THE GUARDIANS' LIGHT

This YA SF series opener follows three teenagers whose potential extraterrestrial origins put them in danger.

Sofia Kaye, 17, having bounced around foster homes, yearns for independence. The bright Iowa high schooler’s way out—her acceptance to MIT—doesn’t seem feasible without a full scholarship. So she reluctantly agrees to compete in Road to Riches, a TV show that billionaire Makin Daher is sponsoring. There’s no guarantee she’ll win, but she scores a cool $10,000 just for showing up for the shoot in Nice, France. Over in Texas, Zach and Liv Schultze, both 17, who live as twins but aren’t biologically related, are likewise desperate to pay for college. The three aren’t in Nice for long when Zach feels an undeniable connection to Sofia. They also learn that Road to Richesmay be a sham—the nefarious Daher’s elaborate way to draw out the teens. When one of the trio ends up kidnapped, the others meet a stranger with a wild story; the teens apparently are aliens. That certainly explains their unusual abilities, such as seeing UV lights, all of which come in handy for a rescue mission. Bell introduces likable, down-to-earth teens who face relatable troubles, such as Sofia’s jobs and studies eating up her free time. They also have impressive powers—some they haven’t quite recognized and others they hone, including Liv’s telekinesis. At the same time, sharply defined villains and an early scene with the protagonists as toddlers generate a revealing backstory, though the exposition never weighs the tale down. There are mysteries as well, from details about a few named planets to signs of an enigmatic symbol. This brisk narrative propels readers through conflicts (for example, Liv’s love for Zach stirs up envy at his closeness to Sofia) and a suspenseful final act that sets the stage for the sequel.

A splendid cast leads this enthralling SF tale.