Rusthead

By Author / Illustrator

Ross MacKenzie

Genre

Science Fiction

Age range(s)

Publisher

Andersen Press

ISBN

9781839136320

Format

Paperback / softback

Expected

13-08-2026

Synopsis

A thrilling sci-fi adventure where three young people must battle against an evil robot empire to save the galaxy - from the award-winning Ross MacKenzie.

Kol and Sully are best friends living miserable lives as rustheads - treasure hunters who must search planet Rust's vast desert of scrap for useful odds and ends. But everything changes when the boys stumble upon a long-dormant spaceship hidden deep beneath the junk.

When the ship comes to life and propels them away to deep space, they find out that they are not the only ones on board. A mysterious girl is there too, and she has a mission: free the galaxy from the oppressive rule of the robotic Reaper empire. Before they know it, Kol and Sully are dragged into a galaxy-spanning adventure.

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Reviews

Sue

Whilst out searching for scrap, rustheads Kol and Sully find a dormant spaceship, hidden deep beneath the layers of junk. When the sentient ship comes to life, they find that they are not alone. Solene, a mysterious silver-haired girl, is on board and she is on a mission. Finding themselves caught up in events they don't understand, Kol are Sully are on the adventure of a lifetime.

This was just what I needed to read! A fast-paced, action-packed, page turner of an adventure with engaging characters - I could not put it down. One of the best books I have read in a while, Rusthead is set in a vividly imagined world, perfect for lovers of science fiction, gadgets and gizmos. From the wonders of Rose, Solene's spaceship, to the terror of Nyx the Harbinger, the book is rich in creative details, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the adventure.

As with any excellent story, the characters at the heart of this one are key to its success. Kol and Sully found each other when they became a team at six years old, working as Rustheads, scavenging scrap under the control of their supervisor, 'Droopy'. Very different boys, the bond between them is unbreakable. Kol leads, longing for adventure, keeping up the appearance of self assurance and courage no matter what. Sully is far more nervous, fond of sleeping, but a whizz with technology, proving his worth time and time again as they find themselves in increasingly perilous situations.

Sully's knowledge of technological things is also very useful to the story as his explanations to Kol allow the reader to understand things as well! This friendship and the determination to do what they they think is right has the reader cheering them on every step of the way. Other characters are equally well drawn - Solene and Nyx in particular.

I could rave about this story for a long time, but as I have no wish to spoil it for anyone about to read it, I won't. Rusthead is a brilliant, compelling adventure which should not be missed! Teachers - make sure you add this to your shelves - your class with thank you for it!

320 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher