Take a photo of a barcode or cover
From the stars to the Earth... another winner from Lake
Nick Lake has already several excellent and very different Young Adult novels under his belt, winning awards, acclaim and many fans with his thrillers, exciting plots, great teenage characters.
Here is another unique story, and one I can foresee is likely to appear on award nomination lists. Teenagers born in space are preparing to see Earth for the first time, and all that that will entail - a whole bunch of 'firsts' and experiences every other teen takes for granted. Leo and his close friends Orion and Libra have spent their entire lives being raised in space, and now 16, are deemed strong enough to make the journey back 'home' to a planet they have seen but never touched.
The story takes in the space station they live on, their tense preparations down and what happens when they make contact... with mankind and the natural world that to them is anything but natural.
There's science here, but also a lot of imagination. I love the thought that's gone into how they feel about what they will experience, each of the three has particular preoccupations and loves and are looking forward to different aspects of Earth life.
It's rather beautiful at times, as Leo takes in a breeze, a fire, even the love of an animal.
This manages to include a treatise on family while making the strange situation of the teens the focus. Leo's mother is cold and scientific in everything, never offering warmth, hugs or the comfort of a parent to her son. She allows us a glimpse of the astronaut life through her devotion to duty.
There are a few moments where you must suspend disbelief, but, with the story presented, this is to be expected.
It is not hard to find yourself caught up in the emotion of the story, as the three adjust (or otherwise) to life on Earth. There are some moments you may find a tear in your eye. Family, love and the idea of 'home' are going to make this a popular read.
Some beautiful moments, a superb original concept (would be great to see this adapted for the screen) and a plot that keeps your attention and heart until the very last page.
One for older readers, ages 13-16. And adults shouldn't shy away just because it's a Young Adult title, it's excellent.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance reading copy.
Nick Lake has already several excellent and very different Young Adult novels under his belt, winning awards, acclaim and many fans with his thrillers, exciting plots, great teenage characters.
Here is another unique story, and one I can foresee is likely to appear on award nomination lists. Teenagers born in space are preparing to see Earth for the first time, and all that that will entail - a whole bunch of 'firsts' and experiences every other teen takes for granted. Leo and his close friends Orion and Libra have spent their entire lives being raised in space, and now 16, are deemed strong enough to make the journey back 'home' to a planet they have seen but never touched.
The story takes in the space station they live on, their tense preparations down and what happens when they make contact... with mankind and the natural world that to them is anything but natural.
There's science here, but also a lot of imagination. I love the thought that's gone into how they feel about what they will experience, each of the three has particular preoccupations and loves and are looking forward to different aspects of Earth life.
It's rather beautiful at times, as Leo takes in a breeze, a fire, even the love of an animal.
This manages to include a treatise on family while making the strange situation of the teens the focus. Leo's mother is cold and scientific in everything, never offering warmth, hugs or the comfort of a parent to her son. She allows us a glimpse of the astronaut life through her devotion to duty.
There are a few moments where you must suspend disbelief, but, with the story presented, this is to be expected.
It is not hard to find yourself caught up in the emotion of the story, as the three adjust (or otherwise) to life on Earth. There are some moments you may find a tear in your eye. Family, love and the idea of 'home' are going to make this a popular read.
Some beautiful moments, a superb original concept (would be great to see this adapted for the screen) and a plot that keeps your attention and heart until the very last page.
One for older readers, ages 13-16. And adults shouldn't shy away just because it's a Young Adult title, it's excellent.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance reading copy.