172 Hours on the Moon

Norwegian author Harstad makes his YA debut with this chilling combination of science fiction and horror, which won that country’s Brage Award when it was first released there in 2008. A mysterious signal on the Moon prompts humanity to return there in 2019 to address unfinished business, though the true goal of the mission is obscured by a massive publicity stunt: taking three teenagers along with the regular crew. French Antoine, Japanese Midori, and Norwegian Mia are the three winners of a globe-spanning lottery, each with his or her own reasons for wanting to travel to the Moon. Unfortu­nately, their hopes and dreams mean little when inexplicable, terrifying things start happening shortly after their arrival at the long-disused DARLAH 2 base, and the trip turns into a desperate struggle for survival. Harstad effectively builds tension by moving among the perspectives of adults and teens on the Moon and on Earth; readers don’t get to know the characters terribly well, which only adds to the book’s icy remove. Creepy and bleak, Harstad’s story is both psychologically and atmospherically disturbing. Ages 12–up. Agent: Nicole James, Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency. (Apr.)