Dear ,

Have you noticed that book stores and major book retailers are stacked with fantasy titles? I mean, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Keeper of the Lost Cities, Aru Shah, Amari, Nevermoor, are all household names when it comes to fantasy books for kids (and rightly so! If you haven't read them, then you should!).

But what about science fiction? What household names are there when it comes to science fiction for kids? Science fiction does fine with adults and young adults, but the science fiction shelf for kids is rather small compared to the fantasy shelves, in my opinion. Do you agree?

Do children not read science fiction? And, if so, why not?

I think about this a lot.

Science fiction can help younger generations prepare for the future. Science fiction can hold answers to real and complex problems, and they are just as full of adventure as fantasy books can be.

My aim is to fill that shelf a little bit more. If you have read an amazing middle-grade science fiction novel, let me know! 👉 raeknightly@gmail.com

Exostar

I'm thrilled to announce that EXOSTAR has received major support from leading book reviewers in the self-publishing industry. Here's what they had to say:

• Kirkus Reviews—"Packed with engaging characters and nonstop action, this riveting SF adventure will delight readers." 👉 Read the full review here.

• Booklife—"Nail-biting action and a courageous robot girl power this middle grade SF thriller." 👉 Read the full review here.

• Readers' Favorite—"A gripping first installment to what promises to be an epic space opera saga for kids and young adults alike. This is a gem of a book for sci-fi lovers." 👉 Read the full review here.

Signed books

After months of testing, it's finally happening!

You can now order SIGNED paperback and hardcover books through my ETSY store (prices should appear in your currency). 👉Check it out here.

What's up in the neighbourhood?

Spring Break was a bit rough as it sent us flus and migraines and dreary weather but we're slowly catching up with sunnier days. Some healing walks at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Golden Ears and Port Moody have lifted my spirits. I'm also gearing up for some intense writing months as I can't wait to dive back into Trin Moonrise's universe!

By the way, if you follow me on Amazon (or if you bought Exostar), then you will have seen "it". 😎 If you haven't seen "it" yet, then stick around for my next newsletter! To follow me on Amazon, click on the little FOLLOW button under my author photo.

April 2023 reading list

Beacon by Matthew Kreke

What happens when a hero fails?

For five years Beacon has used her powers to protect the city of Heartland. But after a devastating defeat at the hands of the supervillain Arson, Beacon disappears and is presumed dead.

Now a cataclysmic new threat has revealed itself to Heartland, in the form of a new, homicidal superhuman, who claims to be Beacon!

The citizens of Heartland are shocked and horrified by the news that their guardian angel has now become their greatest enemy. But no one is more surprised than Grace Grey: The original Beacon!

Surviving Chaos by Sam J. Fires

When ordinary life transforms into a fight for survival, can a young woman keep the chaos from pulling her under?

Go-getting twenty-six-year-old investigative journalist Cassandra Drews just wants her miserable day to end. And desperate to put her breakup behind her, she agrees to one last face-to-face to return belongings to her ex. But when they're nearly killed by an out-of-control car, she's horrified when the nightmare of her relationship takes a backseat to an eruption of violence.

In the blink of an eye, an EMP attack wipes out the nation's power and the world grinds to a stop. Surrounded by chaos, Cass is torn between tending to the injured or escaping her seething ex.

It doesn't take long before panic and violence erupt on the streets of Portland. Out of options, Cass has no choice but to race home, hoping to outrun a looming ice storm. Can she make it to safety before experiencing the wrath of the bitter winter storm? Or will she find herself the victim of far more than the elements in a town thrust into bedlam?

All the best,

Rae Knightly