Unearthed

November 20, 2017
In this fast-paced SF adventure from the coauthors of the Starbound trilogy, a scholar and a scavenger reluctantly join forces to unravel the secrets of an alien temple. For 16-year-old Mia Radcliffe, discovering the long-lost technology of an extinct race known as the Undying could allow her to free her sister from indentured servitude. Jules Addison wants to redeem the reputation of his father, who decoded the Undying’s transmission and then repudiated his own work. Together, they must solve the Undying’s riddles and traps, all while being pursued by a ruthless mercenary team bent on exploiting the temple’s supposed riches. As Mia and Jules learn to trust—even care for—each other amid constant tension and brushes with death, they come closer to uncovering the Undying’s greatest secret. Mia and Jules have chemistry and work well together, their partnership is entertaining and believable, and the villains and dangers are similarly plausible. A nerve-racking cliffhanger will leave readers eager for the second half of this planned duology. Ages 14–up. Agency: Adams Literary.

"A scavenger and an archaeologist walk into an alien cave . . ." It may sound like the start of a joke, but for Amelia and Jules, it starts their quest to unlock the mystery of the Undying, an alien race who can provide knowledge and tools for humankind--if only these two teenagers can make it through the trap-laden temple. Alex McKenna and Steve West switch off as narrators as the audiobook shifts back and forth between the protagonists. While West has an engaging and deep voice with a British accent, he sounds a bit too old to portray the young Jules. McKenna's performance sounds more authentic and aligned with the character. However, both effectively capture the story's tender and tense moments. L.E. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine