective. The story keeps readers on the edge of our seats. The novel delves into some intriguing themes and motifs, including justice, selflessness, and the pursuit of technological advancement. Abel's goal and his readiness to jeopardise everything for his study highlight a compelling theme of commitment to a higher ideal. Scientific and technology details give the narrative more realism. Realistic references to scientific concepts and real space flights anchor the fanciful aspects in reality." 

Yoanna, England

"I LOVE the story! It reminds me of some award-winning middle-grade books that I read while in school. The story is dynamic, well-crafted and unusual, and I never once got bored. The characters are colorful and engaging, my favorite being Abel, with his German accent and weirdness. Bump and Thump as villains are hilarious, and almost cartoonish in their wickedness, but it works well with the rest of the story. Leonard is very enigmatic and he has a nice character arc. As the protagonist, I see Zoe as more likeable and more innocent, but of course I appreciate Zachary's efforts to make sure she doesn't get in trouble. (After all, Abel could be a creepy kidnapper of children!) The story is full of potential and I'm sure it will appeal to younger readers, and I'm excited to see it in print!"

 Vereya, Missouri

"This is a fantastic story idea — the gifted twins, the immortal scientist. It’s intriguing and interesting and so full of potential. By the end, I was invested in all the characters — loved the old world charm of Abel and his character was consistently written throughout. The kids were a delight without being annoying or too sweet. The last third — when you left the twins’ POV for a lot of the time — really read like the third act of a Stephen King novel, and upon reflection, the mayor, the town and Ken especially felt very Stephen King-ish. It’s also when you filled in all the grown up characters more and I really liked that."

Patti, Penetanguishene

“It’s way better than anything they give us to read in school. Maybe make the dots that separate the parts into little space ships instead. Here’s my cell if you want to talk about my notes.” 

Oscar, Toronto. 9-year-old twin.

“I think you have quite an imagination to think up stuff like that. But to be honest, science fiction died in the 1950s. Nobody wants to read science fiction anymore. And all the bullying stuff is a downer. I don’t think anyone wants to read about an old man who commits suicide in front of little kids stranded in space.” 

Dave, Kitchener. Father-in-law

“Yeah, maybe I’ll read it someday.” 

Linda, Beloved wife.