Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi
Staff-created list
From laser guns to alien invasions to commentary on society, history and the nature of humanity, this genre has something for every reader! Space, politics, adventure and more - science fiction blends actual science with imagination to create possible futures and alternate worlds.
This list is loosely ordered from ‘light’ to ‘gritty’ reads. A Christchurch City Libraries’ list.
John Smith has had a rough past year. No, make that past life. Hunted by a species that wants to wipe his race off the face of the universe, he lives on t...Show more
John Smith has had a rough past year. No, make that past life. Hunted by a species that wants to wipe his race off the face of the universe, he lives on the run. But John doesn't want to run anymore. Prepare yourself for thrills and action-packed fights in this blockbuster novel. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook.
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John Smith has had a rough past year. No, make that past life. Hunted by a species that wants to wipe his race off the face of the universe, he lives on t...Show more
John Smith has had a rough past year. No, make that past life. Hunted by a species that wants to wipe his race off the face of the universe, he lives on the run. But John doesn't want to run anymore. Prepare yourself for thrills and action-packed fights in this blockbuster novel. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook.
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A classic tales get a sci-fi makeover! There's still an evil stepmother and handsome prince, but this time Cinderella is a cyborg girl with a mysterious p...Show more
A classic tales get a sci-fi makeover! There's still an evil stepmother and handsome prince, but this time Cinderella is a cyborg girl with a mysterious past. This fairytale romance comes with action, a deadly plague, and dystopian city. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook.
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A classic tales get a sci-fi makeover! There's still an evil stepmother and handsome prince, but this time Cinderella is a cyborg girl with a mysterious p...Show more
A classic tales get a sci-fi makeover! There's still an evil stepmother and handsome prince, but this time Cinderella is a cyborg girl with a mysterious past. This fairytale romance comes with action, a deadly plague, and dystopian city. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook.
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Set in the near future when space travel has been invented, demand for explorers and archaeologists is huge. Lyra isn’t either, but her parents are, and s...Show more
Set in the near future when space travel has been invented, demand for explorers and archaeologists is huge. Lyra isn’t either, but her parents are, and she must travel with them across the galaxy to uncover the mystery of why the Terracotta Warriors are showing up all over the place. Filled with adventure, cyber-hacking, and a particularly sassy teen, this is a fun read. Perfect for whether you’re starting out in the genre or a long-time sci-fi fan. Also available as a downloadable audiobook.
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Set in the near future when space travel has been invented, demand for explorers and archaeologists is huge. Lyra isn’t either, but her parents are, and s...Show more
Set in the near future when space travel has been invented, demand for explorers and archaeologists is huge. Lyra isn’t either, but her parents are, and she must travel with them across the galaxy to uncover the mystery of why the Terracotta Warriors are showing up all over the place. Filled with adventure, cyber-hacking, and a particularly sassy teen, this is a fun read. Perfect for whether you’re starting out in the genre or a long-time sci-fi fan. Also available as a downloadable audiobook.
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Told via alternating points-of-view, this is a fast-paced story that combines space opera with a touch of romance. Rhee has been on a path of vengeance al...Show more
Told via alternating points-of-view, this is a fast-paced story that combines space opera with a touch of romance. Rhee has been on a path of vengeance all her life. Aly has been trying to rise above prejudice in light of his refugee upbringing. When an assassination attempt on one fails and the other is blamed, both are forced to run. If you want action and romance and twists, this book is the one for you.
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Told via alternating points-of-view, this is a fast-paced story that combines space opera with a touch of romance. Rhee has been on a path of vengeance al...Show more
Told via alternating points-of-view, this is a fast-paced story that combines space opera with a touch of romance. Rhee has been on a path of vengeance all her life. Aly has been trying to rise above prejudice in light of his refugee upbringing. When an assassination attempt on one fails and the other is blamed, both are forced to run. If you want action and romance and twists, this book is the one for you.
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After witnessing a terrorist attack, Nax and three other Ellis Station Academy failures find themselves framed for the crime and on the run. Armed with sn...Show more
After witnessing a terrorist attack, Nax and three other Ellis Station Academy failures find themselves framed for the crime and on the run. Armed with snark and a history of bad decisions, it’s up to this rag-tag bunch of misfits to save the day. Plenty of action, exciting characters, and full of sarcastic humour. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook. If you liked this try 'Aurora Rising' by Annie Kaufman.
