Introducing the first young adult novel from crime fiction writer Adrian McKinty--whose adult books have been called "unputdownable" (Washington Post), "exceptional" (San Francisco Chronicle), and "profoundly satisfying" (Booklist)--this is the start of an epic sci-fi trilogy with an unforgettable hero.
When Jamie's mother inherits a small island and moves her little family from Harlem to Ireland, her troubled son sees a chance to start over, far away from the bullies and the pitying stares. Cancer has left Jamie without an arm or the will to speak. But Muck Island is no sanctuary, and it offers more than solitude and sea views. Jamie learns that he is heir to an ancient title--Laird of Muck, Guardian of the Passage--and certain otherworldly responsibilities. With the help of a mysterious object he discovers in the island's old lighthouse, Jamie sets out on a dangerous interstellar mission that could change the course of his life--and the universe--forever.
Tautly paced and brilliantly imagined, this novel will thrill sci-fi fans eager for new heroes and new worlds to explore.
About the Author :
Adrian McKinty was born and grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He studied philosophy at Oxford University before moving to Australia and to New York. He is the author of more than a dozen crime novels, including the award-winning standalone thriller The Chain, which was a New York Times and #1 international bestseller. McKinty's books have been translated into over forty languages, and he has won the Edgar Award, the International Thriller Writers Award, the Ned Kelly Award (three times), the Anthony Award, the Barry Award, the Macavity Award, and the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award. His novel The Island was an instant New York Times bestseller and made their "Best Thrillers of 2022" list.
Gerard Doyle, a seasoned audio narrator, he has been awarded dozens of AudioFile Earphones Awards, was named a Best Voice in Young Adult Fiction in 2008, and won the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. He was born of Irish parents and raised and educated in England. In Great Britain he has enjoyed an extensive career in both television and repertory theater and toured nationally and internationally with the English Shakespeare Company. He has appeared in London's West End in the gritty musical The Hired Man. In America he has appeared on Broadway in The Weir and on television in New York Undercover and Law & Order. He has taught drama at Ross School for the several years.
Review :
"An entertaining adventure."
-- "Kirkus Reviews"
"Doyle displays his ability with Irish accents and slang."
-- "AudioFile"
"Few readers will be able to resist...Teens will enjoy this first book in a planned trilogy."
-- "VOYA"
"In this fantasy-like space-travel trilogy opener, a grieving boy finds his strength in a distant land...An entertaining adventure."
-- "Kirkus Reviews"
"The boys' friendship and banter is delightful...There's also plenty of action, as well as the potential of Irish legends playing into the sequels."
-- "Booklist"
"This thought-provoking sci-fi adventure offers universal appeal, excitement, and a one-of-a-kind hero whose courage and compassion will inspire any reader."
-- "Children's Literature"
