Please enable JavaScript
All Books | Page 2 | LitPick Book Reviews
All Books
The Boy Genius Detective Agency
Synopsis: THE POWER OF A VILLAIN. THE HEART OF A HERO.

When happy-go-lucky Phidias Isaac Newman opens a detective agency in the sleepy Highland Falls ward of the Mégapolis he isn't sure what to expect.

The Case of the Vanishing Bones? Sounds like a promising start.

Then, seemingly from nowhere, disaster strikes! Together with his partner, Agent Bubble Gum, the Boy Genius is plunged into the recovery of a mysterious (and deadly) stolen artifact--the Afterthought Resonator.

Then something beyond their wildest dreams happens. Something wonderful.

Or is it?

Bubble Gum has always known the Boy Genius is ill mannered, uncouth and never listens to others. (Not that she keeps a list or anything.) But now she learns Phidias is harboring a dark secret.

Of forbidden knowledge that unlocks a terrible power... no one even suspected existed.

The Boy Genius Detective Agency is an explosive sci-fi/superhero tale that will blast you onto a marvelous ride through a world of excitement. If you like edge-of-your-seat suspense, extreme danger and endless blood-curdling action then you will love this fascinating and imaginative novel.

Buy your copy of The Boy Genius Detective Agency and let this thrilling tale of heroic adventure begin!
Publication Date:
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Science Fiction
Rabbit & Robot
Andrew Smith
Synopsis: Told with Andrew Smith’s signature dark humor, Rabbit & Robot tells the story of Cager Messer, a boy who’s stranded on the Tennessee—his father’s lunar-cruise utopia—with insane robots.

Cager has been transported to the Tennessee, a giant lunar-cruise ship orbiting the moon that his dad owns, by Billy and Rowan to help him shake his Woz addiction. Meanwhile, Earth, in the midst of thirty simultaneous wars, burns to ash beneath them. And as the robots on board become increasingly insane and cannibalistic, and the Earth becomes a toxic wasteland, the boys have to wonder if they’ll be stranded alone in space forever.

In his new novel, Andrew Smith, Printz Honor author of Grasshopper Jungle, will make you laugh, cry, and consider what it really means to be human.
Publication Date: 09/25/18
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Science Fiction
Triangulate: Book Three of The Stones of Bothynus Trilogy
Synopsis: Triangulate: Book Three of The Stones of Bothynus Trilogy is the final book in D.K. Reed's young adult science fiction/fantasy trilogy. Annie is obsessed with the half-angel Aaan but this summer she only has two weeks to spend at her grandmother's farm, near Aaan's cave, before flying to Budapest to visit her childhood best friend. She convinces Aaan to leave his cave with her but their short-lived acquaintance may be over when he agrees to allow Erik to use him to test how the stones affect angels, without realizing this would make him vulnerable to Daanak and the fiend. The visible battle is only the tip of the iceberg for the larger battle that rages in the Angel Realm.
Publication Date: 07/24/18
Age Level: Mature Young Adult
Genre: Science Fiction
Paths to the Stars
Edward Willett
Synopsis: From Edward Willett, Aurora Award-winning author of Marseguro, The Cityborn, and Worldshaper (DAW Books), among many others, comes twenty-two tales of fantasy, science fiction, and horror, drawn from a long career of telling fantastic tales. A young musician dreams of playing his songs among the stars...A Broadway performer on the lam is forced to direct aliens in The Sound of Music...Strange vegetables with dangerous properties crop up in small-town Saskatchewan...A man with a dark secret gets his comeuppance on a windy night on the prairie...An elderly caretaker on the Moon preserves the memory of the millions who died on Earth's darkest day...A woman and a bat-like alien must overcome their own prejudices to prevent an interstellar war... From the far future and the farthest reaches of space to the Canadian prairie, from our world to worlds that have never existed to world's that might some day, rich realms of imagination and the fascinating characters and creatures that populate them await within these stories, some previously published, some seeing print for the first time. Time to go exploring...
Publication Date: 06/28/18
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Science Fiction
The Orion Medallion
Matthew Franks
Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Austin Ellers is convinced his day is ruined when he can't muster up the courage to ask his crush to the school dance. But, when he finds a secret interplanetary control room buried in the field behind his house and a woman named Kyra from the Universal Preservation Alliance asks for his help, he has to admit that his confidence problems look a little minor in comparison. 
Kyra needs the medallion Austin's grandfather left him to fix a beacon on a distant planet and prevent intergalactic war from breaking out. Austin's not about to let some stranger run off with his beloved memento, but, when war-hungry, shapeshifter aliens known as Dethcors show up at his school to get him to surrender the medallion, he teams up with Kyra and heads into deep space to draw the aliens' attention away from his friends and family. It's no mean feat for Austin to raise his hand in class on a good day, so how does Kyra expect him to convince other aliens to be their allies and negotiate safe passage to the beacon? Middle school is hard enough without being impersonated by Dethcors and breaking through starship blockades. And can the kid who has a hard time completing a sentence when talking to a girl really become the hero who saves the universe?
Publication Date: 04/22/18
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Science Fiction
The Boggart Fights Back
Synopsis: The Boggart is back for a new adventure of magic and mayhem from Newbery winner Susan Cooper.

