Science Fiction
A robot boy, a class trip and an accidental rocket into space is exactly the sort of premise that can be either delightfully odd or a complete wobble. I’m mildly fond of both outcomes, if I’m honest.
Nova’s Super-Galactic Pop-Up has my attention for that reason alone. It sounds like the kind of science fiction that might care more about charm and momentum than hard machinery, which is often where these things become interesting. Or nonsense. Sometimes both, which is a respectable literary tradition.
Nova’s Super-Galactic Pop-Up has my attention for that reason alone. It sounds like the kind of science fiction that might care more about charm and momentum than hard machinery, which is often where these things become interesting. Or nonsense. Sometimes both, which is a respectable literary tradition.
I’m about 30% in and it’s leaning more towards charm than machinery, which suits it. The premise could have gone very loud very quickly, but it’s keeping things light on its feet so far.
What I’m watching for is whether the book can keep that energy without turning into pure scramble. A story like this needs a bit of steadiness under the oddness, otherwise it starts to feel like it’s been left on the dashboard.
What I’m watching for is whether the book can keep that energy without turning into pure scramble. A story like this needs a bit of steadiness under the oddness, otherwise it starts to feel like it’s been left on the dashboard.
The bit that interests me is the “class trip” part. That usually gives a story a built-in social mess, which can be far more useful than fancy machinery. A robot boy getting flung into space has enough oddness already. If it keeps the character work sharp, the silliness might actually land rather than wobble.