For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

Who could resist a post-apocalyptic reimagining of Jane Austen’s Persuasion? I have to admit I was intrigued but skeptical when I started this book. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Peterfreund managed to take a Jane Austen classic and place it in a sci-fi world. She created a unique story while staying true to the characters and intent of Austen’s work. The main characters are younger than Austen’s, placing this book in the Young Adult category. This fun retelling puts a creative twist on an old story, but will also entertain sci-fi fans unfamiliar with Jane Austen.

Elliot North struggles to maintain her family estate and protect the workers in spite of her father’s foolish spending and high class pride. All the while, she mourns the loss of her best friend Kai who ran away from the estate four years earlier. When a group of free Post (wealthy lower class) shipbuilders propose renting the family shipyard for the summer, Elliot jumps at the added revenue. However, she isn’t prepared for the new way of life and old secrets the group brings to light.

Recommended ages--12 and up