Spacer and Rat

By Margaret Bechard
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Noelle

If you enjoy scifi and a fast-paced tale, you will want to sink your teeth into this story! Jack is a "spacer"--someone who has spent his entire life out in space; in his case, the space station Freedom. He's been apprenticed to a pub and finally his dream of getting off the station and to a new assignment in a different section of the universe has been granted. Six weeks, and he is off into the Black. Complications set in when he first meets a "rat"--the term for a kid who has been ditched at the station by his or her parents. Rats are from Earth, which is in a decline. This rat's name is Kit, and she's toting a 'bot (robot) that her father managed to make self-aware before his death--a practice that is strictly forbidden. However, certain people know about Waldo the bot's existence and are willing to go to great lengths to get ahold of him. Jack finds himself drawn into the drama of trying to help get Kit and Waldo to their intended destination safely. The action is nonstop and it is exciting stuff. Jack also finds his beliefs challenged as he deals with Kit and Waldo, and his character growth is refreshing and believable. The story is littered with references to science fiction stories and authors: a ship named Ursula K LeGuin, a restaurant called the Douglas Adams Eatery. It adds to the fun for those who are scifi afficianados. Overall, an entertaining read that is difficult to put down!