DRONESTAR a novel by M.S. Zlotnickov (Book Review #2029)

Dronestar by M.S. Zlotnickov is a gripping YA space fantasy that combines thrilling adventure, rich world-building, and a heartwarming coming-of-age story. Set on the junk-ridden planet of Takis, it follows thirteen-year-old Sirus Spadefoot, a boy born to a convict mother, who finds himself caught in a complex web of secrets, survival, and a desperate quest for freedom.

Sirus’s mother, Atyp, is a lab-created human with exceptional computational abilities. After rebelling against the company that created her, she is sentenced to work for the RECT corporation, which controls the planet’s waste reclamation efforts. Together, she and Sirus have been secretly building a ship to escape the planet, scavenging space debris to make their dreams a reality. But when RECT discovers their plan, Atyp is sent away, and Sirus is forced to live with the native Diggee people, descendants of stranded explorers.

The Diggees, living in Takis’ South Ward, have built a unique and resourceful culture, dependent on the scavenging operations of what they call “the Heap.” After a dangerous encounter with a security robot, Sirus is rescued by Raisa and Pact, a Diggee couple skilled in repairing robots and drones for RECT. As Sirus’s connection to RECT grows stronger, so does the threat to his freedom. His refusal to cooperate with RECT’s liaison, Ridley Moorhaus, leads to a dangerous pursuit that puts him on the run.

Sirus’s newfound life in South Ward introduces him to new friends, including Sina Santee, who helps him escape from RECT’s grasp, and Akiva Park, a teacher who helps him claim his birthright as a native-born citizen of Takis. However, Sirus’s hopes of a better future quickly unravel as RECT continues to control nearly every aspect of life on Takis, including the economy and resources. Sirus’s escalating debt makes his dream of becoming a pilot and finding his mother seem impossible.

In an effort to solve his problems, Sirus turns to the popular drone race called dronestar, which takes place every three years and offers a life-changing cash prize. With the help of his friends and a newfound passion for drone racing, Sirus works to build a winning racer. However, his rival, Rotor Blackrock, the son of the RECT warden, will stop at nothing to ensure Sirus’s failure, even resorting to dangerous tactics to sabotage his progress. With perseverance, bravery, and the support of his friends, Sirus races against all odds to claim the title of dronestar.

Dronestar is an exhilarating tale of resilience, friendship, and fighting against a system that seeks to control. Through Sirus’s journey, the novel explores themes of self-discovery, belonging, and overcoming obstacles, all set in a richly imagined universe. As Sirus works to build a better future for himself and reunite with his mother, he learns that the power of hope, loyalty, and determination can lead to the most unexpected victories.

Written by Jeyran Main

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