The Surface Trials

 

The Surface Trials by HM Waugh (Allen & Unwin) Novel RRP $18.99 ISBN 978176118 788

Reviewed by Robyn Gillies

Set in 2605, Ammy Antares and 99 fellow competitors, all chosen from various planetary worlds, compete in the final three-day quest for the right to join the elite interplanetary Starquest Academy. Only 20 will succeed in the Surface Trials.

The competitors are placed on a little-known planet full of gigantic carnivorous plants and insects big enough to carry away a person. All they must help them get to their pick-up point is three clues, meagre rations and their collective wits. And, while all this is happening, the entire event is live streamed across the universe. All the worlds watch their every move and vote for their favourite candidate, which for Rian, uber-famous and expertly disguised heir to the universe's two greatest dynasties, adds further challenges.

And then, there is the mysterious artefact, that challenges their world view of the galaxy and the realisation that all the preparedness in the world sometimes isn’t enough when things don’t go to plan.

From the very first page, the reader is quickly drawn into the planetary world of the contestants. The language is descriptive, but not fussy: economical word choices cover a lot of ground and allow the imagination to run wild.

The key characters are young adults and their personality traits surface early so the reader gets a good sense of who they are and what is motivating them to participate in the Surface Trials which is different for each of them.

The story is full of action and surprises and moves along at a great pace, ideal for the recommended age group of 10-14 (Upper Primary/Lower Secondary).

This novel has a lot of depth to it. Yes, it’s a futuristic action-based story set on a hostile alien planet with man-eating-size carnivorous plants and other creatures, but it’s also about working together and the strength of teamwork, overcoming the fear of difference, challenging your belief systems when they don’t reconcile with what you are observing and feeling, acceptance of difference and recognition of strength in diversity. It’s also about resourcefulness, problem solving and friendship, it’s about accepting help and kindness from others when life gives us challenges that we can’t resolve on our own and seeing it as a strength and not a weakness. It’s a story about trust, resilience, overcoming genuine fear, survival against overwhelming odds, all with a touch of humour.

This book has a lot going for it. It’s definitely a page-turner and easy to recommend to young people who love action sci-fi with clever young characters. And, there’s space for a sequel! A terrific read.

There are also some great teaching resources available from Allen & Unwin’s website for educators