"Crater" by Homer Hickam

A new trilogy begins with this book by Homer Hickam. The setting is the future, the 22nd century to be exact, where readers will find mining on the moon is a common profession due to the destruction on the Earth. While the life it hard, Crater Trueblood enjoys his job mining for Helium-3. But, there are dangers, and when he saves the life of another miner. others notice him. It is then that Crater is to undertake a dangerous assignment. At 16, Crater doesn't think he can really do it, but decides to say yes anyway.

The mission: simply recover an object that could be necessary for the survival of everyone on the moon. Sounds easy enough and uncomplicated, right? While he does have help, Crater encounters situations of unimaginable danger that will test his resolve and his survival skills. There are tests like ruthless long-haul truckers, a slime mold that thinks, mutants, and more as Crater works to retrieve the object. Will Crater be successful? If not, what will happen to the colonists? How does Maria figure into things? Who is Colonel Medaris, and what dangerous/complicated situations accompany him? The answers to these questions and more await you as you turn the pages.

"Crater" is an interesting YA novel. As the beginning of a trilogy, the reader is introduced to the moon colony and lifestyle as well as some characters you will hope to see in the next books. This book has action, adventure, a love story, an interesting plot, and wonderful characters. This book left me wanting to know more and I look forward to reading the next installment when it comes out. I think it will be a hit with YA readers and recommend it. I received my free review copy from the Book Sneeze program for an honest review.