Summary

Science-fiction retellings of fairytales about a boy who fixes a robot dog he found in a garbage dump for a special competition (Tinker) and how that same robot dog helped an exiled soldier defeat a giant monster (Mardok). 

Stats

Genre: Early chapter book, science fiction

Series length: Two books currently

Violence: Light

Magic/Supernatural: None (everything is technology based)

Romance: None

Christian/spiritual element: Subtle allegorical elements

Recommendation: Excellent for boys looking for fun adventure

To Purchase

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Opening Lines:

Tinker couldn't see.

Dust covered the glass of his helmet screen. He wiped it away, his gloves leaving streaks behind. He squinted up at the street sign. Gibbos Road and Taden Avenue. Almost home.

When he stood here in the mornings, he had a clear view of the observatory dome at the Invention Institute. But now it was late afternoon, school was out, and people were heading home. The movement of so many vehicles at this time of day in the city of Tharsis, stirred up the dust to a dangerous level.

Tinker (Robo Tales #1)
by Jill Williamson & Luke WIlliamson

Tinker has always dreamed of attending the Invention Institute where his late father was a teacher. When the school hosts the Recycle Race competition to choose a new apprentice, not only does Tinker hope to win a full scholarship, he believes the Institute can teach him how to fix his robot dog. Tinker must protect his invention from his uncle and cousins, who do everything they can to destroy Tinker’s dream.

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Opening Lines: 

A gragon roared. 

The sound jolted Mardok from sleep. A gragon? In the town of Chillton? He jumped out of bed and started to pull on his uniform. He wasn't on duty tonight, but he was Atorian, superior to any species in strength and speed. He couldn't lie in bed and listen to a gragon's roar without doing his share. He had to get involved. TO protect the helpless. It was his role.

The people of Chillton needed him.

Mardok and the Seven Exiles (Robo Tales #2)
by Jill Williamson & Luke WIlliamson

Strange things are happening at the Space Force Military Academy. General Gruss believes the Ice Beast is responsible and asks cadet Riv Mardok to hunt down the menace. Mardok, always eager to “protect the helpless,” accepts the quest, but when he finds himself trapped, alone in the forest, his bravery isn’t enough to save him. Mardok has no choice but to call for help. The question is: will anyone answer?

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