Orion Lost - Alastair Chisholm (Release Date: 9th January)

I couldn't wait until O had read this before we blogged so here's my review!

Orion is a transport ship which is four months into a journey from Earth, taking families to a new life on Eos Five.  When a space jump goes wrong, 13 year old Beth and her five classmates are the only people who can be woken and must lead the ship to safety whilst everybody else remains in their sleep state.  Beth is chosen by Ship (the vessel's on-board AI system) as the most qualified to take-over the captaincy; however, this angers Vihaan (son of the ship's actual captain) and leads to disagreements, especially as Beth doubts her own ability to lead.  Will they be able to repair the damaged ship enough to navigate to safety?  Will the group of six be able to overcome their differences to work together?  Will they survive against other life-forms they cannot trust?

It's been a long time since I've read a sci-fi book and am so pleased that Nosy Crow sent it to me.  It's an exciting and fast-paced story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and there are several plot twists that will most definitely keep you guessing.

I liked the variety of main characters who each brought their unique charm to the book, but I particularly liked Beth, simply for her self-doubt and lack of confidence; whilst many in that situation would be filled with a desire to do well (as we see in the lessons at the beginning of the book), it's important to show that it's ok not to always have the answers to the problems you're facing and not to always feel in control.  She also learns as she makes the journey which is another important lesson.

The book has all the components of a good sci-fi: space travel, hi-tech gadgets and alien life-forms, but I liked that the tech-talk didn't get over-complicated or dominate the plot; there was just enough to be realistic without the plot being lost to tech.

I most certainly didn't want the book to end and was desperate to spend more time on board Orion with Beth and her crew ( and loved the variety of villains they encountered along the way).  Orion Lost will undoubtedly be a huge hit in school and will definitely be going into the library at the start of term (it's already part of my January recommendations display in the children's department of Waterstones in Newcastle.