The Jupiter Pirates: Hunt for the Hydra
Life on the starship Shadow Comet is never dull. As privateers for the Jovian Union, the Hashoone family makes its living by seizing the cargos of enemy ships. After discovering a suspicious passenger aboard a captured ship, the Jovian Union enlists the Comet and her crew to help the government stop a cleverly disguised plot against the Jovian people. Captained by their mother, the three Hashoone children are in constant competition to one day win command of the Comet,and their dynamic is fun to watch as they balance their roles in the family with their roles as crew members. Battle tactics feature prominently in the narrative, providing a close look at the strategy behind the story&#x2019;s action. Ship schematics and a glossary are also included to make readers feel at home. The first title in the Jupiter Pirates series mixes old-fashioned swashbuckling with laser cannons and politics, resulting in an exciting read with a dash of intrigue&#x2014;think Star Wars meets Treasure Island. Grades 4-7. --Julia Smith