With no centralised Earth-controlled government it’s painted as a sort of Utopian society where everyone is equal – which of course they aren’t. Isaak lives on a near-future Mars, where the colony has been developed as an off-Earth manufacturing centre. And I’m so glad I did, because this tale of two worlds, two very different teenagers and a whole bundle of interwoven secrets was great – intricate, clever, accessible and highly enjoyable. I think I saw the gorgeous cover, heard mention of demisexual and asexual characters and went for it. I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting when I picked up this book. And the only way to escape is to unlock an even bigger secret, one that could change his life-and the fate of Mars-forever. Everyone is desperate to get their hands on something called the Key. Now Isaak’s got agents of the Earth’s government on his tail and a deranged factory worker stalking his every move. The coin seems to have a strange connection not only to Isaak’s family, but to Mars’ ancient past.īut how is that possible, on a planet that was supposed to be dead until just forty years ago? Everything would have been fine if he hadn’t found that ancient coin among his missing father’s possessions.

And to do that, she’ll need the help of the mysterious alien boy named Isaak.Īll Isaak wanted was to get through his senior year at the Academy in one piece. But to build the device that can save her people, Nadin must first find the legendary city of Elytherios. When a strange boy from another world appears out of nowhere outside the citidome’s glass walls, Nadin knows for sure that her plan will work. Nadin thinks she’s found a way to save Iamos, but it will mean defying the planet’s rulers, the geroi-and betraying the geroi could cost her everything.

With only enough resources to support the population for one more year, time is running out. As its atmosphere drains away, her people are forced to live huddled in domed cities for protection.

Fourth World by Lyssa Chiavari