Conquest: The Chronicle of the Invaders, Book 1
Exciting start to high-octane alien-invasion series.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Conquest, a fast-paced, complex science-fiction adventure set in Scotland in the aftermath of an alien invasion, has a number of violent scenes, including deadly explosions, gunfights, stabbings, torture sessions, and attacks by swarms of carnivorous extraterrestrial particles. Although not described in graphic detail, some of these scenes may make sensitive readers uncomfortable. Sexual content is very low (some flirting and a couple of passionate kisses), and there's very little objectionable language ("damn" and "hell").
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What's the Story?
The Illyri, a refined, attractive race of humanoid aliens, have invaded Earth and subjugated its human inhabitants. In Edinburgh, Scotland, teen brothers Paul and Steven Kerr work with the Resistance, gathering intelligence about the Illyri in hopes of overthrowing them. When 16-year-old Syl Hellais and her friend Ani take an illicit trip outside the Illyri stronghold, the boys protect them from a deadly explosion. Before they understand what's happening, Paul and Steven are taken captive, and Syl and Ani are accused of treason. Torn between their loyalty to their own civilization and their sympathy for the downtrodden humans, the girls work to save themselves, their families, and their new friends from a secret that threatens to destroy them all.
Is It Any Good?
CONQUEST finds new juice in a standard science-fiction premise: the alien invasion. Bestselling mystery writer John Connolly, in collaboration with Jennifer Ridyard, knows how to keep the suspense cranked high, and together the authors deliver a densely plotted thriller that avoids many of the problems that plague potboilers by less experienced hands. Human and alien characters are presented as fully rounded individuals, with conflicting motives and relatable traits. The setting is fresh and the scientific speculation plausible. Best of all, there's a real sense at the end of the volume that the best is still to come, that the next two volumes will be just as original and pulse-pounding.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why stories of alien invasions are so popular. What can imagining extraterrestrial life illuminate about the human condition?
What reasons do governments give for invading other countries? What kinds of problems arise from such actions?
What assumptions do people make about members of another culture? How can those assumptions change over time?
Book Details
- Authors: John Connolly, Jennifer Ridyard
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Adventures, Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires, Space and Aliens
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Emily Bestler Books
- Publication date: February 11, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 17
- Number of pages: 448
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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