Magic is in the air when Allie and Jay Cameron visit their ancestors’ ancient Castle Keep in Scotland, tucked in its unspoiled loch. The twins wake the mischievous shape-shifting Boggart and his infamous cousin Nessie, of Loch Ness fame. But a summer of fun-loving trickery with the Old Things is invaded by a dangerous real estate developer called William Trout.

Trout has big plans for a luxury resort on the loch, and little care for its people or the law. Bulldozers get to work. The future of the loch, its seals, and all its beauty are threatened. The twins and Angus Cameron, their grandfather, mobilize to save his shop and the loch, but it’s soon clear they will need help of a different sort…

In a race against time, the Boggarts recruit help from other Old Things of Scotland: hair-raising creatures of the Wild Magic. But are the Blue Men of the Minch and the Nuckelavee too terrifying for humans to handle? How can they drive out the invader? What’s certain is that Mr. Trout is in for a wild ride in this comical, page-turning adventure from Newbery Medalist Susan Cooper.
Publication Date: 02/27/18
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Science Fiction
The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza
Shaun David Hutchinson
Synopsis: From the critically acclaimed author of We Are the Ants and At the Edge of the Universe comes a mind-bending, riveting novel about a teen who was born to a virgin mother and realizes she has the power to heal—but that power comes at a huge cost.

Sixteen-year-old Elena Mendoza is the product of a virgin birth.

This can be scientifically explained (it’s called parthenogenesis), but what can’t be explained is how Elena is able to heal Freddie, the girl she’s had a crush on for years, from a gunshot wound in a Starbucks parking lot. Or why the boy who shot Freddie, David Combs, disappeared from the same parking lot minutes later after getting sucked up into the clouds. What also can’t be explained are the talking girl on the front of a tampon box, or the reasons that David Combs shot Freddie in the first place.

As more unbelievable things occur, and Elena continues to perform miracles, the only remaining explanation is the least logical of all—that the world is actually coming to an end, and Elena is possibly the only one who can do something about it.
Publication Date: 02/06/18
Age Level: Mature Young Adult
Genre: Science Fiction
Tarnished City
Vic James
Synopsis: MAGIC COMPELS. WE BLEED.

The captivating dystopian trilogy that began with Gilded Cage continues. In a modern Britain where magic users control wealth, politics—and you—an uprising has been crushed. In its aftermath, two families will determine the country’s fate. The ruthless Jardines make a play for ultimate power. And the Hadleys, once an ordinary family, must find the extraordinary strength to fight back.

Abi Hadley is a fugitive. Her brother, Luke, a prisoner. Both will discover that in the darkest places, the human spirit shines brightest. Meanwhile, amid his family’s intrigues, Silyen Jardine dreams of forgotten powers from an earlier age. 

As blood runs in the streets of London, all three will discover whether love and courage can ever be stronger than tyranny. 

How do you choose when you can’t save everyone?

Praise for Tarnished City

“Highly recommended . . . There’s an admirable level of world-building . . . with real moments of empathy and compassion [and] a true nail-biter of a cliffhanger ending.”—Fantasy Literature

“Multifaceted complexity . . . lively, determined characters.”—Publishers Weekly
Publication Date: 02/06/18
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Science Fiction
Tomorrow is Another Year
Scott Tierney
Synopsis:

When Michael accepts a nondescript job for a nameless London-based company, he finds himself embroiled in a fantastical situation: every time he wakes, time has progressed one single year. At first this seems like a gift; but as the future spirals out of control, and the motives of his titanic employer, Greenwood, prove entangling, he discovers it to be a curse...

