The following YA titles are quite out of this world. From a contemplative work featuring a gay teen who has Earth’s fate in his hands to a high-flying debut with intricate alien world-building, these books will pique the interest of sci-fi fans and teens looking to the stars for the secrets of the universe.

Elwood, Tessa. Inherit the Stars. 304p. ebook available. Running Pr. Dec. 2015. pap. $9.95. ISBN 9780762458400.

Gr 7 Up –Asa is the youngest daughter of the House of Fane, a ruling family that presides over several planets with a food shortage. Political relations with neighboring interstellar kingdom Westlet are precarious, but Fane’s only hope of survival is to form a marriage alliance between the kingdoms’ heirs. The true Fane heir, Wren, is in a coma after an accident, so the marriage is instead arranged for her middle sister, Emmie. Asa, fearing for Wren’s life, schemes to replace Emmie in the ceremony so that there is no temptation to make Emmie the true heir too quickly. By the time Asa’s machinations are discovered, her marriage to Eagle Westlet is already binding. What follows is light but entertaining royal intrigue with a few surprising twists. Unfortunately, Elwood’s series opener suffers from weak world-building. Not enough information is presented to give readers a solid sense of Asa’s family history or the conflicts in Fane. Characterization is also lacking, causing potential confusion. Discerning readers will cringe at contrived plot devices, such as a binding marriage contract with one convenient loophole. On a positive note, Asa is a strong and clever heroine who is unwaveringly loyal to her family and her people. The romance between Asa and Eagle is sweet and gains more depth than expected. VERDICT An additional purchase that would be a good choice for fans of Kiera Cass’s “The Selection” series (HarperCollins).–Liz Overberg, Zionsville Community High School, IN

Hatton, L.J. Sing Down the Stars. 384p. (The Celestine Series: Bk. 1). ebook available. Amazon/Skyscape. 2015. pap. $9.99. ISBN 9781503946569.

Gr 6-9 –Many years ago, aliens arrived. They hovered, never landing, for one year before leaving abruptly. Soon after, children—particularly girls—began exhibiting dangerous elemental powers. Few families could survive even one “touched” daughter, let alone more than one. As the fifth daughter in her family, Penelope Roma is especially dangerous as a Celestine, a girl who can “sing down the stars.” To protect his powerful daughters, Magnus Roma created a traveling circus, designed to hide his girls in plain sight. Penelope assumed her deceased twin brother’s identity, living as the family’s seemingly powerless son, Penn. Now, the wardens have discovered the Romas, and Penn barely escapes. On the run with a ragtag group of friends and mechanical inventions, Penn attempts to reach The Hollow, where she hopes her father and sisters await her safe return. This work is a unique fantasy reminiscent of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Joining Penn on her journey is a diverse group of circus friends: a mechanical boy, a tiny metallic dragon, a cute circus magician, an acrobatic orphan girl, and a mute fake mermaid. Along the way, the team pulls together to escape the wardens, who hope to add Penn to their army of elemental girls. Plenty of action will enthrall readers, but the unique cast of eclectic characters makes this story particularly magical. Give this to fans of Margaret Stohl’s Icons (Little, Brown, 2013) or Leigh Bardugo’s “Grisha” trilogy (Holt). VERDICT Steampunk and fantasy fans will find much to love in this unique, action-packed debut.–Leigh Collazo, Dulwich College, Suzhou, China

Hutchinson, Shaun David. We Are the Ants. 464p. ebook available. Simon Pulse. Jan. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781481449632.

Gr 9 Up– Henry’s life is complicated. His previous boyfriend committed suicide without warning or explanation. His jerk brother’s girlfriend is pregnant. His nana has Alzheimer’s. And his new boyfriend refuses to acknowledge their relationship, instead humiliating and attacking him publicly. Henry is also haunted by questions about why his father left and if Henry himself is culpable. This is all further complicated by the fact that he is regularly abducted by aliens who drop him off naked in various locations throughout the city. The aliens offer Henry the opportunity to save the world from obliteration by simply pressing a red button. The catch? Henry isn’t so sure it’s worth saving. Hutchinson’s voice rings true. This work effectively combines the best of elements of Nick Burd’s The Vast Fields of Ordinary (Dial, 2009) with hints of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five. VERDICT Angst-loving teens will devour this lengthy tome, yearning to see if Henry can consummate a new romance. Highly recommended.–Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL