M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

Adventurous Books Add Spice to September
By Hollie Parry

This month’s books will take readers across the galaxy, solving a kidnapping, and braving Brazil as an LDS missionary.  There’s fun and adventure all the way.

Starcross by Philip Reeve

A sequel to the Victorian Space Adventure Larklight, Starcross is a continuation of the adventures of Arthur Mumby and his prim and proper British sister, Myrtle.  Arthur, Myrtle, and their mother are invited by Sir Waverly to join him on holiday to the hotel Starcross, while their space home is being renovated.  Anticipating a quiet vacation, the Mumbys travel across the galaxy for some rest and relaxation. 

Once they land at Starcross, they encounter suspicious guests, strange hats, and none other than the pirate Jack Havoc in disguise.  True to form, Art and Myrtle are launched into a race against evil creatures that not only inhibit their ability to stay alive, but threaten the safety of their beloved British Empire. 

Written in the subtle, clever humor of Reeve, Starcross is an amusing read for all ages.   I especially liked this book after reading Larklight.  Scheduled for release in October 2007.

The Chaos Code by Justin Richards

The Chaos Code was a wonderful find for me.  I enjoyed this book for many reasons; the foremost being a book with a male main character that was strong, impulsive, and clean-cut.

Matt comes home from school to spend the holidays with his mom.  Once he arrives he finds out that his mother has been called away for work and that he will be spending the holidays with his father.  Although Matt loves his father, his scatter-brained life and odd ways promise to create a long and boring holiday for Matt. 

Matt arrives at his father’s home to find the cottage lights on, but no sign of his father.  Upon the mysterious arrival of a letter, Matt realizes that his father has not forgotten about him, but has been kidnapped.  Armed with cryptic clues, left by his father, Matt embarks on a fast-paced, white-knuckle adventure to rescue his father and solve an ancient mystery.

A fabulous read for all teens, especially young men who like to read about intrigue and adventure.  Scheduled for release October 2007.

First Day by Allyson Braithwaite Condie

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First Day is a sequel to Yearbook (see Meridian Magazine review here.  In this LDS novel, four young adults find themselves in a battle of sorts, trying to find their own way through four very different situations.  Andrea is a pre-med college student who is finding herself filled with doubts and uncertainty about the return of her missionary and her chosen career. 

Far away in Brazil, Elder Beckett (Ethan) embarks on his full-time mission for the Church. Despite his willingness to serve he struggles with the language, the disappointments, and (gasp) some of his companions.  Although Ethan has a strong testimony to share, he just can’t seem to get the message across in the way he would like.  He knows why he came on a mission, but faces many obstacles and frustrations.

Joel Hammond is a student at BYU with a girlfriend he thinks he loves and a few options of where to attend graduate school.  Joel has all but finalized his school decision when he makes an obligatory visit to Cornell in Ithaca, New York.  Once at Cornell he realizes that the

Lord may have a different plan in mind that may change Joel’s entire life.

Finally, Caterina Giovanni is a high school senior wrestling with the decision of what to do after graduation.  With a choice between two good colleges, Caterina battles within herself to know the best place to go.

First Day is a well-written, wonderful LDS novel with conflict and resolution that many teens can relate to.  I recommend this book for older teens and adults alike. 

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