The Winds of Mars

Plenty of action, an atmosphere of exotic court intrigue and a stalwart, self-reliant female heroine make Hoover's (Only Child) novel read like a deep-space version of Robin McKinley's The Hero and the Sword. As one of many children of the president of Mars, Annalyn has been raised to take her place among the ruling class. But Annalyn gradually becomes aware that Mars's commoners are unfairly treated-and that her own father will kill anyone (including Annalyn) who threatens his interests. When a solar cannon attack (possibly ordered by the president himself) disables Mars's capital, Annalyn takes part in overturning the social order and-with the support of her fellow citizens-eventually triumphs over a passel of selfish, ambitious relatives to become the planet's temporary ruler. Annalyn's step-by-step awakening to both the treachery of her immediate family and the inequities of Martian society is convincingly portrayed. Woven neatly throughout, quirky, well-thought-out details provide a distinctive setting for this fast-paced SF adventure. Ages 8-12. (June)