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After witnessing a terrorist attack, Nax and three other Ellis Station Academy failures find themselves framed for the crime and on the run. Armed with sn...Show more
After witnessing a terrorist attack, Nax and three other Ellis Station Academy failures find themselves framed for the crime and on the run. Armed with snark and a history of bad decisions, it’s up to this rag-tag bunch of misfits to save the day. Plenty of action, exciting characters, and full of sarcastic humour. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook. If you liked this try 'Aurora Rising' by Annie Kaufman.
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Cyberpunk heroics in a futuristic Taipei. Only the elite can afford protection against the deadly sickness and pollution haunting the city. Frustrated by ...Show more
Cyberpunk heroics in a futuristic Taipei. Only the elite can afford protection against the deadly sickness and pollution haunting the city. Frustrated by corruption and inequality, Zhou is determined to change things but can he do so without destroying both himself and his heart? An action packed character-led narrative from an author who advocates for diverse fiction. LGBTQIA+ characters.
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Cyberpunk heroics in a futuristic Taipei. Only the elite can afford protection against the deadly sickness and pollution haunting the city. Frustrated by ...Show more
Cyberpunk heroics in a futuristic Taipei. Only the elite can afford protection against the deadly sickness and pollution haunting the city. Frustrated by corruption and inequality, Zhou is determined to change things but can he do so without destroying both himself and his heart? An action packed character-led narrative from an author who advocates for diverse fiction. LGBTQIA+ characters.
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The first in an epic series with one of the best opening lines ever! Action packed, incredible characters, clever twists, heartbreaking deaths and very fa...Show more
The first in an epic series with one of the best opening lines ever! Action packed, incredible characters, clever twists, heartbreaking deaths and very fast-paced. When Todd discovers Viola, a young woman whose thoughts he can't hear unlike the men in his town, he begins to uncover the true history of his planet. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook.
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The first in an epic series with one of the best opening lines ever! Action packed, incredible characters, clever twists, heartbreaking deaths and very fa...Show more
The first in an epic series with one of the best opening lines ever! Action packed, incredible characters, clever twists, heartbreaking deaths and very fast-paced. When Todd discovers Viola, a young woman whose thoughts he can't hear unlike the men in his town, he begins to uncover the true history of his planet. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook.
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Jump into 'The Illumiae Files', a witty and fast-paced trilogy told through a collection of chat logs, interviews, files, and maps. Kady is forced to flee...Show more
Jump into 'The Illumiae Files', a witty and fast-paced trilogy told through a collection of chat logs, interviews, files, and maps. Kady is forced to flee her home when her a mega-corporation invades her planet. Their warship is pursuing the refugees but the biggest threat may be inside the ship - a plague and an AI determined to quarantine it at all costs. The creative storytelling format will have you on the edge of your seat, cheering for Kady and her rag-tag team. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook.
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Jump into 'The Illumiae Files', a witty and fast-paced trilogy told through a collection of chat logs, interviews, files, and maps. Kady is forced to flee...Show more
Jump into 'The Illumiae Files', a witty and fast-paced trilogy told through a collection of chat logs, interviews, files, and maps. Kady is forced to flee her home when her a mega-corporation invades her planet. Their warship is pursuing the refugees but the biggest threat may be inside the ship - a plague and an AI determined to quarantine it at all costs. The creative storytelling format will have you on the edge of your seat, cheering for Kady and her rag-tag team. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook.
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In a society where class is colour-coded, Darrow finds himself on the bottom of the food chain, but happily works in hope that future generations benefit....Show more
In a society where class is colour-coded, Darrow finds himself on the bottom of the food chain, but happily works in hope that future generations benefit. When he discovers the terrible truth, it sets him on a path to infiltrate the elites and battle to be the best. For those on the hunt for a dark and desperate read, look no further. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook.
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In a society where class is colour-coded, Darrow finds himself on the bottom of the food chain, but happily works in hope that future generations benefit....Show more
In a society where class is colour-coded, Darrow finds himself on the bottom of the food chain, but happily works in hope that future generations benefit. When he discovers the terrible truth, it sets him on a path to infiltrate the elites and battle to be the best. For those on the hunt for a dark and desperate read, look no further. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook.
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Zara will do anything to be free, which is why when her family moves to Mars she opts to stay behind. However, when things go south, she finds herself rec...Show more
Zara will do anything to be free, which is why when her family moves to Mars she opts to stay behind. However, when things go south, she finds herself recruited by aliens into an elite team. With its detailed intergalactic landscape, this book is perfect for those seeking adventure and exploration among the stars. Also available as an eBook.
