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Average Customer Rating:

Great read - especially for those who generally don't like Sci-Fi

Customer Rating:

I've always liked to read science fiction but for the most part you had to read through the tedious technical description of a whole new world. While I think it has always been worthwhile to stick with these books anyway, I can relate to young adults who - for that reason - don't. This is exactly why The Softwire: Virus on Orbis 1 is the perfect book for reluctant readers. The story is fast paced, the characters draw you in and the new world PJ Haarsma created is complex and fascinating - but it doesn't overwhelm you and, more importantly, - the lack of overwhelming technical details leaves enough room for ones's own imagination and suspense. In fact, it does exactly the opposite: it leaves you wanting more, both of the story and this newly discovered world. The book touches upon a variety of subjects like growing up, taking responsibility and standing up for one's ideas which make it both interesting for young adults and grown-ups. With Christmas again not so far away (again), it's the perfect book to give away as a present!

Softwire : Virus on Orbis One review by Jericho

Customer Rating:

The Softwire: Virus on Orbis 1 The Softwire: Virus on Orbis 1 is an excellent book. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. P.J. Haarsma is obviously a very talented writer, he manages to keep the reader enthralled throughout the novel. The Softwire is a brilliant story filled with original ideas and characters. I particularly liked the Keepers. With plenty of suspense, unanswered questions and mysteries I can't wait for the future installments. Turning the books into a movie series would be a great success as I am sure they will maintain the very high standards set by The Softwire: Virus on Orbis 1. Jericho

Great read For Young Adults

Customer Rating:

I've never really been a fan of science fiction books. They all seemed to follow the same recipe. They all had the same heroes, saving the day at the last moment, telling us how life should be...That gets boring and predictable.I read The Softwire at the suggestion of some good friends, and I found an author who, through the creation of another world, created a bok that was fast paced without giving the reader too much information all at once making it hard to comprehend for the younger reader.

A Voice for All Children

Customer Rating:

The Softwire: Virus on Orbis 1 revolves around an imaginative world of computers, fantasy creatures, kids banding together in crisis, and a boy struggling to find his purpose in life amid adversity. It includes themes of facing fears, importance of "family," kindness versus cruelty, self-reliance and the power of a positive attitude. What more can you ask for in a young adult reader? The main character is immediately appealing. In JT, the author has found the voice for all children struggling to deal with self-consciousness towards their unique qualities. Most children can identify with this, but especially kids who face challenges. For this reason, the book has a strong drawing power for youngsters who have difficulty reading. Just like the "hero" in the book, they usually feel less worthy. Further enhancing the appeal for reluctant readers is the fact that there are no long, drawn-out descriptions to drag the story down. The book gives enough information to spark the imagination, but does not overdo it. Rather, the action moves along at a fast clip from the outset, building and building to the exciting and surprising ending. The author has created Rings of Orbis, a free online videogame based on The Softwire book series, to grab the attention of those kids who would never pick up a book for recreation. Answers to questions in the game are found within the book, encouraging the players to read. What an innovative idea for improving literacy among children! The Softwire: Virus on Orbis 1 is the perfect book to give kids who could benefit from a strong protagonist who overcomes adversity with grace and perseverance. And it's a fun read for adults as well.

Loved it!!

Customer Rating:

I'm not usually one to read science fiction but a good friend recommended PJ Harrsma's The Softwire- Virus on Orbis 1 to me so I thought I would give it a try. Boy am I glad I did. It's been quite a while since I enjoyed a book as much as I did this one. The book centers on a group of children who were born on a spaceship and have spent all their lives traveling to the planets their parents were meant to work on. When they arrive on Orbis 1, the children quickly learn that they will be forced to work and will remain virtual slaves. The main character, JT is a Softwire- a human being who can talk to and use a computer with his mind. Because of his gift, he is the suspect when the central computer of Orbis 1 begins to malfunction. He must prove his innocence and solve the mystery of the mechanical failures before time runs out. The author strikes the perfect balance in describing JT's world without bogging the reader down with excess descriptions of the alien world. His deft touch allows the world to unfold in your imagination easily. The characters are rich and compelling and the story is fast paced and brings the reader along for a great ride as JT tries to prove his innocence and save Orbis 1 from the virus infecting it. There are lots of twists and turns and I found this book to be a fun read from start to finish. Can't wait for the next installment!