Neil Arksey
Kai has a plan to escape Downtown. He could die in the attempt - but anything's better than staying in Portobello. So when he has the chance to move to Nebula, he wants it. All he has to do is find two Nebulese escapees and, if necessary, kill them. It's not much different to other jobs he's done in the past - so why is this one such a problem?
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Margaret Beames
 Rhiane a'Dare is a talented young art student who has been charged with the crime of leaving the Dome and venturing into the Outlands - a crime that is punishable by death. The painting that she submitted to the Festival is the main piece of evidence in her trial, but did she really leave the city or did she use her imagination? The great domed city was built to withstand the impact of a great asteroid that has blasted the Earth. It was always meant to be a temporary refuge. Is it finally time to leave Dome?
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Erika
Bernard Beckett
Anax is about to take the most important test of her life – the test that will see her admitted to the Academy after years of hard work. At least that is what she hopes, but no one ever talks about the exam and she has no idea what to expect. As the panel of examiners leads her through her chosen topic of Adam Forde Anax tries to remain calm in the fact that she has made original conclusions about her topic that could either make her a marvel or cause her to fail the entire exam.
An intense and gripping novel that will keep you on the edge.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Erika
Julie Bertagna
Exodus is a gripping novel of adventure and excitement set in the future. The author has a brilliant vocabulary and an exceptional ability to write descriptively. When you first start reading this book, you find yourself so captured by Mara and her dedicated attitude it is impossible to put the book down.
Best character: Mara
Hannah, 13
Julie Bertanga
Mara inspires her village to sail in search of the fabled walled city - the only thing left above the water. But when they arrive they do not find paradise. Instead, left to die in a floating refugee camp, her people are depressed and become ill. In an attempt to save them all, Mara ventures into the city.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Susan Butler
Generations after a meteor struck Earth, and changed everything, mutant Leora's gift has led her out of the confines of her village into the dangerous and unknown wilderness.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Claire Carmichael
Karr is now an oblit - someone with an obliterated identity. Because his father's found out the truth about one of the Data Lords - and now he doesn't exist. He ends up with Incognito - a group fighting to protect people's privacy. They are the only hope he has to rejoin the world.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Ken Catran
In a world dominated by technology something is going fatally wrong with VR (virtual reality) programmes. People are dying. Preben is drawn into the web of deceit and danger by Rhoda. Rhoda, who is motivated by revenge and a desperate need to know what killed her sister. Can Preben solve the mystery? Can he come out alive?
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Ken Catran
Declan was woken from cryo sleep in the normal way - but what he finds is anything but normal. The ship is not where it is meant to be and there is a message for him - a message that he left for himself! The message is strange to watch, especially when he is drawn into the disappearances of the crew in suspicious circumstances. What is going on in the ship - has an alien force invaded the ship determined to kill the crew?
A slow start builds to a fast paced ending that will rock you in your tracks.
If you enjoy this book then you should try reading The Onager - also by Ken Catran.
Recommended for ages 12 +
Reviewed by Erika
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John Christopher
In the future the world is ruled by the Tripods - massive machines with three legs that stride across the world they own. Men are the servants of the Tripods, they are free while children, but when they turn 14 they are Capped and become obedient to their masters. Young Will has doubts about the Capping, and when a chance comes for him to escape he takes it and begins an adventure of a lifetime.
Join Will, his cousin Henry, and their friends as they try to find a way to free their world from the Tripods.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Erika
John Christopher
It all started with the arrival of three gigantic machines that stalked across the landscape on three metal legs. If only Laurie could have known that the machine he found that night with Andy would soon be joined by others - and he would soon come to know them as the Tripods.
This is the exciting prequel to the Tripods trilogy.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Erika
Eoin Colfer
Cosmo's waited for his chance to escape the orphanage - they use the orphans as test subjects for experiments. His chance comes - and he runs. But escape isn't that easy and he almost dies. But because of that his rescuers take him as one of them - a Supernaturalist - one who can see supernatural beings - and kill them.
Recommended for ages 10+
Reviewed by Annie
Peter Dickinson
- Imagine ... waking from a coma after an accident in which you almost died.
- Imagine ... discovering you are now part of a ground-breaking medical experiment.
- Imagine ... your self-image needing to undergo a complete and radical change.
- Imagine ... making a new life for yourself when you are one-of-a-kind.
- Imagine ... being not human in body yet human in mind.
This is Eva's story ... the story of her new life.
Recommended for ages 13+
Reviewed by Annie
Fourteen authors explore dreams and visions – and their various manifestations – in this collection of fantasy and science fiction stories.
