A Review By Frances Smith

Stanley is an ordinary boy, living a mundane and not particularly happy existence, being looked after by his older half-brother in a rather run-down London Pub. He suddenly finds himself on an alien planet, imprisoned for the murder of President Vorlugenar.

This frightening scenario is brilliantly portrayed.  How would you feel if no-one believed a word you said, if there was video proof of you committing the crime and if you didn’t speak the language?

 The story moves forward very fast, and as Stanley is a very resourceful boy who is pretty unfazed by the situation he finds himself in, the early frightening passages are soon forgotten as our boy hero manages to get back home.  But things at home are difficult too.  Would any policeman believe such a story?  Where has he really been?

 I would not hesitate to recommend this book to 8 – 12 year olds, particularly boys, but I think girls would enjoy it too.