The Babel Corporation has recruited some teens from all over the earth to go to a distant planet and mine for (and steal) a substance called Nyxia. This substance can be reformed into anything, can cure you of illness and injury, can make you stronger, and as you will find out, can do even more. There are ten kids recruited, and no one knows why they have been chosen, but they all have issues.
Success on this three-year commitment means they will be rich beyond their wildest dreams. And even while they are travelling, their families on Earth are benefitting. The first chink in this perfect scenario that our recruits discover is that only 8 of the 10 get to actually go to the planet. They must compete relentlessly during their one-year trip to the planet. And they will discover some other "chinks" too.
Emmett is our narrator. His issue is that his mother has kidney disease and needs a transplant. And also, he's got a temper and can be violent. One of the first tests is for the recruits to learn how to manipulate Nyxia. They also learn about the inhabitants of the planet, who only like children, since they can't have them anymore. They are hostile to adults. Hence the need for teens on this mission.
Each test gets more and more difficult, and the recruits get to know each other better -- at least some of them. The story really clips along and the tension builds nicely. There are ups and downs, not all will survive, and some big twists at the end. As expected in all science fiction, there are some plot holes, and you have to suspend some disbelief.
The story isn't finished at the end of Nyxia, so of course, the sequel can't come soon enough. Sci-fi fans should definitely get their hands on this one. I can already see it on the big screen...
Published by Crown BFYR, September 12, 2017
eARC obtained from NetGalley
384 pages
Rating: 4.5/5
That's fun to be able to imagine the movie while reading a book, let's hope Hollywood is listening. This sounds like a great combination of mystery, competition, and intrigue!
ReplyDeleteI'm not an ENDER'S GAME fan, but this one sounds good. I'm thinking I'll give it a try. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDelete