The Planet Thieves

A routine training voyage for 13-year-old Earth Space Command cadet Mason Stark soon turns into the adventure of a lifetime, when his ship is attacked by the Tremist, “aliens bent on annihilating the human race.” With the regular crew either disabled or taken hostage, it’s up to Mason and his friends to rally the other cadets, take back their ship from the intruders, and defend Earth. Technology capable of stealing entire planets is now in play, and neither humanity nor the Tremist are willing to back down. But when the cadets fail in their desperate mission, they make several startling discoveries that change the balance of power, promising to bring peace—or destruction—to both races. Krokos (False Memory) launches this series with skill and purpose, immediately placing readers in the action and never slowing down. The intriguing concept, intense sense of adventure, and high stakes are more than enough to let readers look past the coincidences that help drive the story. Ages 8–12. Agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary & Media. (May)