In Case You Missed It - The Comet"s Curse by Dom Testa

Published:  March 2010

Publisher: Tor Teen

Pages: 240

Copy: From Author

Summary: Goodreads

When the tail of the comet Bhaktul flicks through the Earth’s atmosphere, deadly particles are left in its wake. Suddenly, mankind is confronted with a virus that devastates the adult population. Only those under the age of eighteen seem to be immune. Desperate to save humanity, a renowned scientist proposes a bold plan: to create a ship that will carry a crew of 251 teenagers to a home in a distant solar system. Two years later, the Galahad and its crew—none over the age of sixteen—is launched.


Two years of training have prepared the crew for the challenges of space travel. But soon after departing Earth, they discover that a saboteur is hiding on the Galahad! Faced with escalating acts of vandalism and terrorized by threatening messages, sixteen-year-old Triana Martell and her council soon realize that the stowaway will do anything to ensure that the Galahad never reaches its destination. The teens must find a way to neutralize their enemy. For if their mission fails, it will mean the end of the human race….


Last month we were lucky enough to host a giveaway for the full series of 'The Galahad Legacy' by Dom Testa.  I was totally intrigued by the series and set out to read it -  The Comet's Curse is the first. (Thank you Dom for the signed copy.)

I'm thrilled to say, The Comet's Curse did not disappoint.  The story jumps between two timelines - before departure and after, and it was easy to keep the two separate. Dr Zimmer provides a wonderful 'father figure' perspective during the lead up to the departure of the Galahad, and I really enjoyed the obvious emotion he felt for his 'kids'.  The five main characters; Triana, Bon, Gap, Channy and Lita are all very different and comprise the council, or leadership, aboard the Galahad.  Not an easy position to hold when you are only 15 or 16 and going on a 5 year journey through space. The reader slowly gets to know these five brave and very smart kids, and it becomes apparent that we are in for some interesting times throughout the 6 books.   I predict lots of mystery and romance - wonder if I'll be right?

Something is obviously very wrong aboard the ship and Roc - the computer - shows some very human traits as he tries to help the council find a solution to the problem.  There was an almost palpable sense of unease as the story progressed, and the alternating timelines only seemed to enhance this.  I was not able to guess who was responsible for the problems aboard the Galahad, and I'll admit to being surprised - I believe my thought was duh!, when all was revealed - I really should have seen it, but I didn't.  Is it a little convenient that the virus that is killing mankind only affects those over 18?  Yes, of course it is, but this is fiction, and anything can happen when it's fiction.  I rather liked the comet idea myself.  It reminded me just a little of a movie several years ago called Night of the Comet, where everyone outdoors at the time the comet passed turned into dust.  Does anyone else remember that, or have I just aged myself completely?

All in all I really enjoyed The Comet's Curse and I'm definitely going to work my way through the series.  I so enjoy not having to wait for the next book to come out.  If you haven't tried this one yet, give it a go - it's a quick and fun read.