If All the Stars Go Dark

Gr 9 Up–Keller Hartman has just been recruited to be the gunner in the most popular Starfield Fleet, the Sixth. Starfield Fleet is the organization that protects the worlds from invaders. Keller meets Lament on his first day and learns that Lament recently lost his previous partner in the last galactic skirmish; he is not ready to accept Keller. However, the rest of the Sixth welcome him into their group right away. The Starfield Fleet authorities ignore Lament’s pleas and force the two boys to work together. With each mission, the boys learn to work together, and eventually start to realize they have feelings for each other. In addition, they begin to uncover a secret that will affect more than one world. A charismatic leader emerges, claiming the power to predict disasters. As this leader visits each world, his predictions seem to come true. Upon further investigation, the Sixth begins to uncover the secrets behind these so-called predictions and piece together the leader’s true intent: to take over all of the worlds, one disaster at a time. This is an entertaining LGBTQIA+ science fiction love story. There are descriptions of kissing and a fade-to-black love scene, as well as some strong language peppered throughout the story. Themes of love, finding family, and friendship are also present. Keller has plain brown hair and plain brown eyes; Lament has pale skin and pale hair.