One of the best novels of the year for young adult readers.
The mood is changing in the city of Volara. It’s tough to put a finger on it, but it must have to do with the looming war. In precisely six weeks, war ships from Mara will arrive and try to finish what they couldn’t in the last war against Cambria. There is an uneasy feeling in the palace as the Emperor is hastily moving his family and possessions to their vacation home. Sad to leave her childhood home, daughter Juna knows there must be something more to explain the total evacuation, but answers are not forthcoming from her arrogant father. Outside the city, Orin has found an engrossing project to keep his genius mind occupied during the weeks leading up to the hostile alien confrontation. Famous for his family’s involvement in creating and innovating Mech robots for the planet’s defense, Orin and his best-Mech-friend work tirelessly on a project that may help save Cambria. However, certain Elite citizens are keeping a shocking secret that will change more than the outcome of an interstellar occupation. Kind-hearted Juna catches wind of the nefarious plan and relies on an old friendship, hoping to avert further tragedy.
Mech: Heart & Soul by Ken Deeprose is the perfect sci-fi adventure story for anybody with an imagination. With an engaging plot, plenty of age-appropriate action and a cast of well-crafted characters, this futuristic novel appeals to middle-grade readers and adults alike. The Mechs, with their formal nature, admirable loyalty and ever-evolving human-like attributes, are funny and heartwarming. Princess Juna is as down-to-earth as a person can be, without an ounce of superiority, despite being daughter to the Emperor. She hates the class system on Cambria and her fight to save the people she cares about is uplifting and gratifying. Ken Deeprose writes at a controlled pace, contributing to the arc of the story in a steady and satisfying manner. Humor, friendship, worthwhile battles, an unassuming princess and really cool robots fuse together into what is certainly one of the best novels of the year for young adult readers!
