Darok 9

Darok #1

by H.J. Ralles

In 2120 AD, the barren surface of the moon is the only home that three generations of earth's survivors have ever known. Towns, called Daroks, protect inhabitants from the extreme lunar temperatures. But life is harsh. Hank Havard, a young scientist is secretly perfecting SH33, a drug that eliminates the body's need for water. When his First Quadrant laboratory is attacked, Hank saves his research onto memory card and runs from the enemy. Aided by Will, his teenage nephew, and Maddie, Will's computer-literate classmate, Hank must conceal SH33 from the dreaded Fourth Quadrant. But suddenly Will's life is in danger. Who can Hank trust - and is the enemy really closer to home?

218 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2001

About the author

I was born in the United Kingdom and moved to the USA in 1990-but I did spend 4 years of my childhood in Connecticut and New Jersey. I always loved to write. I wrote my first book at 10 years old and my first story was published in a New England camping magazine when I was 13 years old. My other passion is teaching. I have a Bachelor of Education and taught Grades 4 - 6 for 13 years.

In 1997 my eldest son challenged me to write a book that he would enjoy as much as his computer games. After Keeper of the Kingdom was published in 2001 I went back to the classroom as a visiting author, teaching writing workshops. I now have eight published YA science fiction novels and an exciting ghost story called The Ghosts of Malhado due for release on September 1st 2011.

In 2008 my husband and I moved from North Texas to Houston, with Sabby our devoted black Labrador and our new addition, Solo, a 1 yr old black Labrador/Retriever cross who is a bundle of fun. You can see photos of my dogs below the Newspaper Interviews. Our two sons have both graduated from college but come home regularly. I love my job! I am working on my next book and have a very busy school schedule again next year. Perhaps I will be visiting your school? Check my calendar page!

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has been on my To Read for a LONG TIME and I’m glad I finally finished it! It’s so surreal to read it when the way we look at certain things touched upon in so differently than we did 20 yrs ago. Within my own lifetime!
The dialogue could be a little clunky, and I felt the teens acted a little too adult until I remembered this is a YA book. Of COURSE the kids will be cool and competent. I’m glad I’ve held onto this book as long as I have, and I’ll never forget how kind the author was when I met her in person.

[Ryviera Shayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute fun read for the teens! Creative idea actually. If you like young adult fiction you will enjoy this!

[Conan Tigard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was quite pleased with the storytelling in Darok 9. I love a fast-paced book, and this one does not disappoint. The action is non-stop, and young adults will love the characters of Will and Maddie. I found that I hated to put this book down, as I really wanted to find out what was going to happen next.

H.J. Ralles has done a great job of creating characters that the reader really likes. And the bad guys, well, she also did an excellent job of writing some really nasty characters. The concept of human living on the moon is not new, but the twist of the Earth being irradiated and the need for water is something I had not read about before . . . and I liked it.

Darok 9 is a fun book for not only young adults, but anyone that likes a good science fiction thriller.

I rated this book an 8 out of 10.

[Abbycat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live it so much! I wish that SH33 really does exist! Lydia is so mean! I am currently reading the second book and she is still mean in it! Darok 10 is really scary, Darok 9, only a little bit.