Publication Date: 01/24/18
Age Level: Mature Young Adult
Genre: Science Fiction
Divining Another Dream
Bernadette Davis
Synopsis:

Nine-year-old Laiza Wendel can't remember anything because her memory consists only of events in her future. But for her, the future suddenly begins to look... short. She believes it means she will die soon, but she can't see how. Her teacher and friends want to help her overcome her new and unusual fear of getting hurt, but Laiza knows that they can't help unless she shares the secret about how she sees. Will she be able to determine what's wrong before her world falls apart?

Publication Date: 01/20/18
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Science Fiction
The Last Gargoyle
Paul Durham
Synopsis: Fans of Jonathan Auxier's The Night Gardener and Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book will tremble with delight for this haunting tale about a lonely gargoyle who isn't alone at all.

Penhallow is the last of his kind. The stone gargoyle--he'd prefer you call him a grotesque--fearlessly protects his Boston building from the spirits who haunt the night. But even he is outmatched when Hetty, his newest ward, nearly falls victim to the Boneless King, the ruler of the underworld.

Then there's Viola, the mysterious girl who keeps turning up at the most unlikely times. In a world where nightmares come to life, Viola could be just the ally Penhallow needs. But can he trust her when every shadow hides another secret? Can he afford not to?
Publication Date: 01/09/18
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Science Fiction
Our Dark Stars
Krystal Wade, Audrey Grey
Synopsis: SLEEPING BEAUTY MEETS FIREFLY in this fast-paced and addictive new Sci-Fi by USA Today bestselling authors Audrey Grey and Krystal Wade! While she sleeps, the whole universe changes. Princess Talia Starchaser has it all. Wealth. Status. Adoring citizens. But on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, she’s forced to publicly betray her best friend, a companion mock she’s had since birth, setting events into motion that lead to the destruction of the humans, and the princess floating through space, a remnant of a time when humans ruled over droids. One hundred years later, half-mock captain Will Perrault and his ragtag crew discover a device floating in space. When a very human Talia emerges from its depths, Will suspects she’s the key to buying his way back into the regiment he once commanded against the last remaining rebel humans—and the ruling mock queen’s good graces. Both Talia and Will would rather get space-tossed than trust one another, but with the queen’s forces chasing them across the galaxy and the fate of both worlds hanging in the balance, they’ll forge the unlikeliest of alliances to survive. Thousands of copies sold. Get your ticket now to this action-packed, edge-of-your-seat space ride, a fresh take on loyalty, family, and love that fans of The Lunar Chronicles and Starflight are devouring! “Audrey Grey and Krystal Wade have made a masterpiece with Our Dark Stars and I happily recommend it to everyone, please you need this book in your life.” -Cassie James, Goodreads Reviewer “I didn't think I was a big sci-fi fan, but apparently these authors know my tastes better than I know myself. Please grab this, PLEASE read this book as soon as humanly possible!” -Amanda Steele, Goodreads Reviewer “I really loved this book, I read it in 2 sittings and struggled to put it down.” -Gaynor, NetGalley Reviewer “Our Dark Stars is a fully realized, captivating sci-fi adventure of astronomical proportions! It is fast paced, exciting, and beautiful! With daring characters, unique twists, and a fantastical futuristic setting, this one is sure to have you flying high!” -Darque Dreamer, Goodreads Reviewer “The Lunar Chronicles (Marisa Meyer) meets Firefly! I loved every word of this novel!” -Janelle, Goodreads Reviewer “Absolutely loved it and cannot wait for more from these authors! I read this book in one sitting and literally could not put it down. The action, story line, mystery, twists, characters! So much life and adventure in this one book. These two are definitely on a fast track to being added to my list of favorite authors!” -Jade Feldman, NetGalley Reviewer “This book was so good that I need to recover for a month or so.” -Kelsey, NetGalley Reviewer “WOW I LOVED THIS BOOK TO PIECES.” -Macy Klingerman, NetGalley Reviewer What are you waiting for? Scroll up and click buy now to find out why readers all over the world are raving about OUR DARK STARS.
Publication Date: 12/14/17
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Science Fiction
Vigilance & Vengeance
S. D. Hintz
Synopsis: Eighteen-year-old Seanna had a face that was hard to forget. A blood red birthmark emblazoned across her chin is the reason why. It made her the target of taunts from bullies and the bane of the headmistress of the orphanage where she lived since birth. Her mark possesses a fiery flair she struggles to control. Consumed by a pyrokinetic ability she can either learn to control it or let it control her. Her Bitter Birthday brings the opportunity to be adopted by a real family, or so she believes. The Trident, the governing dictatorship, has found the solution to their budgetary shortfall – orphanages have replaced schools and slave houses have replaced homes. And Seanna has just had her introduction to the world outside the safety and comfort of the orphanage. A world where young adults are abused and chained in the mines as slaves of the tyrannical Trident. Using her Fiery Cinder she escapes and meets a young revolutionary hell-bent on change. He leads her in a charge against the Witch he believes to be the cause of the breakdown of the family unit – Amethyst, who also happens to be Seanna’s new adoptive “mother.” Bought and paid for by Amethyst, Seanna reels against the truth – she was given the Cinder to be the weapon that can overthrow the Trident and bring a new day to the Fourth Quarter. In a world where no one can be trusted can she trust herself to save the world or will she be the one to end it?
Publication Date: 11/30/17
Age Level: Mature Young Adult
Genre: Science Fiction
Minimize:  Book Two of The Stones of Bothynus Trilogy
Synopsis:

