The Countdown Conspiracy

May 1, 2017
Troubles plague a program for teenage astronauts.Out of hundreds of candidates worldwide, Miranda Regent, a 13-year-old white girl, is the only American of six chosen to fill out a multicultural team of cadets who will go to Mars. Shortly after being chosen, she receives a sinister text message warning her that she is now in danger. The suspected origin of this and future messages is believed to be Russia, as Miranda has arguably taken a spot from them. As the cadets are traveling to meet and begin their astronaut training, a drone strikes the ship Miranda is traveling on, and there is an attack on another cadet. Once the entire global team is safely assembled in Antarctica, they begin their training, during which Miranda struggles. Further mysterious attacks seem to target her. Clues surface that lead the kids to secretly band together to uncover who is behind the mysterious attacks, as they suspect that they may be an inside job. Though it is commendable that Slivenksy chooses a diverse crew of teens to lead this story, characterizations can be broad, and narrator Miranda displays little cultural savvy. Unfortunately, the author falls back on cliched plot devices to carry the story (is it the Russians?!). Early on, obvious foreshadowing leads readers to a predictable whodunit with little room for speculation or mystery. A straightforward read for kids not already well-versed in mystery conventions. (Mystery. 8-12)

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April 1, 2017
Gr 4-7-Thirteen-year-old Miranda Regent is one of six cadets chosen for the first manned mission to Mars after the Asteroid Exploratory Mission (AEM) War. The cadets and the -mechbot- that Miranda made move to Antarctica for extensive training. Throughout the novel, Miranda receives threatening messages and encounters dangerous situations. She also faces mundane problems: struggling with schoolwork, getting along with fellow cadet Anna, and vying for the position on the team that she wants. In one scene, Russian characters burn an American flag after their candidate Sasha is not chosen, declaring that Miranda was selected for political reasons. The novel culminates with the cadets being sent into space and trying to get home by undoing a virus that is sending their space plane straight to Mars. With fleshed-out characters who are intelligent but act like preteens and teens, Slivensky's action-packed narrative is about grappling with passions, insecurity, and questions of trust. The novel is well researched and perfect for readers interested in astrophysics or space travel. The subplots about international relations add a level of depth. The book ends with the message that people from around the world coming together in the name of scientific advancement is more important than corporate greed. A glossary of terms is also included. VERDICT With its fast-paced story line and its appealing subject, this is a general purchase for middle grade collections, particularly where science fiction is popular.-Liz Anderson, DC Public Library

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