"Celebrated by many critics for providing books that appeal to reluctant male readers, Haarsma's Softwire series is quickly becoming a favorite for schools and libraries. The story's exotic alien setting is balanced by a very human story of the gradual loss of innocence as children come face to face with corruption even as they try to hold onto their own ethical standards." M. Jung

"Reading the novel feels a lot like opening up vintage Robert A. Heinlein and Andre Norton...Haarsma seems to have grown up on the best kind of science fiction and is determined to delivery it back into the hands of young adults where such fancies take flight so easily." by Mel Odom

"Haarsma fills his debut novel with exotic aliens, dangerous situations, and fast-paced adventure. Younger sf fans will happily hang in with JT as he tries to stay alive and keep Orbis from being conquered from within."

"I've always been amazed at a writer's ability to create a universe, and that's what PJ has done. With ease, he has created a world, an economy, a religious faith, and an adventure not to be missed. If only his Halo skills matched his imaginative writing, he be a force to be reckoned with." Nathan Fillion (Firefly, Serenity)

To hear Nathan's recording of the first three chapters of Virus on Orbis 1 click here.

"There's plenty to like about this book. It's exciting and suspenseful; it has interesting characters and cool aliens and intriguing cultures and a couple of surprises. Young adult science fiction fans will love this book, and it's a perfect book to introduce children and teens to the world of science fiction."

"You'll find a massive world, ready for you to jump in, beautifully illustrated and conceptualized by talented artists such as Stephan Martiniere, Igor Knezevic, Dwayne Harris and Haarsma himself." (About the game - The Softwire's Rings of Orbis. )

This fast paced tale should attract younger SF readers. (See the whole review at Barnes and Noble.com)

Boook 2 - Betrayal on Orbis 2

"In the second volume in The Softwire series Virus on Orbis 1 (2006), JT Turnbull learned that he would be forced to work off his late parents' debt from their passage on the ship that brought them to the Rings of Orbis. In this sequel, JT is released from his alien Guarantor's service and transferred to Orbis 2, along with his sister, Ketheria, and a crew of fellow child laborers, or knudniks. Forced to work for a repugnant and spiteful alien, JT and the knudniks are charged with caring for enormous aquatic creatures, called Samirans, that manage the crystals necessary to the health and wealth of the Rings. As a softwire, JT alone is able to communicate with the Samirans, and he finds himself caught between the machinations of his new Guarantor and Samiran interests. A fast-moving plot filled with kids fighting against the odds; bizarre creatures both devious and noble; real messages about civilization, barbarity, ethics, and freedom; and a healthy dose of alien gore make this a strong science-fiction read for the younger teen set." Koelling, Holly

"This novel is a fast-moving sci-fi yarn. We read it with our 11-year-old son—or rather, we were pulled in early by the story and compelled to read it straight through.

As readers, we found ourselves caring about both the characters and the outcomes in this book. What's more, it seems a thought-provoking exploration of motives."

For the full article click here.