The Star Dwellers by David Estes

Book series often start out with that first book that gets you hooked and ends with something that either wows you, leaves you sad, satisfied or confused. Right after that first book and all the way up to the last book there are those middle books. You know what I mean? There might be one, or several, but one thing about them is almost always the same - they are just part of a story. I find it so difficult to review middle books. Spin it any way you like - they could be full of action and excitement, suspense, tense drama filled situations - middle books are always just going to part of a story. It's a little like built-in disappointment just because it can never be a complete, satisfying story. This is such a horrible way to start a review for a good book. So I'll do a little backtracking here. For a middle book, The Star Dwellers is great. The plot moves along fairly steadily, taking the characters from danger filled skirmishes in the first book all the way into a more organized resistance situation in this book. There are even a few character twists and surprises thrown in. All in all it's enjoyable, a good adventure and very imaginative. I could be critical and point out that the characters don't really develop significantly or that some of the situations seem a little abrupt or too sudden - but it's an adventure. I don't think those things are all that necessary if the story is entertaining. The only thing that really holds me back is the undeniable fact that it is the middle of the story. So, if you really want that feeling of satisfaction, you'll just have to go ahead and get the next one.