A fast-paced extra-terrestrial adventure from the critically acclaimed author of
The Very Dangerous Sisters
of Indigo McCloud

"I flop down on the bed again.
'What am I?'

Pause.

‘You’re an alien, dude.'"

BookTrust Book of the Day
and
BookTrust Northern Ireland
Book of the Month November 2024

When Martin Ryan sees a video of his father flying unaided through the air, he realises everything he believed about his life has been a lie.

Now his parents have disappeared and Martin discovers something weird brewing in the disused mines of the seaside village where he lives. Something glowing. Something ... egg-like.

Someone's definitely been messing with reality. Martin and his friends must do whatever they can to defeat the aliens that threaten the entire human race. Even if it means stealing cop cars, blowing up the mines and turning a paddling pool into a fighter aircraft. 

'This fast-paced, funny and gripping science fiction novel will delight fans of Stranger Things.'  – Sarah Webb Irish Independent

'Striking a delicate balance between a funny sci-fi adventure and a heartfelt story of friendship, this is a thoroughly entertaining teen read, even for those with a fear of huge killer insects.'   – Irish Examiner

'John Hearne plunges readers at break-neck speed into an adventure of epic proportions ... early teens with a love of action movies (including reluctant male readers) will enjoy the rollercoaster ride.'   – Irish Examiner

'A perilous sci-fi adventure with a coming-of-age story at its core, this book will be eagerly devoured by young readers.' – Inis Magazine

'Fast-paced and fresh, this is a funny, thrilling adventure.' – BookTrust

'A fast-paced extra-terrestrial adventure that will have you questioning reality, questioning things the you thought were certain and on the edge of your seat as you wait to see how the story will unfold.'  – Armadillo Magazine

'I honestly don’t know anyone from age 10 up who won’t love this one. A book that turns its world upside-down, and maybe yours, too; ingenious, intriguing, imaginative, fast, funny and utterly gripping.' – Fallen Star Stories

'This is a great adventure story full of heart and magic. Definitely one to recommend.'  – Read and Reviewed

Praise for John Hearne's The Very Dangerous Sisters of Indigo McCloud

‘An exciting and original debut.’ – Sara Keating, The Irish Times

‘Writing a dystopian world that is laugh-out-loud funny is no mean feat, but to create such an environment for young readers is nothing short of extraordinary.’ – Children’s Books Ireland

'Hilarity and heart center this quirky story about a young hero quietly taking a stand.' – Kirkus Reviews

'This Irish import will please children who want an over-the-top bully book jam-packed with adventure. This novel is wacky, awesome, and terrifying.' – School Library Journal

'A raucous read with notably Roald Dahl–leaning social sensibilities.' – Publishers Weekly

‘Descriptive and quirky, this is a jam-packed chapter book that fans of David Walliams’ books would enjoy.’ – LoveReading4Kids

'What a delightfully twisted book! The story is unpredictable and keeps the readers at the edge of their seats. It oddly reminds me of a Tim Burton movie, dark, but Indigo is rather lovable unlike the rest of his family.'  – NetGalley Reviewer

‘Missing Roald Dahl? Need a book where bad kids are just bad and they get their comeuppance? This is the book for you. John has written a fabulously funny, dark, clever novel.’ –  Read and Reviewed

‘Quirky, humourously sinister and thoroughly entertaining.’ – Fallen Star Stories

"A sure hit for readers who like nothing more than the sort of outrageous adventure that only a wild imagi­nation can deliver. Perfect for the reader on the verge of becoming addicted to reading for life!" – School Library Connection

John Hearne was born in Wexford in 1970. He worked as an economist in Dublin before changing direction and becoming a freelance writer. He has ghostwritten and edited a range of best-selling books, while his journalism has appeared in numerous national and international newspapers and magazines. His first middle grade novel, The Very Dangerous Sisters of Indigo McCloud was published by Little Island in 2021.