Jameel is torn between his life in America and the expectations and needs of his extended family in Pakistan.
A young airman meets an unexpected angel in the afterlife in a story that makes you question war.
Mona becomes more and more sure that their new neighbour is a witch – but how can she convince anyone?
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Anthony Eaton
Saria has grown up in the Darklands, a desolate and desperate place where no children have been born for years. Now she must face the secrets of her past, and her future, as she is led towards the place that she was born. But Saria is in danger, not just from the other people of Darklands, but also from the mysterious Nightpeople who appear to treat the Darklands as a toy box where they can do what they want. Look for the sequels.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
Sylvia Engdahl
Elana has just graduated from the Federation Anthropological Service, ready for a career in service – hopefully to be sent on assignment to observe ‘Youngling’ planets, and discover what is it that sets the path for the planet’s survival or destruction during their ‘critical phase.’ Such an opportunity comes up sooner than anyone expects – the day of her graduation. With her is Randil, who graduated in the same class. But Randil doesn’t have her training nor experience. In trying to save the planet, is Randil instead setting it on the path to destruction?
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Nancy Farmer
It's about Matt who is a clone and his life. Clones are treated badly by people because they think they are bad but Matt is different from other clones because he got to keep his brain while others had theirs destroyed. The use of clones were for transplants, for these evil, wealthy people. Matt, having a mind of his own, escapes from all this and tries to free the world from all this evil.
Best character: Matt
Erin, 14
Nancy Farmer
Most people think Matt's a beast - livestock - able to be killed for his organs. But Matt's been educated and he's been allowed to keep his brain. It's only when he's older does he realise the horror that is his life. He's the last surviving clone of El Patrón - a drug lord in Opium. Even when Matt escapes from his insular world, he realises he is very different from everyone else.
Recommended ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
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Margaret Peterson Haddix
Luke is a Shadow Child - a third child born into a society where only two children are allowed to each family. He lives in constant fear of the Population Police and their terrifying powers. He has been able to live in the sunshine because his family lives in the woods - but now the woods are gone. In their place is a housing development that means Luke must now live inside - all the time. One day Luke sees the face of another Shadow Child - and his life will never be the same again because of that one glimpse of a face at the window.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Erika
Richard Harland
In the year 3000 it came to pass that a Residual - Ferren - and an angel - Miriael - became allies and changed the course of history on Earth and in Heaven. Since the year 2010 Earth has been at war with Heaven. And in the year 3000 the evil Humens are determined to see the end of Heavenly power.
Recommended for ages 15+
Reviewed by Annie
Jack Heath
Agent Six of Hearts is the best operative for the Deck, but he also hids a secret that would see the Deck destroy him if they found out. Six is a designer person, created in The Lab to be the perfect assassin and agent - but now he is fighting against The Lab and the monster corporation behind it that controls the world. When his secret and his job come too close for comfort, Six must make choices that could change things forever.
A gripping action novel with just the right mix of sci-fi and thriller thrown in the mix.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Erika
Carol Hedges
Bryn's trying to figure out the truth behind his father's death. And in his time Globalcorp have taken over the world. But is it for the better?
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
John Heffernan
This is a Sydney of the future - one ruled by the CroNulla tribe. A city in pieces after a nuclear holocaust. The Guvnagenral is pushing for a peace treaty with the barbaric Oztrakii tribe. The Yarncarrier Yrec is cautious. Only Gheera the scribe really knows what's going on. Can she save the situation, or should she only worry about her own life?
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
John Heffernan
Sequel to CBD
The CroNulla tribe has been destroyed by the raids of the barbarian Oztrakii tribe. Hagra, formerly a general, steps into the power vacuum left by the death of Sheboss Bareena. Gheera assumes the mantle of Yarncarrier, and Boy becomes her Scribe. Gheera has plans for the CBD - to make a Keeping Place for the books, and somewhere to learn. But how to do that, when only the two of you can read - and it seems like everyone is against you?
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
David Hill
The future is a grim place – unless you are rich enough to live as an Upper. Towners live a dangerous life and the only source of help is Global. Global provides food and jobs, but the jobs are medical experiments and organ donations that aren’t always what they seem. Cal believes the hype at first, but once Global knows that he has learnt things that he shouldn’t have – he learns what Global is really all about.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Erika
David Hill
Jotan and five others are about to embark on a voyage the like of which no one has done before. Hundreds of years into our future their Star-Reacher is closing in on a black hole. The group's mission is to get as close as possible and record the event. However things don't go to plan. And, as they know, once you've flown into an event horizon nothing can save you.
