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The Adventures of Arya and Krishna Betta Fish: Zero Gravity
The third installment of The Adventures of Arya and Krishna Betta Fish: Zero Gravity takes the story to a whole new level, literally out of this world. Arya, Krishna, and their colorful band of fishy friends get launched into space by accident, joining astronauts at the Kennedy Space Center before being swept away into an intergalactic adventure. Along the way, they meet Ishaan, a shape-shifting alien longing to return home, battle micrometeorites, travel through wormholes, and encounter entire alien civilizations, from giant octopuses to crab tribes on the edge of survival. It’s a cosmic leap in the series that blends science fiction, family, and playfulness in a way only this series can.
The depictions of zero gravity within the spacecraft, such as Arya and Krishna gliding through floating spheres of water while Shivam played his small guitar, were both imaginative and delightful. These moments carried a whimsical quality without diminishing the awe that space exploration inherently evokes. I also appreciated the way the narrative integrated real scientific concepts, such as micrometeorites and the distinctions between solar systems and galaxies, while remaining accessible and engaging. It is evident that the author intended for readers, particularly younger audiences, to come away not only entertained but also enriched with knowledge.
At times, the book relied heavily on its quirky humor, which I found surprisingly effective. The crab king declaring, “Tonight we dine on fish!” only to be interrupted by a giant octopus mom swooping in was pure chaotic fun. I found myself laughing out loud at how seriously absurd the situations could get. And yet, behind the silliness, there was heart, like when Arya and her friends risked swimming through scalding waters to save the crab princess Kristin from boiling lava. Those moments balanced playfulness with courage, which gave the book more weight than just an endless string of zany encounters.
The character of Ishaan, the alien blob-turned-octopus-turned-who-knows-what-next, added an emotional thread that surprised me. His longing to return to his family while forming bonds with the betta fish gave the story a bittersweet undercurrent. I especially liked the scenes where he tried to help his new friends, whether by updating NASA’s star charts or communicating telepathically with his mother. It grounded the story in a sense of belonging and homecoming, which I think both kids and adults can connect with.
I recommend The Adventures of Arya and Krishna Betta Fish: Zero Gravity to young readers with a taste for adventure, to parents seeking engaging and imaginative bedtime stories, and to anyone who has ever gazed at the night sky with a sense of wonder. The narrative is both whimsical and heartfelt, with an educational undercurrent that enriches the reading experience.
Pages: 119 | ASIN : B0FHKP2DP4
A Human Story
SiP follows a twelve-year-old boy with aquaphobia whose father’s naval ship is sucked up a giant drinking straw into space, leading him to join forces with his uncle, pirates, and aliens to try and save the Earth. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had one of those daydream “Wouldn’t that be a cool idea” moments where I imagined an enormous straw drinking the oceans, like a juice box, and the idea grew from there. Earth is mostly water after all, and water is relatively rare in the universe so the idea that something might come and drink it was an interesting starting point.
In many contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
I’m not the strongest swimmer. I can swim, but I don’t float. My body is not naturally buoyant. Jim in the story is slightly different, in that he is a strong swimmer who experiences a trauma that creates a fear of the water. I think some of Jim’s fear stems directly from my own lack of confidence in the water, and from the challenge it creates for him as the hero in the situation he ultimately finds himself in.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Family, friendship, humanity, inner strength, love. I wanted the story to be a positive, uplifting one. I tried to avoid violence or the ‘good vs evil’ trope in favor of telling a human story.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The story deviates in book two and introduces new protagonists, a new conundrum, and an adventure that at first glance isn’t linked to the events of SiP. That all changes, however, when the story leads to the mysterious location which is also the title of the next book – AREA 52. The series is going to span seven books and will continue in the same vein as SiP – telling a human story using non-human, and extremely odd circumstances.
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Teaming up with his wacky inventor uncle, a bunch of fishermen (who think they’re pirates), and a group of bizarre alien castaways, Jim’s incredible journey takes him from a sleepy village in Portsmouth, England, across the Atlantic and into the very edge of space.
If that wasn’t enough, the President of the United States is trying to stop everyone from blowing the straw to pieces, while the Earth could well be doomed if Jim can’t convince the mysterious presence in orbit that the world is worth saving. SiP by Marius Trevelean. The last straw for Planet Earth.
SiP is a science fiction mystery adventure for tween girls and boys thirsty for new and exciting books to read. Suitable for middle school kids ages 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 and even parents, teachers, grown-ups with a sense of humor, and anyone who loves adventure stories, science fiction, and funny books! All content is good, clean, fun, and age-appropriate for school grades 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th.
SiP
SiP, by Marius Trevelean, is a delightful blend of adventure, humor, and heartfelt characters. The story follows Jim Moss, a boy tasked with saving Earth from being discarded. The narrative begins with Jim’s severe aquaphobia, stemming from a near-drowning accident. Fearing he’ll never fulfill his dream of joining the Navy like his hero father, Jim’s life takes a dramatic turn when a giant red and white drinking straw descends from the sky and anchors itself in the Atlantic Ocean, sucking up the battleship his father commands. Together with his inventor uncle, Professor Bartholomew Banks, a crew of fishermen reminiscent of pirates, and a host of extraterrestrial allies, Jim must overcome his fear of water to thwart the alien responsible for Earth’s potential condemnation.
Written in a style reminiscent of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams, complete with a playful nod to the latter via the number 42 bus, this book is ideal for teenagers aged 13-17. The story’s core theme of friendship shines through Jim’s diverse companions—from his loyal friend Ben and his eccentric uncle to the eclectic group of fishermen, stranded aliens, and even the very alien threatening Earth. Jim’s kind-hearted nature leads him to help the giant alien understand the best qualities of humanity, even at great personal risk.
SiP features clean, well-crafted humor, exemplified by playful jabs at Flynn’s appearance, Peg’s wooden leg, Captain Shanty’s exaggerated tales, Hello’s unique voice, Aunt Muriel’s indifference, and Professor Banks’ seemingly impractical inventions. The crisply-written narrative makes for an easy yet impactful read, combining light-hearted moments with touching themes.
SiP, by Marius Trevelean, is a captivating and enjoyable read that masterfully blends humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments. Through the journey of Jim Moss and his eclectic group of companions, readers are treated to a story that celebrates friendship, courage, and the resilience of the human spirit. Trevelean’s witty and engaging writing style ensures that both teenagers and adults alike will find much to love in this imaginative tale. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a delightful escape into a world where humor and heroism go hand in hand.
Pages: 320 | ASIN : B0CR75WVNL
LITERARY TITAN 