The Consequence Girl

I was grateful to receive this from a ReadingZone competition, and looked forward to the children in my primary school library enjoying it. I confess science fiction isn't really my thing. We had read Orion Lost in a year 5 book group, and I had found it slightly annoying how many loose threads were left. Maybe a sequel will sort those out.

I read The Consequence Girl, though, and I think it is wonderful. I particularly enjoyed the imagination of the names of places and half-remembered things. As in Orion Lost (and lots of books), I'm not a fan of the plot advancing thanks to the children doing something they shouldn't, knowing that they shouldn't, as is the case when Cora - the main character in this book - rescues the boy she finds, then keeps him in her home, then tells him her secrets! However, mostly the characters and their development were enjoyable, and the settings and old and new technologies mixed were very good.

What really made it, though, was the end. Time travel (or in this case an ability to look back and alter events) is a problematic idea, but Cora's conclusion to that problem is a great message of hope, and call to action. She matures through the adventures they have. I enjoyed most of this book, but it's ending really made it one I am keen to recommend.

322 pages / Reviewed by Clare Parkinson

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Alastair Chisholm is an award-winning author and his new book The Consequence Girl is a thrilling science fiction adventure, full of futuristic lands, gadgets and courageous characters. We are introduced to Lilith in the prologue; she is a mercenary on a mission to rescue a child that has been stolen. Having lost her soulmate in a battle to protect the baby, she will stop at no cost to take back the baby because she has nothing to lose.

The story then takes us into the future; 13 years to be exact. Lilith, who is now known as Seleen, has managed to bring up the baby (Cora) out of the sight of civilisation by hiding away in the mountains. That is until one day when she needs to go to Recon for supplies and Cora is left alone. Whilst out checking their traps, Cora stumbles upon Kai who has fallen out of a tree and is freezing to death. Cora makes the decision to help him but does not realise that this will change her life for ever. 

Cora has an extraordinary gift - she can see back in time. As her gift grows, she is able to change time and this is why Lilith has had to protect her for so many years but as events unfold, Lilith and Cora are on the run once again.  Cora is unsure of her past, as Lilith does not like to talk about it, and her future because she does not understand who she is and what she is capable of doing.

This book is brilliant because it slowly unravels the mystery surrounding Cora and her connection to why the Colony is ruins, and how the future will turn out. The characters each have an individual part to play in the plot and together their personalities create a stronger story line.

I would utterly recommend this book as a must have read in Key Stage 2. Children would be captivated by the storyline and be unwilling to put the book down as it is fast-paced and thrilling.

322 pages / Reviewed by Hayley Summerfield, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Cora and Seleen live in a cabin in the woods. Constantly vigilant, they live far away from others, although Cora is not sure who or what they are hiding from. When she breaks the rules they live by and rescues an injured boy, Kai, Cora's life changes for ever.  Possessed of an incredible ability to see back in time, see the cause of events and make tiny changes to alter future outcomes, Cora is sought after by those who would use her to their own ends. Ultimately, she must decide who to trust and what the future holds.

I absolutely loved Adam-2, Alastair's last novel for this age group, and so had high expectations of this one. The Consequence Girl does not disappoint, offering a thought-provoking, science fiction novel which you cannot put down. As Cora discovers more about the world she lives in, the reader learns about the history of Colony and the reasons for its decline. Built by the Glories, who looked like humans but had amazing powers, civilisation declined once they left without warning. Scarce and valuable, Glory technology is much prized and hard to come by and corruption is rife. Led by Governor Thorsen and his head of Protection, Sisal, there is little room for disagreement with the powers that be in this 'democracy', immediately raising questions about policies made for the 'good of the people' and their consequences, linking the fantasy world with that in which we live.

Cora is easy to empathise with. Her complex relationship with Seleen is beautifully handled as she (Cora) begins to realise that she has her own choices to make. Caught in the middle of those who would manipulate her for their own ends, Cora seems in an impossible position yet finds the strength of character to navigate through and remain true to herself.

The story challenges the reader to think about the consequences of actions and how changing one thing in the past could have disastrous results. However, the ending is full of hope for the future. Although we cannot alter the past, each of us has the power to change the future by small, considered actions and the choices we make. The Consequence Girl is a compelling, challenging story - one not to be missed!

322 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+