Description
Astra Newtown may be a teenager, but she is also a Caretaker who travels to different parts of the universe helping civilizations in need.
“The Caretakers: Journey to Planet Zenray is a thrilling and heartwarming tale of heroism, friendship, and the power of hope in the face of adversity, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.”
The year is 2033, and fiery eighteen-year-old Astra Newtown is ready to begin a new phase of her life. After witnessing her parents’ murder, trying to find some sense of normalcy, and then finding out her parents weren’t who they claimed to be, the past four years have been an emotional rollercoaster. If not for the old man who took Astra into his home, she might have met that same fate. With his help, she completed her studies and is about to report for duty as a Caretaker for the Interstellar Research Group.
The IRG is an elite group of aliens from all across the galaxy who have worked together for over two hundred thousand years to help worlds avoid imminent disaster. Their motto: When one world fails, the universe suffers.
In Journey to Planet Zenray, you will join Cadet Astra on her first five missions. Meet her partner, Billy and her handler Leo as they travel to different plants and use their special abilities and advanced technologies to help alien worlds onto the right path.
Readers Favorite 5 Star Review
Author Linda M Williams has lovingly crafted an exhilarating odyssey through a galaxy filled with intrigue and adventure. The descriptive and inviting writing style immerses readers in Astra’s journey as she navigates the complexities of her new role as a Caretaker, and I loved the attention to detail in describing both places and people. The vividly imagined world-building and diverse cast of characters are also part of this craftsmanship, including Astra’s partner Billy and handler Leo, adding realism and richness to the narrative through clever speech and thought presentation. Astra’s growth from a troubled teenager to a capable and compassionate Caretaker is compelling. I feel that her emotional arc was well-paced and offers a lot of life lessons and reflection for the target YA audience. The blend of action, mystery, and interpersonal drama was exceedingly well-timed to always keep readers captivated from start to finish, leaving them eagerly anticipating future installments in Astra’s adventures. Overall, The Caretakers: Journey to Planet Zenray is a thrilling and heartwarming tale of heroism, friendship, and the power of hope in the face of adversity, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.
Readers Favorite 5 Star Review
This is a book tailor-made for space adventure fans. The Caretakers takes you on an interstellar voyage to exotic worlds featuring alien civilizations and futuristic tech that you will relish. Using the same characters, Linda M. Williams tells five interconnected science fiction tales that shed light on some increasingly relevant issues we face in the real world today. While the author’s worldbuilding is immersive, the characters keep you invested in the narrative. Both Astra and Billy are immensely likable characters who play off each other. I very much enjoyed their light-hearted back-and-forth banter and Leo taking them under his wing. Young adult readers will have a blast with this book. If you’re a sci-fi fan who enjoys adventure stories, do not miss out on this one!