If you're interested in the theories behind the action, check out Stephen Hawking's A brief history of time: a reader's companion.
Recommended for 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Lesley Howarth
The future is a planet that burns under the radiation-loaded rays of a sun gone crazy. Life is lived indoors - except for the gradually shrinking winter months. Tunnels connect the homes and warehouses where people try to live with limited supplies of everything. Computers and virtual reality have become the norm. In this world Violet Niles dreams of freedom and living outside. But the world is not what she expected, and all of her virtual reality gaming has not prepared her for the hidden dangers of the real world and the people who live in it with her.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
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Ben Jeapes
1645 and the King and Parliament are at war. The Parliamentarian army has new, improved, and more deadly weapons – because they are being aided by Madame Connolly. Her real name is Khonol Le and she is Holekhor, an alien.
Then the forces of the Holekhor government arrive – ready to invade England, their New World. Their general is Dhon Do. Years ago he lived in a small village in England and was baptised John Donner, giving him inside knowledge of humans.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Ben Jeapes
Joel's part of a multi-species mission to SkySpy - an observation position over the XCs' (Xenocides') home planet. They're called XCs because they'd been seen annihilating a whole planet. But things aren't as simple as they appear. First the XCs invade, then Joel's left with Boon Round, one of the Rusties.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Catherine Jinks
Told through the journals of Aldo, Jarom and artifacts of Joseph, this novel explores the issue of how much our destiny is ruled by our genes.
Recommended for ages 15+
Reviewed by Annie
The Travellers Series
Jack Lasenby
In a world both familiar and alien, follow Ish's travels through a post-apocalyptic New Zealand.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Kathryn Lasky
Darci is beginning to ponder the big questions of life. Darci lives in the fourth millennium, and her world is one dominated by genetic manipulation technology. As Darci wonders - what's the point of living when your life has been mapped out for you in your genetic structure? - something happens which makes her ponderings even more intense and personal. Something that threatens her peace of mind and her very existence.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Rhiannon Lassiter
Raven is an illegal being - a person who can access computer systems through the interface of her own mind. The genetic experiments of the twenty-first century led to a genetic mutation where certain people become a human computer. These people are known as a Hex. Hexes are dangerous, and are executed for no other reason than they are Hex. Somewhere in the streets of London Raven and her brother Wraith are looking for the missing member of their family - their sister Rachael. Could she be a Hex too?
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
Anne McCaffrey
In a world eerily similar to ours people with special powers - psychic powers - the Talented - become a force to be reckoned with. They are above corruption. They are above politics. And to some - they are a danger. Yet how can the overpopulation of the Earth be solved without them?
Recommended for 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Anne McCaffrey
Centuries after the Talents series, the Talented have evolved into a well-organised, extremely powerful, organisation - the FT&T. They are the ones who send the massive ships through space. They are also the only ones who can save the human race from the threat of the Hivers.
Recommended for 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Janet McNaughton
Blay is an orphan – taken from the streets and put into a work camp. When Marrella, the apprentice Bio-indicator, arrives looking for an assistant, Blay is grateful to be chosen – and to have the chance to learn more. But there is a lot going on behind the scenes in the conflict between the Commission and its enemies.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Nicola Morgan
The world has become a carefully controlled environment where everyone is controlled through the use of pim and funk – everyone but the Outsiders who outside the rules and strict control. Hidden in secret are children that have been raised far away from the world – carefully raised to fulfil an important destiny. But now the children are teenagers and they must face a destiny that they are not prepared for – because this time they must face a dangerous world that they have never known, a dangerous world where people are controlled and the Pols have th write to shoot and kill any Outsider that they want.
A tense, action packed novel.
Recommended for ages 13+
Reviewed by Erika
Walter Mosley
The story of a young slave – known as Babychile to his foster mother – but mostly as 47 – is woven with that of a stranger Tall John. But Tall John doesn’t act like a slave – unless it’s to his benefit – and he tells 47 some amazing stories. Or are they true?
A surreal mix of history and science fiction – one that works and leaves you hoping for a sequel.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Elvire, Lorris and Marie-Aude Murail
Winning a computer was a big deal for Samir – but it becomes an even bigger deal when he discovers an amazing new game called Golem. It is an amazing game has him waiting for the next chance to play. It is also a chance for him to compete against one of his teachers from school. But the game is not quite what it seems, and why does the company want the computer back – and what is in the basement of his building?
