Book Review: Nyxia by Scott Reintgen

Crown Books for Young Readers
Published Sept. 12, 2017
384 Pages

Emmett Atwater isn’t just leaving Detroit; he’s leaving Earth. Why the Babel Corporation recruited him is a mystery, but the number of zeroes on their contract has him boarding their lightship and hoping to return to Earth with enough money to take care of his family.

Forever.

Before long, Emmett discovers that he is one of ten recruits, all of whom have troubled pasts and are a long way from home. Now each recruit must earn the right to travel down to the planet of Eden—a planet that Babel has kept hidden—where they will mine a substance called Nyxia that has quietly become the most valuable material in the universe.

But Babel’s ship is full of secrets. And Emmett will face the ultimate choice: win the fortune at any cost, or find a way to fight that won’t forever compromise what it means to be human.

I am not into science fiction. Therefore, my excitement for this book was fairly non-existence. I went into this not expecting anything other than probably a cliche love triangle.

Dude…

I was so wrong. This book is freaking amazing. Like A. MAZE. ZING.

First off, the diversity within this book is great. To be able to show all types of people and not make them stereotypical was A+ for me. Emmett is like a long lost brother. I was able to relate to him as another Black person and the struggles him and his family emotional go through. I cannot tell you how much that means to me. Emmett’s family history is one of the most touching parts of this book. Also his vulnerability, his honesty, strength, his curiosity, his loyalty, his music choices, I can literally go on how much I love this boy and how much I am looking so forward to the man he becomes in this series.

Enough about Emmett (for now). Here is what I liked about the story, romance did not dominate this book. Was there some romance in it? Yes, towards the end and honestly I think it was in there to appease some masses because although it was great for how it went, it was not needed nor did I desire it in this book.

I was a sitting upright when I read this book. I was waiting for the world to end on this spaceship. And the worst happened and I was devastated. I look at the book and almost through my kindle across the room. But the issue regarding one of the turning points in this book was it didn’t exactly change a whole bunch. Emmett’s drive was renewed, yes, but overall nothing changed and that shocked me a bit.

But the author was able to keep the momentum going, keep me wanting to read what will happen next and when he introduces the other turning point it leads to a perfect book two. Was there some predictability? Yes, if you are paying attention then you will see it. Was the story overall creative? Yes, in the fact that it is in space and the Nyxia is extremely cool. But the story does touch upon what has been happening in real life for years. A country finding a resource in another country and proceeds to do whatever it take to get it. Sounds straight-out the history book to me. But overall I though this was quality writing that leads much to the imagination.

5 Pickles