Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
New alien allies up the ante in engrossing sci-fi series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As STARSIGHT opens, Sansa is ready to embark on an expedition into enemy territory. Cloaked in a holographic disguise, she poses as an aggressive new recruit and is tasked with stealing a ship with a hyperdrive, her compatriots' only hope for survival. Sansa's alien allies seem to share a common enemy, but there are factions working at cross purposes. With her main friend -- the Artificial Intelligence known as M-Bot -- out of commission, will she be able to face her greatest fears and deliver the life-saving technology?
Is It Any Good?
Space battles don't always work well in prose, but this sci-fi adventure adds a human dimension that will keep the pages turning. Author Brandon Sanderson knows to build a futuristic world that's logical, compelling, and sometimes surprising. Teen starship pilot Sansa is an engaging protagonist: gutsy and determined, if more than a bit stubborn and quick to make snap judgments. The supporting cast is diverse and interesting, and the new alien species contribute some welcome variety to the proceedings. Especially fun is M-Bot, who struggles with how to become human.
The rare second installment that matches the novelty of a saga's first volume, Starsight offers plenty of action, humor, intrigue, and revealing character moments.The book ends with a cliff-hanger, but Sanderson has the stamina to deliver the next book in the series quickly. Readers who enjoy Ender's Game wil likely appreciate Starsight and look forward to the saga's next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Starsight demonstrates the diligence you must have to be a fighter pilot. What characteristics must a pilot possess to survive in battle? How can those skills be applied to everyday life?
Why are civilian forces so vulnerable in times of war? What can be done to protect noncombatants in the midst of battle?
Sansa must interact with a variety of alien races. What strategies work best for developing trust with individuals from different cultures?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Robots
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Delacorte Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : November 27, 2019
- Number of pages : 457
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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