Swarm Rising

Name: William Joseph
Price range: $

by Tim Peake and Steve Cole

Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 9+

Published by Hodder, 2022

Adventure
Science fiction
Thriller

About this book

In 1974, a message was sent into outer space. Its intention was to let any lifeforms out there know that they were not alone; that Earth was inhabited by humans and that those humans were very clever indeed. Nobody really expected the message to be heard. And they certainly didn’t expect aliens to come looking for us.

In not many years from now, Danny gets an unexpected WhatsApp message from Adi, a friend of his cousin with whom he seems to have lots in common. Meanwhile, Danny’s radio astronomer mum reports odd FRBs (fast radio bursts) being picked up at Jodrell Bank. And super-computers all over the world are going offline.

When Danny is kidnapped by a driverless taxi, and finds out his cousin has never heard of Adi, he finally realises something is very wrong.

Exploring ideas such as quantum flux, impossible superpowers enabled by expanding the laws of probability beyond their limits and a host of other theoretical possibilities, this is a must for sci-fi fans.

But you don’t need to be a scientist to love this book; it’s an absorbing, exciting adventure based on an ingenious concept, thoughtfully planned and with a strong environmental message.

About the author

Tim Peake was the first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station. He is also a best-selling author and an inspirational communicator of science to audiences of all ages. Tim served as an army officer and a combat search and rescue instructor and flew helicopter operations. Tim was selected as an ESA astronaut in May 2009 and after arduous training Tim was assigned to a mission to the International Space Station in May 2013. He launched to space on 15 December 2015. Tim took part in over 250 scientific experiments during his mission. His Principia mission also focused on educational outreach, engaging more than 2 million schoolchildren across Europe in over 30 projects during his time in space.

About the author

Steve Cole is a bestselling author who has written over 200 books for children, including Astrosaurs, Young Bond and Z. Rex. As a writer-editor he has worked with the families of Enid Blyton, Agatha Christie and Ian Fleming, and at the BBC was in charge of Doctor Who publishing. In his spare time, Steve makes music and teaches salsa. He lives in Buckinghamshire but would rather live in space.