Cover Blurb:
In the not-too-distant future, in a place called Satellite City, thirteen-year-old Cosmo Hill is unfortunate enough to come into the world unwanted by his parents. And so, as are all orphaned boys his age, Cosmo is dipped in a vaccine vat and sent to the Clarissa Frayne Institute for Parentally Challenged Boys — freight class.
At Clarissa Frayne, the orphans, called "no-sponsors," are put to work by the state, testing dangerous products that never should be allowed near human beings. By the time the no-sponsors are sent to their cardboard utility pipes, given their nightly meal pack, and finally fall asleep, they are often covered in burns, bruises, or sores from the work of the day.
Cosmo Hill knows that he must escape, even though he has no idea what might be waiting for him on the outside. He plans for the moment when he can make a break. When that moment finally comes, he nearly dies while escaping. But he is rescued by a gang of "Supernaturalists," a motley crew of kids who all have a special psychic ability — one that Cosmo is about to learn he has as well. They "see" supernatural Parasites — tiny, translucent creatures who feed on the life force of humans. The Supernatuarlists patrol the city at night, finding and blasting the Parasites to try and save what is left of humanity in Satellite City. Or so they think.
At Clarissa Frayne, the orphans, called "no-sponsors," are put to work by the state, testing dangerous products that never should be allowed near human beings. By the time the no-sponsors are sent to their cardboard utility pipes, given their nightly meal pack, and finally fall asleep, they are often covered in burns, bruises, or sores from the work of the day.
Cosmo Hill knows that he must escape, even though he has no idea what might be waiting for him on the outside. He plans for the moment when he can make a break. When that moment finally comes, he nearly dies while escaping. But he is rescued by a gang of "Supernaturalists," a motley crew of kids who all have a special psychic ability — one that Cosmo is about to learn he has as well. They "see" supernatural Parasites — tiny, translucent creatures who feed on the life force of humans. The Supernatuarlists patrol the city at night, finding and blasting the Parasites to try and save what is left of humanity in Satellite City. Or so they think.
The young hunters soon find themselves caught in a web far worse than they could have imagined, embroiled with private police, illegal racing gangs, and a corporation cover-up, until they discover a horrifying secret that will force them to question everything they believe in.
Normally I wait a few days after reading a book to review it, but I couldn't for this one! Fantastic read! I've read most of Eoin Colfer's books an they're all high quality, but this one blew me away!
The characters had very definite personalities. From a single sentance I could tell who was talking, from Ditto's sarcastic comments, to Mona's fiesty matter-of-fact, to Stefan's driven way. I loved them all!
Characters: 5 stars
The plot kept me up till one reading. It was something I'd never seen reflections of in other books, completely new. The couple huge plot surprises were utter shocks. And despite being complete sci-fi/Fantasyish it was totally believable!
Plot: 5 stars
Eoin Colfer has a style that will sell the story to you, hook, line, and sinker. With only a few sentences he made Satellite city seem strange and depressing. He can name a futuristic object with one word and immediately the reader knows what it is. His book views the world in such a way that you can't help but fall in love with the main character, Cosmo, as he goes on a journey of heroics and self-discovery.
Style: 5 stars
Rating: 5 Stars
Source: Gift
Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy
YA Fiction
I've never read this one but really loved Colfer's Artemis Fowle series.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great!
Sue