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Erika
Garth Nix
After the Change Shade appears to save and train children in order to overthrow the Overlords. At 19 Ella is one of the oldest humans alive - because of Shade. But Shade's not all he appears.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
James Patterson
Imagine being only 98% human – with the other 2% giving you wings that actually allow you to fly! That is the reality for Max and the other five members of her flock, who are only trying to live their own lives free from the School. But now the Erasers are hunting them, and Max and her flock are in danger. This is a fast paced, action packed novel that will have you on the edge of your seat - as you read each short and edgy chapter towards the unexpected climax.
I can’t wait for more books in the series - and you can learn more about Max and her flock by visiting the Maximum Ride website.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
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Gary Paulsen
In the year 2057 the USA has been torn apart by fighting and Americans are enslaved by the Confederation of Consolidated Republics - the CCR. Cody is one of the CCR's star pupils. He's been indoctrinated into their ways. But it's all a front. When he has the opportunity Cody escapes from the prison camp and begins a life of guerrilla warfare.
Recommended for 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Susan Beth Pfeffer
What would happen to our lives if a disaster changed the world? How would we cope without electricity, without the normal everyday things we take so much for granted?
Miranda keeps a diary which begins with the usual teenage rantings, but gradually she comments about how the weather changes begin to affect her life and the lives of those she loves.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annette
Rodman Philbrick
Years from now, after the Big Shake, nobody writes and nobody reads. Which makes Ryter - a gummy (old person) - strange. He reads and writes. He tries to get Spaz reading, too. But Spaz is too busy trying to survive and trying to find a way to see his foster sister.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Maggie Prince
Looking at him, you wouldn't think Dominic was a dangerous alien - and he wasn't. In the beginning. But then United Council of Planets stepped in and it all changed.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Mortal engines (Hungry city chronicles; book 1)
Philip Reeve
It's been about a thousand years since the Sixty Minute War. Since then cities and towns have become huge traction engines, prowling the countryside in search of smaller prey. Young Apprentice Historian Tom becomes involved in a plot and assassination attempt of the Head Historian, Valentine. Paired, reluctantly, with Heather Shaw Tom is started on a life of adventure. But does it all turn out like he'd dreamed?
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Alex Shearer
Tarrin is a rarity – a child. Since anti-ageing drugs have become widely used people have been having difficulty having children. Tarrin earns money for Deet by being rented out – hire a child for an hour, and see what it’s like. Deet wants Tarrin to have a PP (Peter Pan) implant – so he’ll never grow old. All the time he is in fear of being taken by Kiddernappers, and sold. All the time he wonders whether he’ll ever find his real parents.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Alex Shearer
A story of obsession: Chris Mallan's obsession to create a particle decelerator and Ernst Eckmann's obsession with Poppea - a street performer and Chris's dad's girlfriend. The story comes to light when Chris vanishes from work, leaving behind a manuscript, a story - this story - for his workmate Bob to find.
An atmospheric tale, dark and chilling.
Recommended for 14+
Reviewed by Annie
William Sleator
Barney's fascinated by his neighbours at his holiday cottage. They're beautiful and intriguing. and they seem able to project different personalities, depending on who they're with. When he's invited to play a board game with them - Interstellar Pig - Barney learns that some games are terribly real.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
William Sleator
In this follow-on from the award-winning Interstellar Pig, Barney is strangely drawn to people and situations that will lead him back into danger - through the medium of the Interstellar Pig board game. Barnie's incautious actions launch himself and his best friend Katie into space where they ricochet between various callous, reeking or just plain ugly, game-playing aliens and some giant crustaceans who are preparing them as an exorbitant gourmet feast. And it is with growing horror that Barney finds out what's "got into him" to make him take such gargantuan risks....
This is one visceral read that will make you want to cook your steaks really well!
Recommended for ages 15+
Reviewed by Sanya
Alien taste (Ukiah Oregon; book 1)
Wen Spencer
Ukiah Oregon is not like other Private Investigators - he's not even like other people. As a child he was found in a humane wolf trap by one of his moms who brought him home across state lines and raised him like her own child. After legally being declared an adult, Ukiah now works with Max as a PI - a job he was born to do with his super human abilities of smell and hearing. After shooting a woman in self-defence Ukiah begins to travel down a road that will lead him to answers about his past and his origins.
Recommended for ages 15 +
Reviewed by Erika
Dog warrior
(Ukiah Oregon; book 4)
Wen Spencer
The fourth book in the Ukiah Oregon series it introduces you to Atticus Steele.
