Twins, Jacob and Kira have always been different. With a Ugandan mum and an English dad, they have grown up in Uganda. Their light brown skin and striking blue eyes are enough to make them stand out and be shunned by some, but that’s not their only difference.

They are incredibly clever, building things out of household items that scientists around the world haven’t achieved with every resource at their disposal. This is what brings them to the attention of Ranatech – the biggest technology company in the world. They are given the opportunity to be with others like them to complete a series of tests. The results will enable them to be part of a mission to save the Earth.

Before any of this is made clear however, they are unaware of Ranatech’s plans for them, and must flee a stranger so muscly, he looks like a pile of boulders. Other strangers, both young and old and with spiders tattooed on their necks, are appearing on the streets of their home in Uganda. Who are they?

When Ranatech’s plans for them are revealed, they must travel across the world, with their wary mum accompanying them. Kira and Jacob are very close, but for the first time the siblings disagree on something. Jacob has seen things online about Transcendent that don’t add up, and no one is listening to his fears, least of all his sister.

Is Transcendent what it really claims to be? What does Ranatech have in store for them in space, and will the twins be separated forever?

Opening with a Ugandan setting and closing with one in England was an interesting contrast and backdrop for this exciting novel. There are many layers to this book, including twins’ bonds, mixed race children, humans vs nature and tech against environment.

Mix these topics amongst riveting car chases and pulse-pounding action and Transcendent is a fast-paced and thought provoking read.

Take the reader to a shocking ending and you have readers like me desperate to know what happens next. I have unanswered questions that will simmer until the next novel hits the shelves.

Author – Patrick Gallagher

Age – 9+

(2024, Hachette, Action, Family, Environment, Sibling Rivalry, Science, Betrayal, Twins, English, Ugandan, High IQ, Space, Save the World, Aliens, Spiders, Car chases, Team, Tasks, Tests, Choices, Regrets, Wealth)