Glow

In this futuristic thriller, first in the Sky Chasers series, humanity's fate will be determined by two warring colony ships, en route to a new home. Ryan (Zen and Xander Undone) immediately throws her heroes into action as the New Horizon attacks the Empyrean, with little warning or mercy. Soon, most of the Empyrean's adult crew are dead or missing and its girls and young women kidnapped, leaving an untrained, unready band of boys to repair and take command of the ship. Aboard the New Horizon, 15-year-old Waverly learns that she and the other girls were "rescued" to help the infertile women of the ship birth a new generation, and she immediately starts planning her escape. On the Empyrean, her 16-year-old boyfriend, Kieran, jockeys for control against the charismatic but treacherous Seth, dividing the makeshift crew. While Waverly's self-reliance, determination, and inner strength make her a heroine to remember, Kieran's struggle does little to paint him in a positive light. There's plenty of action and adventure, but the book's overall strength is marred by a blatant antireligion theme, which may put some readers off. Ages 12%E2%80%93up. (Sept.)