Cover Illustration by Philip Harris
Published by Anderson Press
Anya and the Light Above the Ocean is a gripping, thought-provoking science-fiction mystery: a story of secrets and revelations, of love and loss, of hope and friendship. I was held utterly mesmerised from the intriguing and thrilling start to its heart-warming finish, totally invested in Anya’s mission.
Anya’s mum, a scientist working for a secretive corporation, has not come home from her work, conducting experiments out at sea. Worried that her mum might be in danger and with a storm raging, Anya sets sail in her rowing boat and rows towards a light which she assumes is coming from her mum’s boat. Enclosed within a thick sea fog, she is drawn towards the light but soon discovers that, rather than coming from her mum’s boat, it is hovering above the ocean. Reaching out, she touches the light … and her life changes forever.
Waking up with no memory of what had happened, and with calm waters, Anya rows back to shore with the unsettling feeling that something is wrong. When she arrives back at her cottage, it is to discover that her mum is missing. Anya is disappointed and alarmed that her mum’s best friend, Imani, is unable to look after her. Instead, she is sent to stay with a rather strange, and unwelcoming, couple who keep her trapped within their home. But when Anya uncovers a startling secret that challenges everything she thought she knew, she is determined to escape and discover the truth.
I absolutely loved this action-packed, thrilling and thought-provoking read. I was completely invested in following Anya on her mission to discover the truth about her mum, the Light and herself. I loved the complexity of the narrative, the unexpected twists and turns and the journey of self-discovery that Anya makes as she battles with uncertainty, grieves for her missing mum, worries about who she can trust and faces great danger with such courage and strength. This is also a story that shines brightly with hope, with love and with friendship. I won’t say anything more about this for fear of spoilers as this is most definitely a mystery that readers should discover for themselves – and I have no doubt that they will be completely intrigued and mesmerised by this stunning story.
I really enjoyed the science-fiction elements within the story, especially as one of those within this is one of my favourite themes – something I find completely fascinating – and I loved how it was given a fresh perspective in this mystery, keeping a contemporary feel to the narrative. I also think that themes around ethics, big corporations and self-identity will offer lots of opportunity for powerful discussions.
A vivid and riveting sci-fi mystery, heartfelt and hopeful – an intriguing treasure for readers of 10+.
Thank you to Anderson Press for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Book Craic 