Invictus

In 2361, when Farway Gaius McCarthy was seven, his mother, Empra, disappeared during a mission for the Corps of Central Time Travelers. Far hopes to join the Corps himself, so that he can find her, but he fails his entry exam at age 17. Undeterred, Far accepts an offer to become captain of the Invictus, a pirate vessel that purloins history’s lost treasures. Far is aboard the Titanic, attempting to steal a priceless book, when a girl named Eliot beats him to his plunder. Eliot trades the tome for a spot on the Invictus, but although she claims to be a freelance thief, it isn’t long before Far discovers the truth, which involves a destructive force called the Fade. But how does the Fade relate to Far and his crew? Snarky banter, a clever setup, and a diverse and well-drawn cast elevate this rollicking, bombshell-laden adventure from Graudin (Blood for Blood). Romantic entanglements add tension and drama while Graudin’s intricate worldbuilding brings the distant past and far future to vivid life. Readers who like their science fiction shot through with humor will be enthralled. Ages 15–up. Agent: Tracey Adams, Adams Literary. (Sept.)