As I am sure many people have noticed, there has been a rise in the number of science fiction stories that are being published, particularly for young and middle grade readers. Part of this may well be because of the number of films and TV series that are set in alternative worlds. I many of these we find a blurring of the lines between science fiction and fantasy, but this provides the opportunity for the authors to play with the plot lines and create something truly original. Having said that, this particular story brings back memories of a much loved 1980s film that my sons were very fond of. This is “The Last Starfighter” and it is the story of a normal human boy who finds himself recruited to help save the universe.
In this story by Adrian Lynch, the hero is a young girl called Amelia, who is a streetwise, smart and also vulnerable orphan. She lives in an orphanage run by the disgusting Mr Belcher and he seems to harbour a special grudge against Amelia. However, one night everything changes when Amelia is forced to run away and meets a stranger who says she has been accepted at the Star Quest Academy, as part of a programme to see if Earth is now acceptable as part of the Intergalactic Federation. Together with three other Earth children, Amelia has to prove herself, but it appears that someone wants her to fail and her life is in danger. Whilst they are aware of the dangerous Lord Fog, who wants to take over the Earth, they also need to find out who is the secret agent lurking in the Academy; but will they find the correct person?
This is a wonderfully fast paced and exciting story that will be enjoyed by aficionados of the genre (and yes, I have been a fan for many years). Amelia and the other human children have all come from difficult situations and they will have to learn to work together and make the most of the ‘powers that they have. Because this is set in an imaginary version of the Universe we have a multitude of citizens, many of whom would be very strange to those of us on Earth, but they have the same perceptions about us. So this is really about different races and cultures learning to have respect and understanding of each other.
As we get to the end of the story there are one or two surprises in store, but I can only say that it does leave the plot open for a return to the Academy and the adventures of the four children. I can’t wait to join them on their next adventure.
About the Author
Adrian was born a long time ago in Harrow Weald, North London. He is dyslexic, which wasn’t allowed in
those unenlightened times. As a kid, when he wasn’t learning to be ‘normal’, (he failed), he would hang out in the nearby bluebell-carpeted woods. To him, they harboured space aliens, mysterious creatures and the ghosts of Grims Dyke whose mournful songs rustled autumnal leaves. This inspired stories that Adrian would tell eager audiences for pocket money.
Following successful careers within the NHS and as a Company Director, Adrian obtained a BA degree in Creative Writing from the Open University and is now bringing those fantastical stories to life in his novels. The Star Quest Academy – Above and Beyond is the first to be published. Adrian hopes that it will be as exciting and fun to read as it was to write.
Adrian now lives in North Bedfordshire.
