Nomad

August 17, 2015
Filled with a Heinleinesque sense of wonder, National Book Awardâwinner Alexander's (Goblin Secrets) depictions of life in space pave the way for unlimited possibilities in this sequel to Ambassador (2014). Gabe Fuentes remains the current "ambassador of Terra and all Terran life," a position unknown by most inhabitants of Earth, yet always filled by a child. After a failed assassination attempt, Gabe takes to Zvezda, an abandoned lunar base from the era of the space race, with his bloblike alien teacher/advisor, Envoy. The base was formerly inhabited by Terra's last ambassador, Nadia, who went missing 40 years ago, and is the perfect place to meet with Kaen, another ambassador. Now hidden with an alien fleet in the depths of an asteroid, Gabe and Kaen must figure out how the Outlast, a race bent on universal domination, are traveling galaxies faster than anyone believed possible. Luckily, they have the help of their Envoysâand Nadia. A somewhat slow beginning gives way to imaginative detail and extraterrestrial action that should please fans of the first book. Ages 8â12. Agent: Barry Goldblatt, Barry Goldblatt Literary

William Alexander performs his sequel to AMBASSADOR with expression and flair that pull the listener into his sci-fi world. Alexander uses intonation and light accents to distinguish between characters, creating the most distinct voices for the three child intergalactic ambassadors--Gabe, Kaen, and Nadia--who band together to try to save the universe from the Outlast, a species that has been systematically wiping out entire civilizations. Alexander hits the right emotional notes, reading with enthusiasm when the trio's ideas work, trepidation when danger arrives, and a hint of exhaustion every time Gabe thinks about his family's suffering in his absence, especially with his father having been deported to Mexico. This complex story will be best enjoyed by fans of the first book. A.F. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine