Sometimes you decide to read a book based on nothing other than its name. This was one of those times.

I received an advance reader’s copy (ARC) of Galaxy Jones and the Space Pirates by Briana McDonald. Since this version is just a proof and not the final version, I won’t quote directly and will keep my comments general.

In Galaxy Jones and the Space Pirates, Galaxy “Lexi” Jones is content living on the edge of the solar system, helping her fathers to run their family inn. But the expanding universe means that guests are becoming increasingly scarce, and their livelihood is in jeopardy. Then, to make matters worse, the royal family comes to visit without warning, bringing their spoiled, obnoxious son Prince Weston with them. Lexi and Weston had met a few years before and butted heads, so seeing him again is the last thing Lexi wants. However, their renewed rivalry is interrupted when a ship filled with pirates crashes onto their planet and takes their parents hostage. Lexi soon learns that Weston has stolen something from these pirates, and that these aren’t just any pirates—they are former followers of the infamous Astro Bonny, who Lexi used to read about as a kid. Now, it’s Lexi’s turn to channel that bravery and adventurousness, as she resolves to recover what Weston stole (and promptly lost) and save her family.

This is such a cute story! Lexi is a sweet kid, full of pluck but also with such an earnest desire to protect her loved ones. I enjoyed her snarky banter with Weston, who is also a good character. The bond between these two, ever evolving as they learn more about each other, is the heart of this story, and it’s moving to see how they grow and change because of each other.

The other best character is, of course, Weston’s dog Comet. He’s adorable, and I’d do anything for him.

I do wish there had been a bit more interaction with the pirates, though. A lot of the plot is just Lexi and Weston fleeing from the pirates, trying to avoid them when they’re nearby. The last act does involve more direct dealings with them, but I would have wanted a little more swashbuckling, even if it would have been rather sinister, since they’re the antagonists. The times that there is pirate action are some of the best parts of the book, after all.

That said, the quest to find the lost stolen object was fun, involving travel to interesting places. I enjoyed the universe that McDonald has designed, a sort of Firefly-esque series of planets united under one government, but with each having its own function—and some farther from the government’s purview. (The stakes aren’t nearly as high as in Firefly, of course, but the comparison still stands.)

I think sometimes the themes about friendship, honesty, and learning to accept change are a little on-the-nose, however. A couple times, Lexi reflects for perhaps a bit too long on what she’s learning and how she’s changing; it doesn’t really come off as natural, since she’s on such a deadline. Still, they’re good lessons, just not expressed in the smoothest or subtlest way.

In the end, though, I had a great time reading Galaxy Jones and the Space Pirates. It’s a fun romp through space, involving decent characters, excellent banter, and a charming story centered around friendship and teamwork. It would be great for kids who like science-fiction and fantasy but aren’t ready for long series. Or for people like me, who keep starting new series in spite of myself and sometimes just need a standalone!

Galaxy Jones and the Space Pirates is available now!