Description
Noemi is a young and fearless soldier of Genesis, a colony planet of a dying Earth. But the citizens of Genesis are rising up - they know that Earth's settlers will only destroy this planet the way they destroyed their own. And so a terrible war has begun… When Noemi meets Abel, one of Earth's robotic mech warriors, she realizes that Abel himself may provide the key to Genesis' salvation.
Abel is bound by his programming to obey her - even though her plan could result in his destruction. But Abel is no ordinary mech. He's a unique prototype, one with greater intelligence, skill and strength than any other. More than that, he has begun to develop emotions, a personality and even dreams. Noemi begins to realise that if Abel is less than human, he is more than a machine.
If she destroys him, is it murder? And can a cold-blooded murder be redeemed by the protection of a world? Stranded together in space, they go on a whirlwind adventure through Earth's various colony worlds, alongside the countless Vagabonds who have given up planetary life altogether and sail forever between the stars.
Each step brings them closer - both to each other and to the terrible decision Noemi will have to make about her world's fate, and Abel's.
Review
Abel is a one of a kind robot warrior from Earth, and Noemi is a seventeen year old soldier from Genesis. They should be mortal enemies.
Circumstances force them together on an abandoned ship, and initially Noemi fears for her life. Abel’s programming, however, forces him to obey her every command.
What follows is a truly amazing story of self-discovery, friendship, courage, love, and sacrifice.
Claudia Gray has excelled herself with this new novel. It is a must read for all sci-fi fans, but it is also full of adventure, romance and ethical questions about what makes us human. A fantastic read for Year 9 and up.
Reviewed by Michelle
