Nomad

Filled with a Heinleinesque sense of wonder, National Book Award%E2%80%93winner Alexander's (Goblin Secrets) depictions of life in space pave the way for unlimited possibilities in this sequel to Ambassador (2014). Gabe Fuentes remains the current "ambassador of Terra and all Terran life," a position unknown by most inhabitants of Earth, yet always filled by a child. After a failed assassination attempt, Gabe takes to Zvezda, an abandoned lunar base from the era of the space race, with his bloblike alien teacher/advisor, Envoy. The base was formerly inhabited by Terra's last ambassador, Nadia, who went missing 40 years ago, and is the perfect place to meet with Kaen, another ambassador. Now hidden with an alien fleet in the depths of an asteroid, Gabe and Kaen must figure out how the Outlast, a race bent on universal domination, are traveling galaxies faster than anyone believed possible. Luckily, they have the help of their Envoys%E2%80%94and Nadia. A somewhat slow beginning gives way to imaginative detail and extraterrestrial action that should please fans of the first book. Ages 8%E2%80%9312. Agent: Barry Goldblatt, Barry Goldblatt Literary (Sept.)