What do you stand for, when you’re one of the last left standing?
The year is 2072. Soon a volcanic eruption will trigger catastrophic devastation, and the only way out is up.
While the world’s leaders, scientists, and engineers oversee the frantic production of a space fleet meant to save humankind, their children are brought in for a weekend of touring the Lazarus, a high-tech prototype spaceship. But when the apocalypse arrives months ahead of schedule, First Daughter Leigh Chen and a handful of teens from the tour are the only ones to escape the planet.
This is the new world: a starship loaded with a catalog of human artifacts, a frozen menagerie of animal DNA, and fifty-three terrified survivors. From the panic arises a coalition of leaders, spearheaded by the pilot’s enigmatic daughter, Eli, who takes the wheel in their hunt for a habitable planet. But as isolation presses in, their uneasy peace begins to fracture. The struggle for control will mean the difference between survival and oblivion, and Leigh must decide whether to stand on the side of the mission or of her own humanity.
With aching poignancy and tense, heart-in-your-mouth action, this enthralling saga will stay with readers long after the final page.
This is described as Lord of the Flies in space. There’s no way I wasn’t requesting it from NetGalley.
The chaos begins almost immediately when a volcanic eruption happens months ahead of schedule. High-tech prototype spaceship Lazarus isn’t quite ready, but there are no other options if the human race is to survive. When it launches, it’s without a trained crew. A ship meant to support thousands is filled with only fifty-three frightened teenagers who won’t reach their final destination for over one thousand years.
A small group of the teens emerge as leaders, including First Daughter Leigh and the pilot’s daughter, Eli, who’s not exactly trained, but isn’t unfamiliar with the ship. She’s the best they’ve got and in their situation, it’s boots to the ground right away. It’s not long before these characters learn their situation is even worse – food is seriously limited, and they only have a remote chance at finding more. That location is months away, so rationing is crucial. The teens also face the harsh realization that their small group is responsible for restarting the population.
It’s not long before their already precarious situation breaks down even more with a clash of opinions and priorities, accusations against the council of teens running the show, violence, and struggles for power. Honestly, everyone’s opinion makes sense at different points in the story. It devolves into a demonstration of the ugliness of humans and their inability to learn from history – and it’s disheartening.
The cast of characters is long, and I found myself confusing some of them – they’re diverse, coming from all over the world, but not as distinct. I also wondered about some of the scientific aspects, but the focus of the story is primarily about the dynamics between the characters.
The concept of this story had me hook, line, and sinker, and although an engaging story, the novel isn’t exactly what I’d hoped it would be.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
It sounds like an emotional read, Teri. Great review!
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Parts of it really were, Priscilla. I’d hoped we’d learn from our historical mistakes and these teens could make a difference, but it seems like we’re doomed to be stuck in the same loop, lol.
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I think it’s funny that when the book is likened to Lord of the Flies you just had to read it because that comparison would have sent me far far away 😂. I’m glad I read LoF but it was so intense. I hate that this book didn’t rise to meet expectations but it did set a very high bar for itself, didn’t it? Excellent review, Teri!
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It’s funny when you put it that way, Tessa, lol – my mind is weird that way. I was thinking how they were in a different kind of contained environment. I remember reading it in college and being repulsed, but also fascinated.
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I’m most attracted to sci-fi when it’s character-driven. Shame that, though diverse, the characters aren’t distinct. Thanks for the thoughtful review.
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The diversity was fantastic with characters from every corner of the world, but with the exception of a few, I needed dialogue tags to see who was speaking.
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I’ve got to agree with Staci. I like my sci-fi to be character-driven (that’s why I fell in love with Star Wars, Star Trek, and Star Gate). Sounds like this one still had some good points even if it fell short a bit.
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OMG, Stargate! One of my all-time favorite franchises, regardless of genre!
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I thought of you, LOL!
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And I loved all those! But I admit to only watching the Star Trek movies, not the series. Don’t throw anything at me.
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My jaw has dropped. Loved the original series and Next Generation. After that…meh.
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I echo that, Mae.
Teri, shame on you! 🤣
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I’ve seen parts of the episodes, but never sat down and watched a full one. Also never watched the spinoffs, and I really don’t know why since I loved the movies so much. My sci-fi nerd card may be revoked, lol.
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🤣
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Fantastic sounding read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and review, Teri. I’m off to check this one out 💕🙂
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The premise really grabbed me, Harmony, and it comes with some surprises. Hope you enjoy it!
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this one. Teri
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With Old Faithful practically in our backyard, this story has serious merit. I’m going to give it a try- thanks!
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Might make you a little nervous, Jacquie. I can just imagine you keeping one eye on the book and the other looking out the window, lol.
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I agree, the story concept is very intriguing. I prefer character driven books for the most part.
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There were plenty of characters to drive this one, Wendy, lol! I liked how the author made all of them sound logical with their thoughts and opinions even though they differed.
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The story premise is most intriguing. Sorry it didn’t quite get there for you, Teri. Thanks for sharing.
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It wasn’t exactly what I’d expected, but I’m glad I read it, Jan.
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