Title: Alone Out Here
Author: Riley Redgate
Publisher: Disney Publishing
Publication date: April 5, 2022
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Summary
In the year 2072, a volcano will erupt, leaving the Earth uninhabitable. So, the only place to go is out into space. As the world comes together to figure out a way to save humankind, their children are invited to tour the latest prototype spaceship. The Lazarus.
However, the destruction of the Earth comes months ahead of schedule, Leigh Chen (the First Daughter) and 53 other children the only survivors as they made it off the planet. Now, this group of children have to figure out how to navigate a new world with only the things they have on the ship. After all, they are humankind’s last hope. It’s up to them to make it to a new world.
Review: Alone Out Here
Thanks to NetGalley and Disney Publishing for an advanced copy of Alone Out Here to review! Sometimes it can be hard to find science fiction in the YA genre, but I feel like we’ve gotten more in the last few years and I am here for it. Space kind of freaks me out, but I still enjoy reading about it!
This book is essentially being pitched as Lord of the Flies in space, which is overall a pretty accurate description. Redgate accurately captures the pressure that’s constantly put on younger generations to fix the errors of the past. Which is a strong theme throughout the book. Generally, the sense of foreboding and loss is well done, permeating throughout the majority of the story. Definitely here for the tone of the book overall!
However, there are a lot of characters in this. And while not all of them are important to the main plot of the story, it’s kind of easy to get lost sometimes. Some of the more technical aspects of space travel also don’t quite fit with reality, which is always hard with science fiction. Yes, this is a fictional story. However, if you’re going to include more sciencey aspects, I kind of want them to feel more realist.
A small thing of note, this book has been appearing on LGBTQ lists for 2022. While there is some queer rep in here, it’s not at the forefront of the story. So if you’re looking for gays in space, this aspect might be a bit of a disappointment for you.
All in all, if you enjoy space thrillers and don’t mind keeping track of a lot of characters, you might want to pick this one up!
3/5 stars