Atticus Steele is for all intents and purposes Ukiah's brother – but it is a little tricky to describe how they are related to people who don’t know the family secrets. Suddenly Atticus goes from knowing nothing about his brother, to be involved in a turf war for the entire planet. There are secrets that Atticus and Ukiah are hiding from each other – and they both have to decide how much they can trust each other.
A fast-paced and edgy addition to the legend of Ukiah Oregon.
Recommended for ages 16+
Reviewed by Erika
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Missing link (Missing link trilogy; book 1)
Kate Thompson
Christie's step-brother Danny is odd. No one's sure what's wrong - maybe he's ADHD? Only Danny's parents know the truth, and his dad is in denial. When a talking bird and a talking dog turn up to guide Danny to his mother's, Christie goes along. On the way they pick up Tina, a homeless girl.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
A thought provoking collection of 17 stories looking at time travel, parallel universes and alternative histories.
How prepared would we be if science fiction was forgotten and aliens appeared in the skies?
What would happen if a mafia family travelled back to the middle ages?
Harry Turtledove looks at a Middle East conflict in an alterative history, yet it seems very familiar.
What purpose would Joan of Arc have if she was brought to the future?
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
A collection of stories about time - the past and the future - how we got where we are - where we might go in the future. The stories are great, thought provoking and fun. If you like “The Last Book in the Universe” by Rodman Philbrick - check out Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. If the concepts in "What's the Point?" by Tor Seidler interest you, have a look at Dinah forever by Claudia Mills, because Dinah struggles with the same issues as Jarred. And if "Night of the Plague" by James Cross Giblin gets you thinking - what was life like 1000 years ago? - then dip into The year 1000 by Robert Lacey and Danny Danzinger.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Vivian Vande Velde
Giannine's been given a Rasummsem Enterprises gift voucher by her dad (well, only after his assistant rang and asked what sort of voucher she wanted for her birthday!). So off she goes, sneaking past protesters, to play a virtual reality game for ½ hour. She chooses Heir Apparent - hey, some of the guys looked pretty hot - and goes in. Then the protesters attack and she's trapped until she wins. But she can't get past the first stage!
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Lisa Vasil
Linden is stunned when her granddaughter, Charlie, visits her. It’s not because grandchildren don't visit their grandparents. They just don't tend to do it when it's 25 years before their birth!
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Steve Voake
Berry is only 14 years old but since her mother died she has been on her own and looking out for herself. Things are going okay until social services gets involved - and things go really wrong when Berry escapes being flattened by a bus. Now Berry has something in her possesion that is wanted by almost everyone she meets. Her only chance to get her life back is to take the item back to America, but it soon becomes a desperate race against time.
A dramatic action adventure that will keep you gripped to the end.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Erika
Uglies (Uglies; book 1)
Scott Westerfeld
Tally lives in a world where everything is geared towards a persons sixteenth birthday – they day they are turned from an Ugly to a New Pretty. Tally looks forward to joining up with her friend Peris after her operation to be Pretty, but then she meets Shay and her world changes forever. Shay has strange ideas, and when she runs away Tally finds that she has a choice – she can betray her friend and bring her back, or she can live as an Ugly forever.
This is an intense and fast paced novel.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
Suzanne Weyn
The bar code tattoo is the latest must have – a way to make your life easier because all you have to do is swipe your wrist and all your info and credits are there. But Kayla is unwilling to get the tattoo and soon finds herself forced to become a fugitive as the world around her changes drastically and for the worst.
A chilling look at the future that could be just around the corner. Watch out for the sequel.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Erika
Patrick Wood
Dushma's unregistered - she doesn't officially exist. When her home's raided she escapes and ends up with a group of fellow outcasts. But she is still pursued by Inspector Rappleman.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
The pit dragons trilogy
Jane Yolen
Jakkin wants freedom. He wants to be his own master. And the only way he can see clear to do so is to steal a hatchling dragon and raise it in secret to be a pit fighter – and winner.
This is one of those books that straddle between fantasy and science-fiction – a fantasy-style story, set in a science-fiction world.
Recommended for ages 13+
Reviewed by Annie
Timothy Zahn
Jack Morgan is minding his own business and hiding out on a deserted planet when a ship crash-lands on the planet after an intense space battle. The only survivor is Draycos - a K'da warrior. Now Jack and Draycos are trying to clear Jack's name, but each step they take leads them closer to a danger that Jack never could have dreamed of. Jack must use all his resources as a thief and con man, and he must rely on the K'da warrior to watch his back - literally!
A fast paced adventure full of danger and intrigue.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Erika
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The hermit thrush sings 
