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Transcendent – Dark Swarm
Book Review
The book might help readers learn about climate change and how it affects the earth’s atmosphere and animals and their habitats
In this second book of the series, some of the most intelligent children on earth continue their mission in space to try and stop the effects of climate change, with the technology on board their space station.
The relationship between the brother and sister Kira and Jacob is written well and was fun to read about. I enjoyed the little squabbles between the siblings, it reminded me of me and my younger sister! Jacob is a great character, I liked how he really wants to protect his friends and Kira from ‘The Other’, the creature they face in the story.
The book might help readers learn about climate change and how it affects the earth’s atmosphere and animals and their habitats. The story does this is in a way that is easy to understand, through Kira and Jacob’s discoveries in space, and by the actions of the villain Nosfer. It has also made me want to learn more about climate change.
I found the story to be fast paced and there were some good scary parts I think some readers would enjoy.
If you like sci-fi or adventure stories you will like this book. The story ends on a cliffhanger, setting it up for a third book.
I am looking forward to reading the next part of the story and finding out what happens next with Kira, Jacob and their friends.
About the Book
Jacob and Kira have been launched into space by a top-secret agency called Transcendent. Their mission? Finish work on an invention with the power to clean up the Earth and stop climate change for good.
But they soon lose all communication with mission control and discover that a mysterious creature is closing in on them.
Meanwhile, an evil billionaire is determined to get rid of Transcendent so he can unleash a terrifying, mind-bending technology on the planet.
With two disasters looming, how will Jacob and Kira save the day when everything is at stake?
Author
Patrick Gallagher
Patrick Gallagher is a primary-school teacher from South London whose mixed heritage—roots in Goa, India and Donegal, Ireland with maternal family ties to Uganda—inspired the multicultural and global settings in his children’s fiction. His debut novel for young readers, Transcendent (2024), pairs high-octane sci-fi adventure with themes of identity and environmental responsibility, starring twin geniuses recruited for a top-secret agency. In addition to writing, Patrick Gallagher draws on his experiences as a teacher, artist and violinist to craft stories that resonate with children’s imaginations while offering thoughtful, hopeful messages.
Reviewer Profile
Arthur, 10
- Reviews: 1
- Likes: reading, bouldering and going to the beach
- Dislikes: bananas and wet weather
- Favourite Book: the Skullduggery Pleasant series by Derek Landy
- Favourite Film: Fellowship (Lord of the Rings) series
- Favourite Song: Seaside by The Kooks
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