It's 2078, and Hannah Monksman is Caretaker of the ship Seiiki and its precious Ark Project cargo: whales from Earth destined for a new life on the planet New Eden.Connected with the whales via their shared Link, Hannah is responsible not only for maintenance, reports to command, and her popular social media posts, but maintaining a relationship with the whales and ensuring their happiness during their intergalactic trip. As the sole human aboard, Hannah at first believes suspicious happenings are just a side effect of isolation. But soon she worries that her real identity-she's actually Kim Teng, loyal Crusader for the holy cause against excessive scientific forays-has been exposed. Complicating matters, even she does not know the true details of her mission. The story drags in the beginning as the intricate worldbuilding that provides a glimpse into a speculative future grounded in familiar elements is established. However, themes of colonialism, the impact of technological experimentation, religion, and the nature of humanity are ultimately woven into an intriguing and thrilling mystery. Kim's solitary strength is balanced by her yearning for a normal life and her relationships with the whales and her Crusader found family. The descriptions of whale-lore shine, as do discussions of fate and self-determination. Kim is cued as Chinese; Japanese kanji is the main communication system on the ship, and side characters are ethnically diverse.A slow-building science-fiction thriller that deserves a sequel. (discussion questions, author Q&A) (Science fiction. 12-18)

Fox weaves elements of religion and philosophy into a winning combination of action, romance, and science fiction centering whales in space. As part of the Ark Project, 17-year-old social media star Hannah Monksman is the sole human Caretaker transporting some of Earth’s last surviving whales to the planet New Eden in 2078 aboard the space vessel Seiiki. Though Hannah dislikes the tedium of maintaining the immense ship as prompted by the computer AI, she finds comfort in communicating with the whales, with whom she shares a technological telepathic link. But Hannah is only a role played by Kim Teng, who is a member of the Crusaders—a religious group whom some identify as terrorists for their aggressive response to scientific innovation—and Kim has the sense that she’s being watched. After one of the whales downloads his consciousness into a tech droid, Kim’s once idyllic voyage turns perilous, and she must employ all her skills and grit to survive and successfully ferry the whales to New Eden. Constantly challenging Kim with potential foes and moral quandaries alike, Fox’s whale space opera is both action-packed and thought-provoking. An author q&a and discussion questions conclude. Ages 15–up. (Apr.)