THE DARK ZONE
From the Galahad series
by Dom Testa
The fourth installment in Testa’s teen saga of space exploration, the Galahad Series.
A year into their mission to establish a new home for humankind beyond the edge of the known universe, the crew of the Galahad has had their share of trials. There hasn’t been much time to deal with the usual issues of teen angst and first loves, but that doesn’t mean these aren’t part of the mix. Dealing with relationships is the central issue in this outing, from friendship to love to loss. Most importantly, how does the team build a relationship with a new species? Vulturelike creatures appear, pace and then attach themselves to the outer hull of the ship. Are they a threat? Mere observers? Perhaps they are messengers…but from whom and from where? The Council has to put aside their personal considerations to resolve the best course of action—for the ship and the crew, their mission and all that remains of humanity. Slow to start, this book regains momentum halfway through to race toward an open conclusion. With only two more books in the series, the next installment should pick up the pace.
Dedicated fans of the series will appreciate it, but it probably won't win new converts. (Science fiction. 12 & up)