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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Val Vega: Secret Ambassador of Earth by Ben Francisco is a dynamic young adult sci-fi debut that blends interstellar politics, murder mystery, and heartfelt coming-of-age drama. We’re with Val when she learns she’s Earth’s new ambassador to a galactic council, and she’s then thrust into alien diplomacy, underground revolutions, and cosmic-scale intrigue. All while navigating high school life and grief at home. Populated with a dazzling cast of humans and aliens alike, Francisco’s story is witty, moving, and impossible to put down.
Author Ben Francisco knows how to deliver a truly enjoyable story, and I found myself immediately lost in this colorful, inclusive galaxy filled with wonder and emotional depth right from the earliest pages. The energy behind the narration is infectiously pleasant, and Val’s voice is fresh, funny, and deeply relatable as she juggles personal and planetary crises with a certain flavour and humour that stops things ever getting too dark. That’s not to say that there isn’t plenty of depth to the story, though, and there are lots of moving moments where Val is tested to her limit by the shadow of grief and the new pressures thrown at her. The comic timing and adventurous twists add levity and changes of pace to keep things moving, and the clever construction of the storytelling makes this read a standout for its seamless blending of sci-fi adventure, family ties, and social commentary. Overall, Val Vega: Secret Ambassador of Earth is a recommended read for fans of space adventures that are as smart and heartfelt as they are thrilling.
