What Readers Have to Say About the Coe 21 Series

“This is one of the better young adult fiction books that I’ve read and it had a tone, pace, and characterization comparable to John Flanagan’s Ranger’s Apprentice series, but in a science fiction setting. (So you know where I’m coming from… I’ve read and enjoyed Riordan’s Percy Jackson series and Kane Chronicles, Kerr’s Children of the Lamp series, Mull’s Fablehaven series, Chima’s Heir Chronicles, Lewis’ Narnia Chronicles, Le Guin’s Earthsea Cycle, and L’Engle’s Time Quintet.)

The heroine Ariana Coe reminded me of Flanagan’s Will Treaty character with many of the same qualities. She comes from humble and nondescript beginnings, but is given the chance to train with the elite protectors of society even though she does not fully grasp the weight of the opportunity when she makes the decision to enter training. Her training is rough, but realistic. Her teachers are gruff and demanding, yet clearly care for her as a person and want to see her succeed. Her teachers have individual personalities and some are more likable than others, but all are necessary for her training. Ariana interacts with her peers and other students at the school with believable interactions and dialogues that mature as she grows. She unexpectedly finds herself in an external crisis that she could walk away from and none would blame her. However, she finds the internal courage and strength to meet and overcome the crisis.”

“It's seldom that a science-fiction, action-hero story evokes an emotional response. Coe 21 is an exception and an exceptional story. Readers of any age, gender, and genre will enjoy this story of Ariana Coe and her path to becoming a hero for all. I connected with the characters immediately and actually cried at several points in the story due to this connection. The author, JB Mauceri does an amazing job of developing the plot, the characters, and the imagined world/universe of Ariana Coe and company. Coe 21 is a refreshing story of a heroine minus a dystopian, bleak society. I look forward to Mr. Mauceri's next works.”

“It is rare talent to be able to write an engage book for adolescents and JB Mauceri has done so. The plot is tight and engaging. The main characters are well developed, and the science fiction, while perhaps not as sophisticated as Heinlein or Nivens, works well in this novel and does not seem contrived. The author nicely completes the book but leaves open the possibilities for sequels that will allow Arianna to grow as a Guardian and as a person. I highly recommend this for parents looking for suitable material for their "tweeners."

“Very well written and almost immediately captivating. You feel in tune with the characters as though you know them. Ariana is an inspiration to all young people. I hadn't picked up a science fiction book in quite some time and I am very glad I read this one.”