Review of Launch

[NetMassimo]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Launch" by Daniel Tate.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Launch by Daniel Tate is the first book of a science fiction trilogy. Miles Martin was just a child when he became possessed by an alien entity. Miles can do next to nothing to fight this alien while it builds a spaceship. Years later, Miles is set free aboard the spaceship. It's ready to launch to the star Proxima Centauri. For Miles, it's just the start of an incredible adventure.

Daniel Tate created a plot with a classic type of science fiction in his novel. It's full of adventure, with a boy starting an interstellar journey to the discovery of new planets, often inhabited by native sentient species. The author's fantasy is the first highlight in my experience, as he created diverse aliens with diverse characteristics, both physical and mental.

Most of the novel is told in the first person from Miles Martin's point of view. Occasionally, some parts are told in the third person when they follow other characters who are far away from Miles. When Miles recounts his adventures, he also offers reflections about his discoveries and the changes he experienced.

Throughout his voyages, Miles makes many friends and, occasionally, some enemies. He spent years being sort of a prisoner in his own body because he was possessed by an alien, so traveling in space and meeting various aliens is a liberation and an occasion to really start his life. This can be considered a coming-of-age story, albeit quite unusual due to the extraordinary circumstances behind Miles's voyages.

When Miles accepts an alien as a friend, he really doesn't care what they look like. This is part of the profound themes developed in a novel that concerns the idea of very different species working together, which is not always a smooth process. It also concerns the future of humanity. If you want to know about that future, you need to read this novel.

Sometimes, Miles shows that he's a normal teenager with moments of humor that can be silly. For example, at the beginning of his journey, he answers with a flippant attitude when he's contacted by an astronaut on the International Space Station. I still appreciate most of his story despite being far older than him.

Sadly, the book contains more than 10 errors, so I have to take a star from my rating because of that. When the point of view switches from Miles to someone else, there are no separations in the text, which can leave readers initially confused. The book needs a bit of polishing with proper proofreading and some kind of separation when the narrative changes point of view, even just a blank line.

I wouldn't recommend Launch to very young readers because there's a lot of profanity and a moment when Miles smokes a joint. There are a few conversations about sex, but they're really mild. Young adults interested in space adventures are the main target for this novel. However, the profound themes make it suitable for older readers as well. I'm far older than a young adult, and I enjoyed it. Sadly, because of the errors, I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. Its ending is quite open, as this is the first book of a trilogy.

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Launch
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[Gerry Steen]

I gather from your review that this is an enjoyable science-fiction story about Miles Martin who was possessed by an alien and then later set free in a spaceship to visit other planets and aliens. The reader will be privy to Miles' relationships with these alien beings. The collaboration among species and the future of humanity are two of the themes in this story. I hope the author will take your suggestions into account so as to bring this story up to a 5-star status. Because you enjoyed this book, I am adding it to my bookshelves. Thank you.

[NetMassimo]

I gather from your review that this is an enjoyable science-fiction story about Miles Martin who was possessed by an alien and then later set free in a spaceship to visit other planets and aliens. The reader will be privy to Miles' relationships with these alien beings. The collaboration among species and the future of humanity are two of the themes in this story. I hope the author will take your suggestions into account so as to bring this story up to a 5-star status. Because you enjoyed this book, I am adding it to my bookshelves. Thank you.

Indeed, I enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading its sequel. The errors didn't hinder my reading experience, but a bit of polishing would be good. Thank you for commenting.

[Seetha E]

I liked the unique premise- Miles possessed by an alien, followed by his blending among other species. I am curious about the profound themes you mentioned - collaboration among species and the future of humanity. Sounds like a well-paced and interesting read. Thank you for your comprehensive review!

[NetMassimo]

I liked the unique premise- Miles possessed by an alien, followed by his blending among other species. I am curious about the profound themes you mentioned - collaboration among species and the future of humanity. Sounds like a well-paced and interesting read. Thank you for your comprehensive review!

The story is mostly fast-paced, as Miles visits several planets. I couldn't go into detail about the themes because of spoilers, but there's some food for thought. Thank you for your appreciation!

[Arshadq]

I read a similar book, where the main character got kidnapped by an alien to run his spaceship and he went on to try and save the universe. But Mile's story is very unique still, from being possessed to finding new planets! I always wanted to know how the future would be, and what we would discover in the nearest star, so I might try this book!
Thanks for the detailed review!

[NetMassimo]

I read a similar book, where the main character got kidnapped by an alien to run his spaceship and he went on to try and save the universe. But Mile's story is very unique still, from being possessed to finding new planets! I always wanted to know how the future would be, and what we would discover in the nearest star, so I might try this book!
Thanks for the detailed review!

Certain ideas seem to be spread around and used in different ways. Thank you for your appreciation!