I'm not sure why I put this on my wishlist, but I'm glad I did. It's *so* much deeper, richer, and more complex, than the blurb implies. It's also exciting, a page-turner - I read it in one afternoon. Though it might be targeted to children, I believe SF fans of all ages would enjoy it. We've got a little Lord of the Flies" going, and a little Stockholm Syndrome, and some bits that are metaphysical, or possibly magical, or possibly not.... Recommended." ( )

I first read this book in middle school - it's a children's book so it is pretty short. I loved it so much that it stuck with me over the years and I just HAD to find it to own a copy of my own. It took me forever (because I couldn't remember the title) - but I was so excited when I finally found an old library copy on Amazon. This book is on my "Forever" shelf - and I pull it out to re-read quite often. ( )

Galax- Arena is an epic tale combining both real-life and science fiction elements alike. It was written by the award winning author Gillian Rubinstein (also goes by the pseudonym Lian Hearn) and was first published in 1992. It is generally set in Australia and is of an adventure/science-fiction genre.

A recount told through the eyes of the main protagonist Joella, this book is set along the span of several months. It revolves around the Galax-Arena, a fictional “performance” ground on the planet Vexak where children perform death-defying tricks and acrobatics routines, all for the pleasure of the inhabitants of the planet, the Vexa.

This book tackles many controversial issues in today’s society, such as child exploitation, cultural division, poverty and competition/survival. In today’s fast-paced world, we hardly realise what’s actually happening out of our information sphere. Most of us just continue aimlessly on into this never ending rat race, oblivious to the dire and real situations parts of our world are in, which brings us to the themes of this story.

Galax-Arena was written in 1992, not very long before the 21st century, but perhaps what Gillian Rubinstein was actually doing was envisioning an Earth we inhabit, in the not so distant future. Where we are driven to the point of obsession with vanity and selfishness, to the point that all we ever care about are ourselves and being rich.

The writing style of Gillian Rubinstein was hugely descriptive in detail, paying much attention to descriptive passages of the characters’ surroundings, which in turn lets the reader gain a much deeper understanding and picture of the scenes in the book.

Another interesting feature of this book is the use of the fictional contact language called patwa (a mix of slang words, English and Spanish). In Galax-Arena, patwa is the only means of communication between the multi-racial children performers.

Two particular things I disliked about this book was when Joella finally found out that they were in fact still on Earth and also the fact that Bro Rabbit could mysteriously talk.

I remember wondering to myself as I read that part of the book; how could she had just so happen to see a fly? And why would Project Genesis Five be that careless and miss that one little crucial detail? The fact that she could just take the glove off the costume the “Vexa” was wearing just like that seemed a little hard to believe as well.

On the subject of Bro Rabbit, would it not be weird for an eight year old girl to ventriloquise perfectly with no practice or training whatsoever? And why a talking sock puppet? Yes, I do realise that the people involved are children, but does it not seem a tad bit too childish?

Overall, it was a fairly good read and Gillian Rubinstein has managed to compile most of our world’s most pressing issues into a generally good book which propels you into an endless rollercoaster ride, filled with morbid detail on a more ugly side of humanity.

This book is more suited (and was probably also aimed at) a young adult audience and those who like a good, serious read with slight occasional light-hearted instances. If you liked it, then there is a sequel to Galax-Arena called Terra-Farma as well. ( )

Galax-Arena by Gillian Rubinstein is a book about Joella, her sister Liane and her brother Peter. They are kidnapped from Earth to perform for an alien race, the Vexa. After meeting twenty other children whom call themselves the “peb”, they are forced to perform gravity defying gymnastic stunts for the Vexa, who thrive off their fear and death.

But Joella is different from the rest of the Peb, she is no Gymnast and therefore she is sent off to be a pet for one of the Vexa. And that is when discovers the terrible truth that they have been hiding.

This novel clearly depicts the cruelty of child exploitation and racism over the world. Joella encounters many problems in her search for escape; she must deal with many issues including survival, rebellion and individual verses society.

Ms. Rubinstein gives us a vivid representation of the emotions and thoughts the characters are experiencing throughout the book. The novel portrays so many different moods, feelings and sensations all in one short read. It is often hard to hold a grudge against a character, since we immediately see why he/she acts that way.

She uses several varied subplots and entwines them all together, to give textured layers of characterization.

However, some parts of the book are often predictable and unrealistic. Even though this book is a Sci-Fi novel, it is set on Earth and must have some basis on reality. The fact that “Bro-Rabbit” can talk, immediately ruins the flow of the novel. It instantly turns back into a children’s book.

That may be just me; maybe you feel that a talking bunny adds to the sense of mystery and discretion.

You will only find out if you read this book though.

It is a marvellous book, and it is an enjoyable read for everyone, since it has a little of all the time generations in it. I would recommend it to everyone, even the ones who don't read Sci-Fi. ( )

Galax-Arena, a book written by Gillian Rubenstein and first published in 1992, is a science-fiction novel which follows the story of 3 children (Peter, Liane and Joella-the protagonist) as they embark on a whirl-wind journey in the Galax-Arena and on the planet Vexak.

This book tackles some very complex subject matter-themes such as exploitation and global topics such as child-labour taking centre stage. Galax-Arena follows the story of 3 ordinary Australian siblings from a highly dysfunctional family as they are exposed to a web of lies and corruption-meeting some very interesting characters and some very challenging circumstances along the way, causing their childhoods to be cut short as they tackle very adult issues.

The author sheds a relatable light on these issues through the use of a child protagonist. Joella is a thirteen year old girl through who the story is told in the first person, allowing the reader to both easily relate to the characters as well as fully comprehend the emotions that they are feeling.

Although the vast majority of the book is set on another planet, the reader can easily formulate a picture of what it must look like, what it must be, through the descriptive passages that are provided as the book progresses, adding to the understanding of the themes, topics and messages that the book addresses.

It is hard to find a favourite part of the book, the narrative of a whole fantastic, but the siblings’ arrival at the Galax-Arena really stands out to me. The way the emotions of grief, loss and despair are portrayed in a very realistic sense, causes you to develop a distinct emotional connection with the characters as they enter their tumultuous time at the Galax-Arena.

The book excels in its relatable approach to something quite out of the ordinary and would be an excellent read for pre-teen/early-teen readers as they themselves are being exposed to the ways of the world.