Carr Luka is an earth kid, or Terran, originally from Toronto, Canada, who makes his living in exciting zero-gravity boxing matches in the fearsome Cube. When he wins his most important sixth match, he is skyrocketed to fame and fortune by a promoter known as the Martian, and he is assigned a marketing coordinator named Risha to help catapult him to superstardom. While he is a rising star, he is also falling for Risha, not to mention finding out he is not who he thought he was. The action and suspense ramps up as Carr gets both more famous and more nervous about who he is and who he will become along the way. Boxing is a major element of the story, and for that reason, there's plenty of violence, in addition to some sexual content that might make this debut more appropriate for an older teen crowd. This future world isn't too far off (except for the advanced tech), which makes it a thought-provoking read, and the emphasis on boxing might expand appeal to reluctant readers.

Gr 8 Up-Carr Luka is the king of the Cube, a zero gravity cage fight arena. In his upcoming championship fight, Luka will represent Terrans against a Martian colony and his supporters will cheer, "Make him float!" highlighting the grisly implications of a knockout. Luka's confidence is shaken, however, when a visit to his mother reveals that his physical prowess is a result of illegal genetic enhancements, making his participation in the sport potentially criminal. Zeroboxer is a delicious mix of two genres: sports and science fiction. The colony rivalry and futuristic details are riveting, and martial arts followers hungering for fight action will not be disappointed. The main character develops a romantic relationship with his brandhelm (publicist) and wrestles with a sense of betrayal by his Uncle Polly and his mother who have always known he was genetically enhanced and hid this from him. Luka also experiences self-doubt as he wonders whether his success is due to his training and hard work or simply to his genetic destiny. This work adeptly combines elements of futuristic TV shows, such as Gattaca (genetics) and Battlestar Gallactica (Terran colonies), and sports program such as Tap Out . VERDICT This gripping sci-fi novel will have teens screaming for a sequel. Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

In a future world, gene modification to eliminate imperfections is considered standard. Even so, Terrans disparage the more radical genetic changes Mars colonists have made in order to survive. Martians have become essentially another race resulting in simmering unrest between the two worlds. Seventeen-year-old Carr Luka is aware of these issues but his single-minded focus is on becoming a zeroboxer champion. When Risha, a half-Martian, is assigned to be his personal brandhelm, Carr becomes the face of Terran zeroboxing. Carr falls hard for Risha, an older (by three years) woman. The relationship is serious enough that Carr considers marriage. All Carr's dreams seem to be coming true until he learns a devastating secret that has potentially catastrophic ramifications.Lee's debut novel is an intense, smart, and action-packed read. The future world is well thought out in its everyday details. Grounded in the personal, Carr's navigation of career and romance over the course of two years is impacted by social issues that are just as relevant todaygenetic modification, race relations, and sports performance enhancement. Carr comes to learn that his life does not occur in a vacuum. The secret he holds compromises his personal ethics, but the ripples also affect his relationships, fans, and world events. Not just sports fans will be enthralled by the drama of the zeroboxing matches. They focus as much on strategy and emotion as on the inherent violence. Older teens, especially boys, will enjoy some food for thought along with an exciting story.Elizabeth Matson.