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Zara will do anything to be free, which is why when her family moves to Mars she opts to stay behind. However, when things go south, she finds herself rec...Show more
Zara will do anything to be free, which is why when her family moves to Mars she opts to stay behind. However, when things go south, she finds herself recruited by aliens into an elite team. With its detailed intergalactic landscape, this book is perfect for those seeking adventure and exploration among the stars. Also available as an eBook.
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In a world where the line between videogames and real life is blurry at best, Emika works to track down those who illegally bet on games. However when she...Show more
In a world where the line between videogames and real life is blurry at best, Emika works to track down those who illegally bet on games. However when she hacks into an opening game of an international competition, she finds herself drawn into the spotlight. Fast-paced and action packed, this is a great pick for gamers and fans of stories like 'Ready Player One'. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook.
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In a world where the line between videogames and real life is blurry at best, Emika works to track down those who illegally bet on games. However when she...Show more
In a world where the line between videogames and real life is blurry at best, Emika works to track down those who illegally bet on games. However when she hacks into an opening game of an international competition, she finds herself drawn into the spotlight. Fast-paced and action packed, this is a great pick for gamers and fans of stories like 'Ready Player One'. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook.
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This vivid, fast-paced drama brings you into a family grieving the loss of a mother and wife. Josie is a humanoid prototype created to help the family hea...Show more
This vivid, fast-paced drama brings you into a family grieving the loss of a mother and wife. Josie is a humanoid prototype created to help the family heal but an electrical storm damages her and the AI begins to grow beyond what was originally coded. Illustrations, varying fonts, and page embellishments create a fun reading experience.
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This vivid, fast-paced drama brings you into a family grieving the loss of a mother and wife. Josie is a humanoid prototype created to help the family hea...Show more
This vivid, fast-paced drama brings you into a family grieving the loss of a mother and wife. Josie is a humanoid prototype created to help the family heal but an electrical storm damages her and the AI begins to grow beyond what was originally coded. Illustrations, varying fonts, and page embellishments create a fun reading experience.
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Skyward' is a slower paced story packed with character development and world-building. The human race has been driven to extinction, attacked by a mysteri...Show more
Skyward' is a slower paced story packed with character development and world-building. The human race has been driven to extinction, attacked by a mysterious alien race. But Spensa is a fighter, determined to be the hero when her father wasn't, and an ancient spaceship with it's own soul might be her only way to becoming the greatest fighter pilot.
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Skyward' is a slower paced story packed with character development and world-building. The human race has been driven to extinction, attacked by a mysteri...Show more
Skyward' is a slower paced story packed with character development and world-building. The human race has been driven to extinction, attacked by a mysterious alien race. But Spensa is a fighter, determined to be the hero when her father wasn't, and an ancient spaceship with it's own soul might be her only way to becoming the greatest fighter pilot.
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A gripping contemporary read with a science-fiction twist for fans of 'Black Mirror'. Lydia has been managing her grief and bullying by pouring herself in...Show more
A gripping contemporary read with a science-fiction twist for fans of 'Black Mirror'. Lydia has been managing her grief and bullying by pouring herself into creating the perfect AI boyfriend, Henry. All Lydia wants is to be loved, but how far will she go? With morally grey characters and emotional twists, you won't be able to put this book down.
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A gripping contemporary read with a science-fiction twist for fans of 'Black Mirror'. Lydia has been managing her grief and bullying by pouring herself in...Show more
A gripping contemporary read with a science-fiction twist for fans of 'Black Mirror'. Lydia has been managing her grief and bullying by pouring herself into creating the perfect AI boyfriend, Henry. All Lydia wants is to be loved, but how far will she go? With morally grey characters and emotional twists, you won't be able to put this book down.
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Packed with intricate world-building, this series blends science with contemporary social issues for a read that will leave you thinking long after the la...Show more
Packed with intricate world-building, this series blends science with contemporary social issues for a read that will leave you thinking long after the last page. Octavia is excited to study the plants and animals of Faloiv until she witnesses one of the planet's indigenous people being attacked and begins to question her own family history and the scientists she has always admired.
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Packed with intricate world-building, this series blends science with contemporary social issues for a read that will leave you thinking long after the la...Show more
Packed with intricate world-building, this series blends science with contemporary social issues for a read that will leave you thinking long after the last page. Octavia is excited to study the plants and animals of Faloiv until she witnesses one of the planet's indigenous people being attacked and begins to question her own family history and the scientists she has always admired.
