Ace Takes Flight, 1

Cory McCarthy — 2021

Welcome to 2048. Every graduate of the B.E.S.T. Program can receive a bionic enhancement as a rite of passage. For Ace Wells, it is just the beginning of his epic augmentation journey in book one of this near-future sci-fi trilogy. Eleven-year-old Ace Wells's dream has finally come true: he is a new cadet in the B.E.S.T. (Biological Enhancement Systems Technology) Program. Until now, he's been living in the shadow of his superstar brother, Finn--but not for long. This is new Ace! He knows he can make his mark on the world with SuperSoar wings, but on day one, nothing goes as planned. The antagonistic elevator AI Otis, wants to eat his belongings, the physical feats set by his tough-nut coach are impossible, and his celebrity roommates are far from welcoming. It becomes crystal clear that Ace is not prepared to fly--in any sense of the word. As tensions build, Ace has a sinking suspicion that there's something more going on at B.E.S.T. than meets the eye. Will he ever make it to graduation and get the aug of his dreams? Join Ace and find out as he tests his strength and grit in this page-turning middle grade adventure!

Reviews

Katrina White@katrinareads

Nov 17, 2021

Ace takes flight weaves diversity of sexuality and body ability effortlessly. There is a non binary character and all of the characters introduced themselves by saying their name and their pronouns. There are disabled characters whose disabilities actually come into their aid. Our main character himself has ADHD and indeed struggles with that and we get to see him overcome but it is not easy he is not a Gary stu. It might give kids hope that their struggles will amount to something, I think. Our main character having to deal with living in the shadow of his successful older sibling is a really good plot point for kids who are the middle or younger sibling. Ace Takes Flight is also really good at dealing with the realities of friendship. How hard they can be and how much work one has to do if they mess up. Even with all of those serious topics this books was just a fun power fantasy. It's is also a mystery that ends (a little abruptly) on a cliffhanger.

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Sasha Cheung@thatgirllivinginherhead

This book appears on the shelf stand-alone

Sasha Cheung@thatgirllivinginherhead