This action-packed debut from Sun blends heady science-fantasy storytelling about the origins of our world with a coming-of-age space adventure complete with green-scaled reptilian alien enemies. The story follows the elite leaders of a distant planet, Ohum, as they use their advanced technology and abilities to create other planets and lifeforms. Celebrated as the “Savior of the Nation,” Theo, the newest Godian Supreme, leads his noble Godians into an era of creation and peace. Theo's latest passion project is Earth, a new planet being crafted by his hand-selected team of experts. Amongst the team tasked with creating that promising new planet is Theo's son-in-law, Ike Skyler, an athletic farm boy with relatable everyday rivalries and problems. But when their beautiful new planet catches the eye of the lizard-like Sauras, Ike is going to have to grow up fast, as he, the Godians, and the Earth itself face war.

Sun's imaginative exploration into the creation of planets, especially Earth, will grab young readers attention while also educating them on the basic components that make up our world. This reimagining of the secret history of our home and solar system is captivating and inventive, but despite the headiness of the concepts, the world building and character development throughout is easy to follow. It’s even playful—one Saura general is named Dino. Ike's harrowing journey to hero status, and the many close bonds between his friends and family (“Just put your heart and soul in it,” Theo tells him) ensure readers will root for this out-of-this world but down-to-Earth protagonist.

The story features themes of family, friendship and love as Sun creates a backstory for our very existence, complete with intriguing discussions of what humankind will be like, how identities will develop, and more. Readers get to see the day that the Godians turn on our very sun. Fans of ambitious yet accessible science fiction storytelling with a YA bent will find much here that’s engaging and surprising.

Takeaway: Inventive space opera that blends coming-of-age adventure with the origins of Earth.

Comparable Titles: M.K. England’s The Disasters, J. Brian Clarke’s Alphanauts.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: A-