On a dangerous alien planet, contestants including Amethyst Antares must survive three days of televised, high-stakes trials to win entry into the elite Starsearch Academy, but when the competition takes a deadly turn, survival becomes more important than victory. Themes of trust, resilience, and uncovering shocking truths drive this action-packed, twist-filled sci-fi adventure.

Reader Review Summary

Set on a hostile alien planet, the story follows Amethyst Antares and a group of competitors as they participate in the Surface Trials, a high-stakes, elimination-style quest that serves as the only way to gain entry into the elite Starsearch Academy. The event is broadcast to a galaxy-wide audience, with constant surveillance and immense pressure as participants race to solve three clues over three days, all while facing dangerous creatures and the threat of elimination. The main characters include Amethyst, who seeks escape from her restrictive home planet; Rian, a disguised celebrity with everything to lose; and Deneb, an outlier among the competitors. As the competition unfolds, unexpected events force the group to confront life-or-death stakes, trust issues, and a shocking revelation that changes the nature of their quest. The narrative is described as fast-paced and filled with twists, with a focus on survival, teamwork, and the impact of universal scrutiny. Readers highlighted the book's action-packed plot, likening it to a blend of 'The Hunger Games,' 'The Maze Runner,' and an escape room scenario. They appreciated the resourceful and brave characters, the gripping and suspenseful storyline, and the presence of clever challenges and dangerous situations. The dynamic between the competitors, the constant sense of danger, and the high-stakes environment were noted as engaging elements. The conclusion and plot twists were also mentioned as particularly effective, leaving readers eager for a sequel. Some readers expressed dissatisfaction with the number of unresolved questions at the end of the book, indicating that the story leaves several plot threads open and does not provide complete closure. This led to a desire for a follow-up installment to address lingering mysteries and unfinished character arcs. The book is classified as science fiction and is targeted at a middle grade or young adult audience, with a publication date of April 29, 2025. It has received a small number of reader ratings (six in total) and three full reviews, resulting in a high average rating of 4.83 out of 5. The author is H.M. Waugh.