LOST ART

In the far-distant future, a set of secret, miraculous books detailing the lost technologies of the dim past are stolen from a monastery in what was once Russia. Former assassin-turned-Monk Va and brash, smitten princess Eleyna set off to get them back. Meanwhile, mysterious Benzamir and a couple of desert locals set off in search of Benzamir’s enemies. The two groups come together and find that their goals are far from mutually exclusive. The complex adventure plays out across an Earth turned (literally) upside-down by technologies long forgotten. The world and its history are very well constructed, and the characters play out their conflicts, both inner and outer, in realistic fashion against this backdrop. Writer, editor and scientist Morden published two previous novels to acclaim in his native Britain. Published there last year, this is a philosophically challenging and at the same time action-packed science-fiction novel. A solid purchase for either teen or adult collections. (Science fiction. 14 & up)