Star Binder by Robert Appleton is exactly the kind of science fiction novel I am into these days, and it is great. I like all types of science fiction and I read them all, but lately I have searched for books concerned with how life in the near future will look as we branch out and settle our solar system. I am a big fan of Elon Musk and his dream to colonize Mars. I have been watching the Chinese take the lead in plans to colonize the moon, and I enjoy reading well thought out visions of this near future exploration and expansion. Star Binder is one of the best examples I have read of this particular type of science fiction. The science is there but, just as important, how humanity will react and live in this new solar system is there too.

All the science in the world will not help if you can’t show realistic reactions from people. This is especially true when depicting ordinary people living their daily lives. Robert Appleton is a master at this. I could believe in life on Mars as I read the adventures of Jim and Sergei. The plot is good, but the characters sell the book. These young men are likable as only charming con men can be. Robert Appleton’s writing, along with the charisma of these two characters, places Star Binder on a level above the average science fiction novel. The science is accurate, but the characters are wonderfully human. That is what makes this book work so well. That is what makes this near future look so possible, even likely.

James Trillion isn’t sure of much of anything about his life since the day he stumbled across the bodies of his father and sister, but the one thing he is sure of is Sergei ... until the day that he’s left all alone to create his own life, for the first time in seven years. But is James able to reconcile everything he’s seen and done in his life to what this new Initiative requires of him? Will he and his new friends be able to help save the worlds from the invasion? Or will they be destroyed like the many civilizations the Finaglers and the Sheikers have destroyed in the past? It’s going to be up to more than just James, Lyssa, Rachel, Sergei and Lohengrin to wait and see what happens next in Star Binder by Robert Appleton; they’ll also have to see what the mysterious creature is that’s been helping James all this time.

This is definitely a story of friends and family, but it’s also a story filled with action and adventure. The characters are all ones that you can’t help but like right from the beginning and they never give up on anything. They’re young, but they’re brave and strong, and they’re adventurous enough to survive anything. There’s plenty to keep anyone interested and it’s something that will make you want to read more. There’s never a dull moment and always new characters to learn about and to root for. Star Binder by Robert Appleton is a book I’ll most certainly be recommending.

Set on Mars, Star Binder by Robert Appleton is an exciting story that combines elements of sci-fi with adventure, and sends readers on a rollicking ride across the galaxy. The colonies are under duress from aliens who could invade them at any time and life isn’t that easy for mankind. To survive, Trillion and his best friend, Sergei, must scrape their way through the oases resorts of Mars to make a living, using all their wit and cunning to get away with petty crime. But things change when they save the life of a well-known explorer who offers them the opportunity of a lifetime — join a mysterious academy and prepare for a journey across the galaxy. Could this be the way forward to warding off aliens, unveiling Jim’s secret past and reaching the stars? The mission is more than just a dream. Be prepared for a one-of-a-kind ride with these exciting characters.

Star Binder is a story that explores the heights of human abilities, a story of self-exploration and discovery, well-written, and featuring unforgettable characters. Readers will love to meet Jim and Sergei and follow them on their journey from hardship to living with a purpose. In the opening lines one reads: “Our day begins the way all days begin in the oases resorts of Mars...with a crime. Not a serious one. No, we don’t roll that way. Many other drifters do, but those grid-lickers never last long outside of colonial custody.” The story is told in the first person narrative, in a humorous, light, and persuasive voice that will sing in the ears of readers. The conflict is well-developed and the plot moves very fast. Robert Appleton establishes himself as a great storyteller in Star Binder, and readers will love his memorable characters.

Star Binder by Robert Appleton follows Jim Trillion and his best friend, Sergei, as they barely scrape by to make a living on the streets. After they save a man in a trench coat, the man offers them a place at a secret academy, with promises of a heroic future. Jim is swayed by the chance to one day see the world, to be more than he is now, but with the threat of an invasion, life at the academy becomes complicated, including friendship and bullies. As Jim investigates the secrets of the academy, he discovers secrets of his own unknown past. The closer he comes to the truth, the more he has to rely on Sergei and their new friends to make it through training.

A coming of age story in the stars, Star Binder is a humorous and gritty adventure, which inspires all to follow their dreams. Robert Appleton has a light and intelligent writing style, with characters that are compelling, with attitude and heart. Bullying is a big theme, showing Jim and his friends learning to stand up not just for themselves, but for each other. Curiosity, loyalty, and friendship drive them to find answers, to learn, and to work together. The friendship between Sergei and Jim is heartwarming, sincere, and perfect. Every scene they shared made me care even more. Their scenes were funny and charming, and made me completely emotionally invested. Appleton pushes the boundaries of the imagination with emotional stakes and a heroic quest in this must-read novel!