Insignia (Katherine Tegen Books, 2012) by S.J. Kincaid has the flavor of Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card.
Teen Tom Raines doesn’t know what a real family is like. He and his father flit from place to place depending on whether his dad still has money from gambling or not. That’s why Tom has taken on gambling himself with virtual reality games–he likes having food to eat and a nice place to sleep.
But someone has been watching. Tom is recruited for the military in the new way of fighting–virtually. He loves his new life, however, it’s not sure who will mess it up first, Tom, his father, or his stepfather.
This book is the first in a trilogy. I’ve ordered the second book, Vortex, and am sure I’ll read the third, Catalyst, after that.
You can see my recommendation of the author’s book The Diabolic here. It’s what got me looking at the S.J. Kincaid’s other books. Her website is here.
Tag: SJ Kincaid
The Diabolic
The Diabolic (Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2016) by S.J. Kincaid is an amazing story.
Nemesis is a diabolic–created to protect Sidonia. She’ll do anything to keep Donia safe, including killing. So when Nemesis is asked to impersonate teenage Donia at the Imperial Court, she’ll do that too out of love, even though it’s more like trying to make a tiger, or something worse, into a kitten.
Here’s the book trailer.
The exciting news is that a sequel is coming out this year in October. Looking forward to The Empress! S.J. Kincaid has also written the Insignia series, which I need to check out. Read about the author on her website.
For writers, you’ll want to read this post on Ellen Oh’s blog: What’s the Best Writerly Advice You’d Give Your Younger Self – S.J. Kincaid.