*Thank you Netgalley and Arctic Books USA for the E-ARC*

For whatever reason, I thought this was a graphic novel. It is not! However, I think that expectation colored my opinion of this book a little bit.

We start with a young boy trying to steal a video game that is rumored to change everything and offer an incredible prize. The world is dying, water is limited, adults behave strangely, and the boy and his little brother want out. This book started off a little slow and confusing for me. The world building is somewhat sparse, but gradual. I do think that the main focus of this middle grade series is to be about the world they *become* apart of, not the one they are currently in during this book. It also ends on a cliffhanger, setting up the premise for book two.

Things I enjoyed:
- The art sprinkled throughout the book
- The friendship the brother's have
- The idea behind Kepler62 - a new planet or world or whatever it may become

I think with the right expectations (Not a graphic novel!!) this could be fun and engaging for the right readers.

This is the first installment in a series following two brothers living on an Earth damaged from overpopulation. Younger brother, Joni, has been given a copy of the much sought-after game, Kepler62, which turns out to be the start of the boys' mission to save Earth.

This book was very clearly the first part of a series. Much of the story was scene-setting and context - not a great deal happens. Some parts were a bit disjointed and there were some big jumps between chapters, that were confusing. I really enjoyed it though and hope to be able to access future episodes (rather than sequels - it feels like a comic and perhaps this would've made the chapter transitions easier to follow) when they come out! I can also see that it would be very popular at school so it'll definitely be one to add to the collection.

I felt that this has been done before and done better, it was a nice easy read so aimed at 5-8 yr olds it will be about right.

It felt a bit disjointed at times as though there were things happening randomly and not really following on from one another throughout.

Nice relationship between the brothers though.