In Book Two of The Stones of Bothynus trilogy, Minimize, the Greene sisters' escapades continue. This time it's Annie, Red's younger sister, whose life is changed by new experiences made possible by the Stones of Bothynus.

Fifteen-year-old Annie is bold, curious, and possibly in over her head when she ''borrows'' a device that Uncle Alistair brilliantly crafted from ancient and powerful artifact dust from the Stones of Bothynus. Using the device, she shrinks herself to explore a hidden cave behind a waterfall on her grandmother's Smoky Mountain farm. After glimpsing an angelic being in the cave she works feverishly to decipher ancient writings copied from the cave wall. Intrigued and awed she discovers that the writings reveal a half-angel's world of pain and longing and strives to learn more.

Minimize continues the sci-fi/fantasy adventures of the Greene family as they become more deeply enmeshed in adventure, this time in the angel realm.

Publication Date: 11/14/17
Age Level: Mature Young Adult
Genre: Science Fiction
This Mortal Coil
Emily Suvada
Synopsis: In this gripping debut novel, seventeen-year-old Cat must use her gene-hacking skills to decode her late father’s message concealing a vaccine to a horrifying plague.

Catarina Agatta is a hacker. She can cripple mainframes and crash through firewalls, but that’s not what makes her special. In Cat’s world, people are implanted with technology to recode their DNA, allowing them to change their bodies in any way they want. And Cat happens to be a gene-hacking genius.

That’s no surprise, since Cat’s father is Dr. Lachlan Agatta, a legendary geneticist who may be the last hope for defeating a plague that has brought humanity to the brink of extinction. But during the outbreak, Lachlan was kidnapped by a shadowy organization called Cartaxus, leaving Cat to survive the last two years on her own.

When a Cartaxus soldier, Cole, arrives with news that her father has been killed, Cat’s instincts tell her it’s just another Cartaxus lie. But Cole also brings a message: before Lachlan died, he managed to create a vaccine, and Cole needs Cat’s help to release it and save the human race.

Now Cat must decide who she can trust: The soldier with secrets of his own? The father who made her promise to hide from Cartaxus at all costs? In a world where nature itself can be rewritten, how much can she even trust herself?
Publication Date: 11/07/17
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Science Fiction
Ali-A Adventures: Game On!
Aleksandar Sotirovski, Cavan Scott, Ali-A
Synopsis: The most popular gamer on YouTube, Ali-A, presents his very own action-packed graphic novel!
 
It’s launch time for the hotly anticipated video game Alien Liberator 2, and who better to invite along than top gamer Ali-A? Ali is promised the biggest game launch ever—but what he doesn’t count on is just how real the action is about to get!
 
When a merciless band of aliens turns up to spoil the party, it’s up to Ali to transform from gaming icon to real-life hero. Can he defeat the end-of-game boss and save the day? With a little help from his fans and his very special dog, Eevee, he’s going to give it his best shot!
Publication Date: 10/24/17
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Science Fiction

Pages



RECENT BOOK REVIEWS