Weird Space - (Weird Space Trilogy) by A M Wiley (Paperback)

About the Book

"Ever wonder what else is out there? So does twelve-year-old Drew Shipley, a daydreamer whose only fear is growing up. To escape his present and avoid his future, Drew and his friends roam their small town playing night tag, fantasizing about aliens and spaceships, and exploring the haunted Gladhill barn. But Drew's fantasies become reality when a starfighter from another dimension crashes in the cornfield behind his house: Sheela Vestril, commander of the Dimension Warriors and last hope in a galactic war to save their world from the vile Lord Malgore. As Drew learns more about Sheela, he and his friends band together to help her complete her mission and keep her a secret from their parents, a suspicious deputy, and a ruthless gang of bullies. But this isn't a game, and Drew and his friends have no idea what they've signed up for. Who is this girl and what's chasing after her? Are Drew and his friends really cut out to save the universe? Is this Drew's chance to escape the realities of his life, or will those realities follow him no matter what galaxy he's in? Time is running out, and growing up is no longer a choice: It's a matter of life and death."--

Book Synopsis

Ever wonder what else is out there? So does twelve-year-old Drew Shipley, a daydreamer whose only fear is growing up. To escape his present and avoid his future, Drew and his friends roam their small town playing night tag, fantasizing about aliens and spaceships, and exploring the haunted Gladhill barn. But Drew's fantasies become reality when a starfighter from another dimension crashes in the cornfield behind his house: Sheela Vestril, commander of the Dimension Warriors and last hope in a galactic war to save their world from the vile Lord Malgore. As Drew learns more about Sheela, he and his friends band together to help her complete her mission and keep her a secret from their parents, a suspicious deputy, and a ruthless gang of bullies.

But this isn't a game, and Drew and his friends have no idea what they've signed up for. Who is this girl and what's chasing after her? Are Drew and his friends really cut out to save the universe? Is this Drew's chance to escape the realities of his life, or will those realities follow him no matter what galaxy he's in? Time is running out, and growing up is no longer a choice: It's a matter of life and death.

Review Quotes

"A. M. Wiley's novel, Weird Space, is a very unique and fresh approach to science fantasy. It's a must read."

- Howard Kazanjian, Producer of Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark

"Redemptive, cinematic, and an absolute blast-Weird Space is the action-packed, sci-fi Goonies romp you didn't know you needed."

"In trying to describe A.M. Wiley's "Weird Space," I was initially drawn to more obvious comparisons - think of a set of mash-ups between 80s kid standards like "The Goonies," "Explorers," "Russkies," and even a little dash of "Red Dawn" and "The Last Starfighter."

Upon reflection, after finishing this outstanding debut novel, I'd say that while those notes are present (and executed brilliantly - it's a blast for any Gen-Xer, or fan of these films), such a description doesn't do this story justice.

Wiley has created an intimately detailed, lived-in world for his characters, while hinting at a much wider universe that lies ahead for them. Rather than being a derivative re-hash of 80s/early-90s kid/teen movie tropes, "Weird Space" sets itself firmly within a comfortable world of nostalgia (and even occasional Easter eggs), but drives its narrative forward with deeper treatments of grief, loss, guilt, and friendship, as well as a suspenseful hook of a final act which leaves the reader eager to delve more deeply into the universe of the 10th Dimension Warriors. Absolutely recommended! While ideal for young readers, anyone looking for something both new and comfortable in the real of sci-fi adventure (especially the Gen-X/elder Millennial crowds!) will have a great time with this one."