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The Gens, an advanced race with psychic abilities, left Earth long ago to prevent humans (who called them “genies”) from taking advantage of their powers. They moved deep into space but occasionally sent a representative back to their home planet to learn more about human life and culture. Elly, a strong-headed princess of a solar system called Sarcaun, is shocked when her mother chooses her to go to Earth next. Sarcaun royalty has never traveled to Earth, and the queen’s advisor is set against it. However, the queen has her own reasons for sending her daughter away.
Elly finds herself experiencing Earth in a way she had never imagined. In addition to learning about money and malls, she ends up enmeshed in her new foster sister’s problems, including a dangerous gang initiation. Elly returns home to Sarcaun unexpectedly to find that her journey has opened up the gates to a terrible dimension. There is danger throughout the solar system as an evil force tries to capture Elly and destroy her entire world.
This science fiction novel has many fantastical elements, featuring relatable characters and engaging worldbuilding. The most interesting moments occur when Elly compares and contrasts her world and way of life with that of humans, like when she is shocked to realize that Earth flowers die or how dark human buildings seem when compared to the crystal houses in Sarcaun. The action-packed plot goes through many directions and locations throughout the story, but the author expertly weaves in parallels between Elly’s time on Earth and what happens to her back in Sarcaun, smoothly connecting all the disparate elements. Elly’s adventures are riveting and suitable for science fiction or fantasy fans from young adults onwards.