Space Jackers: The lost sword by Huw Powell

Space Jackers bk 2. Bloomsbury, 2015. ISBN 9781408847589
(Age: 9-12) Recommended. Science Fiction. Space Adventure. Pirates, Aliens. Huw Powell's second Space Jackers novel sets young Jake Cutler and the crew of the Dark Horse, a rusty old space freighter hurtling into deep space, battling space pirates, asteroid showers whilst avoiding the Interstellar Navy. Jake is the secret ruler of Altus and the navy is in desperate need of the planet's fortune in crystals. His quest is to find the missing sword and crown of Altus to prove he is the rightful ruler and to prevent the crystals being stolen.
With Granny Leatherhead as captain and a ship in need of urgent repair, they stop at the Shan-Ti monastery in the fourth solar system. Callidus and Capio leave to find assistance from a retired navy officer and Jake, Manik and Scargus hurriedly work on the repairs. A galactic war is imminent as the navy gathers force and seeks an alliance with the Gorks.
Papa Don leader of the space mafia is an indomitable enemy and current owner of the Soerd of Altus. After a deadly game of Reus Roulette, Granny, Jake and the crew are captured and held in prison. Daring Kay, the Dark Wind's young space pirate captain assists in their daring escape. As the Dark Horse leaves the illegal spaceport, they are attacked by a Gork ship, and Jake's laser cannon overheats and the rest of the crew save the day.
Huw Powell's fast-paced space novel is packed full of determined pirates, greedy enemies and supportive friends. The lost sword provides all the action, battle scenes, technology and sci-fi settings that Huw Powell's fans love. Where will the final novel The Pirate King take us, and how will Jake Culter save the day?
Rhyllis Bignell