Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy: Castaways

I’ve enjoyed many books featuring the Avengers in Marvel’s YA line of novels So, I was excited to finally read one with these space misfits. That excitement quickly faded.The Guardians of the Galaxy are known for being a dysfunctional family - a group of highly trained anti-heroes/space mercenaries with some very cool technology who travel through the galaxy. So, I was flabbergasted when the author chose to take all that away. Seriously. The book started out fine, with the team bickering because Quill’s womanizing cost them all their money from a recent job. The ship is suddenly hit with something that causes them to crash on an uncharted planet, where they are promptly hit with an EMP that fries ALL of their tech. They’re stranded (castaways), and because they’re still angry, they separate and go their own ways. So: no family, no space, no technology, no fun. The book follows Quill’s POV as he navigates a world that is just like Earth’s medieval era – Dukes and Lords and all – and begins to finally take responsibility for his behavior. Meh.Honestly, I struggled through this book because it was slow, with little humor. Quill eventually finds each of his teammates and they come together to “save” the Duke’s people, but it was anticlimactic. This story could have been told with any characters, without changing the plot, because most of what makes this group unique is absent. I only gave it two stars because the ending, which explained the EMP and why the planet was medieval, was clever. It was just too little, too late.I really hope the next GOTG novel is better.

Totally Awsome Story!!!

I have enjoyed a lot of novels based on comic book characters - I've definitely enjoyed more than I haven't - and so I look forward to books like this, <em>Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy: Castaways</em>, which tie in to comics and movies. Add the fact that it is targeted toward younger readers and I expected a fast-moving adventure. Boy, was I wrong.Just as I was disappointed with the Thor book - same publisher (see that review <a href="http://lookingforagoodbook.com/2016/08/02/thor-dueling-with-giants-keith-r-a-decandido/" target="_blank">here</a>) - this book also lacked the verve that made the movie something special.There is a little frustration among the Guardians. Perhaps they are working too closely with one another for too long? So when their ship crashes on a planet with no way to repair the ship and leave, the Guardians go their separate ways to face the unknown on the planet alone. But of course they've spent a lot of time working as a team, and they realize that to overcome the obstacles preventing them from leaving, and to help the natives of the planet to see success in growing, they must work together. But first they have to find one another.Mostly with this book I was just bored. It felt a little episodic - as though it were written for a regularly published comic series. This could be developed into page-turning excitement, but simply switches the character focus to move the story forward. I can't imagine younger readers finding this to be an exciting addition to the Guardians of the Galaxy universe, but I can picture some older fans of the comic (and movie) enjoying some additional time with these reluctant heroes.For me - someone who was not familiar with the characters until the film came out - I don't know how this book fits in with the universe that's already been established in the comics and I get the feeling that this book doesn't really help me get to know who these characters are. The whole concept just really feels messy and lost.Looking for a good book? <em>Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy: Castaways</em> by David McDonald tries to build on the energy and excitement of the Marvel movie but fails to capture the energy and excitement that made the film fun.I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

A story with clear plot-lines, believable situations and straight-forward action. I could visualize the characters from the movie and hear the dialogue in their voices most of the time they were speaking, especially when they were interacting with one another. The only character who really seemed a bit lacking in this regard was Drax, but he also played a very small part compared to the other central characters. The explanation of the happenings on the planet was well thought out and plausible, although the final battle did seem a bit too easy. All in all though, a good, fun read!

The Guardians are stranded on a medieval world and decide to separate after almost coming to blows. The story mainly focuses on Peter Quill as he becomes a knight and must defend his new home from cloaked marauders threatening to destroy the kingdom. Actually a solid story, written for young adults.Received an advance copy from Joes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.