Rigged by Rose Horn follows Toriya "Tori" Winston who embarks on her dream of attending the prestigious StarNet Academy in New York City. Upon arrival, her feelings of inadequacy are high given her father's criticism and her roommate Celia's preoccupation, which adds to Tori's anxiety. In her first weeks, Tori squeaks through combat classes and team simulations, forming a bond with fellow cadets. However, on a field training mission on the alien planet Adonell, Tori and her friend Anna uncover a conspiracy involving the Adoni's leadership and the circumstances surrounding the military ship, SN Vanguard. When they discover critical information about the legitimacy of Kaylah, the Adoni leader, they find themselves in danger as guards close in, forcing Tori to confront her fears and assert her newfound agency in a crisis.

Rose Horn does a wonderful job of delivering a thrilling mix of science fiction, coming of age, and lessons in politics in Rigged: A StarNet Novel. Horn's writing is taut and intelligent, effectively immersing readers in Tori's life, and those around her. I was most impressed by Horn's unique bits of technology, from the simulations that reveal crucial information about the SN Vanguard to the hidden secrets surrounding the Blast Ball ceremony. The ancillary characters are all well-developed, with a standout who has a penchant for backhanded compliments that I weirdly loved. Rigged is an easy, comfortable gateway for those who might be new to science fiction but still has the teeth to keep ride-or-die fans entertained. Overall, with a great arc and world-building, StarNet is a series I look forward to continuing with. Very highly recommended.

In Rigged, a StarNet novel by Rose Horn, thirteen-year-old Tori Winston is excited and nervous about her first day at StarNet Academy. After an argument with her father, she is determined to make new friends and prove she belongs in the Command program. She meets new people in the dining hall and her classes, finding a best friend, Anna, and she keeps running into a boy, Jamison. After a few weeks, Tori has the opportunity to observe a mission onboard the SN Missionary and many of her new friends participate, too. The mission leads them to Adonell to speak to their new leader, Kaylah. While there, Tori and Anna find evidence of a nefarious plot and hope to expose it but at the risk of a court martial.

Rose Horn has created a universe that readers will want to keep visiting. Her characters are multi-dimensional and mature, making the book easier for younger individuals and adults to read. The story will hold your interest, whether you choose to read it over an afternoon or digest it chapter by chapter. The author peppers the pages with themes of friendship and duty as different personalities thrive or just survive. The crew of the SN Missionary's main mission was to maintain peace, and it's a good lesson and discussion point. Not only should we be diplomatic while negotiating with people outside our area, but we should also promote peace between ourselves. As Horn's additional chapter proves, you never know what another person may be experiencing. Readers who enjoy science fiction and adventure novels with teens will love Rigged.