Hunt for the Hydra

Gr 4–6—Following the catastrophic Battle of 624, Hektor, the Jovian Union outlawed space piracy but offered letters of marque to any pirates who were willing to turn privateer. The Hashoone family accepted the offer and their starship has been harrying Earth merchant ships ever since. Tycho, 12, is at the helm as the Comet captures what seems to be an ordinary freighter. When the privateer boarding party tries to collect its prize, the freighter claims to be on a diplomatic mission, but the "diplomat" looks more like a seedy space tough than a respectable Earth official. Tycho's mother, the privateer captain, decides to take the captured ship—and the case—to the admiralty court at the neutral settlement on Ceres. There, the Hashoones learn that more than 100 doubtful "diplomatic credentials" have been issued recently. Moreover, 16 Jovian vessels have mysteriously disappeared. The Comet and crew are recruited to investigate—a dangerous mission that risks their vessel and their lives—and could force the Jovian Union and Earth back into open warfare. This is space opera in the classic style—ultracool technology, sinister interplanetary intrigue, and thrilling space-battle action. Necessary background information is seamlessly integrated into the story, creating a fully realized future world. While Tycho is the main focus, the other members of the Hashoone clan are interesting in their own right. Half-cyborg Grandpa Huff is a particularly fascinating character. A barely reformed old pirate who yearns for the good old days, he provides moments of comic relief, but also represents a link to family history. There's plenty of sci-fi action, and readers will admire and envy the respect and responsibility that adult characters give to Tycho and his crew members.—Elaine E. Knight, formerly at Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL