The powers that be do not want me to write a review for Ami Moon and the Galactic Peacekeepers: Book One Volume 1 by Frances Lee. I had a long review typed out, when I went to post, I hit something and the entire thing was erased. I then tried multiple times to restart it and it kept screwing up. I finally got it into a document and then couldn’t remember what I wanted to say/what I had said!.
Wracking my brain, I came up with the first line (somewhat): We start the book as if we are getting a briefing video welcoming us into the Galactic Peacekeeps. The tone is as if Mission Impossible (old school) was asking us if we want the mission, but we’re actually already into the thick of it. There is no turning back. All of the points we’ll need to learn about the Peacekeepers are laid out, and we also learn about the only other human in the corp. After we are done, instead of “this message will self-destruct” (which is bad enough) an ominous “Remember, we come in peace.” is said, then “video” ends.
Of course, there are no videos, just the text on the screen from the online reader copy. We follow Ami (a human among aliens, or just another alien among other aliens) as she goes from mission to mission with her companions who are a grumpy shark with cute boots and a Big Hero 6 Baymax looking rabbit/Staypuff Marshmallow man. The events are scattered, dizzying, and frankly somewhat dull. They might be trying to teach the queen manners by saying things to her like don’t be mean, you asked for gifts and now you’re saying you don’t like it. And have adventures by accompanying someone to see shooting stars. But the issue is, things are so busy, crowded with bold, similar and bleeding colors it’s almost impossible to pick things out. Nothing is really separated. You do have a few places where you see a chapter is done, but much of the time things just flow into each other and I didn’t realize I was moved on to the next thing.
I am not really sure if I am the right person to read this. It is set in a way that at least ages 10 and up could read it, but not sure everyone will like it. To me it is heavy on abstract fantasy. It has non sequiturs that don’t really make sense to the rest of things. I might try the sequel when it comes out, but overall the series missed the mark for me. But I wish Lee nothing but the best of luck, as I can tell the right reader will greatly enjoy.