The Creative Fire: Book 1 of Ruby’s Song

Cooper puts a science fiction spin on the life of Eva Perón in this fast-paced, teen-friendly series starter. Grays perform all menial labor on the generation ship Creative Fire. If the grays protest, the reds and the ship’s artificial intelligence keep them in line. Ruby Martin is a gray and a dreamer, and once she learns that the Creative Fire is nearing the star Adiamo and the planet that will be her new home, she knows things have to change. Ruby becomes the catalyst and focal point of a class war that pits those who have information, access, and security against the oppressed masses. Ruby has a quick mind, a fabulous voice, and the guts to take on the system, but Cooper rarely shows her using her talents, focusing on the efforts of older male collaborators until Ruby once again looks like a pawn. A messy conclusion diminishes anticipation of the next installment. (Nov.)