Jonesy Flux and the Gray Legion by James Pray

Jonesy Flux is a spunky space voyager with unsuspected potential, in this action-packed science fiction debut.

Jonesy Flux and the Gray Legion by James Pray. Sterling, 2020, 402 pages

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12

Recommended for: Ages 10-15

“A long way from here, and a long time from now, there was a star named Noraza.” The fifth planet of the Noraza system is a gas giant called Amberius, with two rings. The first is a natural ring of dust and ice, but the second is the pulverized debris of Canary, a former research station. Cosmologists peering at it from light-years away would never guess that there was anything left of Canary, but a handful of survivors, all younger than 20 earth years, have scrabbled out a life there while they wait for rescue from some passing vessel or the returning escapees. Eleven-year-old Joanna, better known as Jonesy, has earned a reputation as a smart and agile scavenger for any goods that remain. It’s on an ordinary scavenging trip that she and her friend Trace pick up a signal from a passing ship.

Pirates, or rescuers? Turns out it’s neither, but the return of the very villain who destroyed Canary Station. He’s looking for a certain 11-year-old with unusual powers she doesn’t even suspect. Those powers will soon launch her on a solo expedition to find her crew, rescue her friends, and figure out what’s going on.

Science fiction nerds will devour the rich detail and space-cowboy action of this novel, which owes more than its opening line to Star Wars. Jonesy is an endearing mix of spunk and vulnerability. Other characters show promise of interesting development, which I presume they’ll have a chance to develop. Though the story is wraps up nicely, there’s plenty left hanging, so expect a sequel. Non sci-fi fans may find it a bit long—some of that detail might have been cut—but it’s an entertaining summer read.

Considerations

• Mild language: One character uses the word “crap” a lot, and “holy crap” a few times.
• That same character references prayer more than once, though there’s no mention of the object of prayer. The worldview may be developed further in later installments.

Overall Rating: 3.75 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 3.5
• Artistic/literary value: 4

Read more about our ratings here.

Also at Redeemed Reader:

Reviews: Younger readers will enjoy The Lion of Mars, which puts its characters a little closer to home. Parents of even younger readers should check out our starred review of the Zita the Spacegirl graphic-novel series. And for those who prefer nonfiction: How We Got to the Moon and Exploring Space are outstanding.

Resource: It’s from a few years back, but still good: our Space and Sci-Fi Booklist.

Reflection: Betsy’s thoughts on The Need for Science Fiction

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