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This series has it all: action, intrigue and revenge. Two sides of a planet are at war and in the middle of it all, there’s Cyra and Akos, enemies bound t...Show more
This series has it all: action, intrigue and revenge. Two sides of a planet are at war and in the middle of it all, there’s Cyra and Akos, enemies bound together by fate. Cyra's gift has been warped into a curse but Akos' gift is to negate others' gifts which leads him to be kidnapped to become her slave. Lush world-building and complex characters make this a true space opera. If you liked this, try 'Defy the Stars' by Claudia Gray. Also available as an eBook.
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This series has it all: action, intrigue and revenge. Two sides of a planet are at war and in the middle of it all, there’s Cyra and Akos, enemies bound t...Show more
This series has it all: action, intrigue and revenge. Two sides of a planet are at war and in the middle of it all, there’s Cyra and Akos, enemies bound together by fate. Cyra's gift has been warped into a curse but Akos' gift is to negate others' gifts which leads him to be kidnapped to become her slave. Lush world-building and complex characters make this a true space opera. If you liked this, try 'Defy the Stars' by Claudia Gray. Also available as an eBook.
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Set in Amsterdam in 2034, this is a story about a family facing the end of the world. A comet is about to hit Earth and Denise - who is neurodivergent - m...Show more
Set in Amsterdam in 2034, this is a story about a family facing the end of the world. A comet is about to hit Earth and Denise - who is neurodivergent - must try to find her missing transgender sister and also help her neglectful, undependable mother reach a spaceship leaving Earth. But will their challenges stop them from securing a spot? This is a character driven story packed with casual diversity which explores the value of human life. Also available as an eBook.
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Set in Amsterdam in 2034, this is a story about a family facing the end of the world. A comet is about to hit Earth and Denise - who is neurodivergent - m...Show more
Set in Amsterdam in 2034, this is a story about a family facing the end of the world. A comet is about to hit Earth and Denise - who is neurodivergent - must try to find her missing transgender sister and also help her neglectful, undependable mother reach a spaceship leaving Earth. But will their challenges stop them from securing a spot? This is a character driven story packed with casual diversity which explores the value of human life. Also available as an eBook.
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Dark and mysterious, this horror sci-fi read will keep you guessing. A search and rescue team is dispatched -- but when the crew arrives, they find an aba...Show more
Dark and mysterious, this horror sci-fi read will keep you guessing. A search and rescue team is dispatched -- but when the crew arrives, they find an abandoned site littered with rotten food, discarded weapons…and dead bodies. If you liked this try 'The Loneliest Girl in the Universe' by Lauren James.
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Dark and mysterious, this horror sci-fi read will keep you guessing. A search and rescue team is dispatched -- but when the crew arrives, they find an aba...Show more
Dark and mysterious, this horror sci-fi read will keep you guessing. A search and rescue team is dispatched -- but when the crew arrives, they find an abandoned site littered with rotten food, discarded weapons…and dead bodies. If you liked this try 'The Loneliest Girl in the Universe' by Lauren James.
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This series has an intricate and expansive cyber-punk setting, LGBTQIA+ characters, and plot twists you won't see coming. An AI called Talis keeps the pea...Show more
This series has an intricate and expansive cyber-punk setting, LGBTQIA+ characters, and plot twists you won't see coming. An AI called Talis keeps the peace by taking a child hostage from each world leader. If that nation goes to war, their child will die. Greta has always accepted her fate, that is until a new hostage challenges the system just as her nation creeps closer to war - and her death. This series is perfect for fans of dystopian fiction looking to step into science-fiction.
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This series has an intricate and expansive cyber-punk setting, LGBTQIA+ characters, and plot twists you won't see coming. An AI called Talis keeps the pea...Show more
This series has an intricate and expansive cyber-punk setting, LGBTQIA+ characters, and plot twists you won't see coming. An AI called Talis keeps the peace by taking a child hostage from each world leader. If that nation goes to war, their child will die. Greta has always accepted her fate, that is until a new hostage challenges the system just as her nation creeps closer to war - and her death. This series is perfect for fans of dystopian fiction looking to step into science-fiction.
