Castle in the Stars: The Space Race of 1869

Seraphin’s mother is investigating the secrets of aether, using a hot air balloon. She doesn’t come back. Seraphin becomes very interested in aether, but his dad feels the opposite about it. People think aether can do amazing things, like power rocket ships. Aether can be found way up in the air. One day, Seraphin and his father receive a mysterious letter that says to come to Bavaria and not tell anyone about it. Also, they found Seraphin’s mom’s logbook. Seraphin and his dad are attacked at the train station while trying to go to Bavaria. Do they get away? Read the book to find out.

This book is a graphic novel. It is “Book One.” This book was exciting, but it ends abruptly. (Cliffhangers are starting to grow on me.) The last page is an advertisement for “Book Two.” I want to read the next book.

I think the illustrations add to the story. I like the drawings of the spaceship. The original drawing is funny. I like the funny parts. The way Hans is drawn is more cartoonish than the other people, but I think that’s fine. The book is three chapters long, but it feels longer than that. People who like science fiction and adventure stories will like this book.