(Candlewick, 2015)
Seventeen-year-old
Ishmael has volunteered for a dangerous assignment - a vaguely outlined
stint on Cretacea, where he will work with other adventurers in an
untamed environment, harvesting resources bound for Earth. Only the
dismal outlook on Earth makes this option seem appealing. Stripped of
its natural resources, covered in a perpetual shroud, and dangerously
low on breathable air, Earth holds few attractions for Ishmael. His
foster family is his only concern, but his foster brother is now headed
for assignment, too, and Ishmael hopes to earn enough money on Cretacea
to pay for passage from Earth for his foster parents.
On Cretacea, a prophetic warning from an old neighbor haunts Ishmael as he works onboard the Pequod under the command of the mad Captain Ahab who has set the ship's course to capture the Great Terrafin, a deadly sea creature of near mythical proportions. For Ishmael and his onboard companions, adventures abound in this cleverly crafted homage to Moby Dick. References to Moby Dick (for those familiar with them) are plentiful; however, despite its similarities to Melville's classic, The Beast of Cretacea is a sci-fi book for the modern age. The Beast of Cretacea confronts modern issues of environmental degradation, resource depletion, wealth and privilege, scientific possibility, and of course, the transcendent coming-of-age issue. Breathtaking excitement is measured with thought-provoking ideas, a rich plotline, and occasional flashbacks. At least one great twist awaits.
For ponderers, sci-fi enthusiasts, and adventure fans seeking a little something extra. Best for ages 12 and up.
On Cretacea, a prophetic warning from an old neighbor haunts Ishmael as he works onboard the Pequod under the command of the mad Captain Ahab who has set the ship's course to capture the Great Terrafin, a deadly sea creature of near mythical proportions. For Ishmael and his onboard companions, adventures abound in this cleverly crafted homage to Moby Dick. References to Moby Dick (for those familiar with them) are plentiful; however, despite its similarities to Melville's classic, The Beast of Cretacea is a sci-fi book for the modern age. The Beast of Cretacea confronts modern issues of environmental degradation, resource depletion, wealth and privilege, scientific possibility, and of course, the transcendent coming-of-age issue. Breathtaking excitement is measured with thought-provoking ideas, a rich plotline, and occasional flashbacks. At least one great twist awaits.
For ponderers, sci-fi enthusiasts, and adventure fans seeking a little something extra. Best for ages 12 and up.
On a shelf near you 10/13/15
Note:
Members
of my monthly book club recently Skyped with Todd Strasser. They were
impressed by his perseverance (only a summer's worth of reading kept him
from repeating the 3rd grade!) and the sheer volume of his work (more
than 140 books!). They appreciated his affability and willingness to
delay an afternoon of surfing to accommodate us. As an added bonus,
when his daughter (who created the beast on
the book's cover) accidentally passed in camera view, he introduced us
and gave us a short lesson in the evolution of a book's cover art.
I have two copies of The Beast of Cretacea. One was provided at my request from Todd Strasser, and the other was subsequently provided by LibraryThing Early Reviewers. Both will given to members of my book club who cannot wait to read it!!
A Beast of Cretacea Quiz created by the author:https://www.goodreads.com/quizzes/1115313-do-you-know-the-beast
A humorous video trailer:
I have two copies of The Beast of Cretacea. One was provided at my request from Todd Strasser, and the other was subsequently provided by LibraryThing Early Reviewers. Both will given to members of my book club who cannot wait to read it!!
More fun Beast of Cretacea content:
A humorous video trailer:
The Beast of Cretacea from todd strasser on Vimeo.
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