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In this richly developed universe inspired by ancient Roman society, humanoids are created to protect the elite. They're the perfect bodyguards - trained ...Show more
In this richly developed universe inspired by ancient Roman society, humanoids are created to protect the elite. They're the perfect bodyguards - trained killers and engineered to give their life for their charge. Raised to protect Sidonia, a senator's daughter, Nemesis is forced to take her place as the Emperor demands a hostage from the senator. But can this killer creature pass as human in a world of politics and connection? If you enjoy this, try 'Red Queen' by Victoria Aveyard. Also available as an eBook.
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In this richly developed universe inspired by ancient Roman society, humanoids are created to protect the elite. They're the perfect bodyguards - trained ...Show more
In this richly developed universe inspired by ancient Roman society, humanoids are created to protect the elite. They're the perfect bodyguards - trained killers and engineered to give their life for their charge. Raised to protect Sidonia, a senator's daughter, Nemesis is forced to take her place as the Emperor demands a hostage from the senator. But can this killer creature pass as human in a world of politics and connection? If you enjoy this, try 'Red Queen' by Victoria Aveyard. Also available as an eBook.
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'War Girls' is set in a futuristic Nigerian, torn apart by civil war, climate change, and nuclear weapons. Sisters Onyii and Ify dream of a better life, b...Show more
'War Girls' is set in a futuristic Nigerian, torn apart by civil war, climate change, and nuclear weapons. Sisters Onyii and Ify dream of a better life, but as former child soldiers they're drawn back into a war where girls become cyborg soldiers and giant mech pilots. The stories of the girls and other soldiers are woven together in this dystopian sci-fi packed with world-building, technology, and the complexities of civil war. If you liked this, try 'Hullmetal Girls' by Emily Skrutskie. Also available as eBook and downloadable audiobook.
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'War Girls' is set in a futuristic Nigerian, torn apart by civil war, climate change, and nuclear weapons. Sisters Onyii and Ify dream of a better life, b...Show more
'War Girls' is set in a futuristic Nigerian, torn apart by civil war, climate change, and nuclear weapons. Sisters Onyii and Ify dream of a better life, but as former child soldiers they're drawn back into a war where girls become cyborg soldiers and giant mech pilots. The stories of the girls and other soldiers are woven together in this dystopian sci-fi packed with world-building, technology, and the complexities of civil war. If you liked this, try 'Hullmetal Girls' by Emily Skrutskie. Also available as eBook and downloadable audiobook.
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Life has been looking pretty bleak for Luka Kane for the last 736 days. He's wrongfully imprisoned in a futuristic death-row where every day cycles on re...Show more
Life has been looking pretty bleak for Luka Kane for the last 736 days. He's wrongfully imprisoned in a futuristic death-row where every day cycles on repeat - an eternal loop of purgatory. This gritty and sometimes terrifying book will keep you guessing, with a plot thick with dystopian-mystery, but the engaging dialogue and futuristic challenges (did someone say crazy scientific experiments?) will keep you hooked. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook .
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Life has been looking pretty bleak for Luka Kane for the last 736 days. He's wrongfully imprisoned in a futuristic death-row where every day cycles on re...Show more
Life has been looking pretty bleak for Luka Kane for the last 736 days. He's wrongfully imprisoned in a futuristic death-row where every day cycles on repeat - an eternal loop of purgatory. This gritty and sometimes terrifying book will keep you guessing, with a plot thick with dystopian-mystery, but the engaging dialogue and futuristic challenges (did someone say crazy scientific experiments?) will keep you hooked. Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook .
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With its clues, planet hopping, and snarky characters, this duology is perfect for fans of 'Ready Player One' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy'. Aylssa is an ...Show more
With its clues, planet hopping, and snarky characters, this duology is perfect for fans of 'Ready Player One' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy'. Aylssa is an adventurer at heart so she never wanted to inherit her dying uncle's throne. When he calls for a crownchase, Alyssa must compete against representatives from the other prime families to find the royal seal and claim the throne. With a pansexual main character, this is a rainbow read with a difference!
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With its clues, planet hopping, and snarky characters, this duology is perfect for fans of 'Ready Player One' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy'. Aylssa is an ...Show more
With its clues, planet hopping, and snarky characters, this duology is perfect for fans of 'Ready Player One' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy'. Aylssa is an adventurer at heart so she never wanted to inherit her dying uncle's throne. When he calls for a crownchase, Alyssa must compete against representatives from the other prime families to find the royal seal and claim the throne. With a pansexual main character, this is a rainbow read with a difference!
Show less