Allen & Unwin is counting down the nanoseconds to its publication of Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff’s new interstellar epic Aurora Rising in May. Set in a universe brimming with alien species and buzzing with danger, Aurora Rising is Amie and Jay’s out-of-this-world new sci-fi action adventure—think Guardians of the Galaxy meets Six of Crows! So strap yourselves in for the interstellar adventure of a lifetime and meet Squad 312, a ragtag bunch of losers, loners and delinquents who may just be the last hope for the entire galaxy. NOBODY PANIC.

Aurora Rising
Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, Allen & Unwin, May 2019

They’re not the heroes we deserve.

They’re just the ones we could find.

The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their first missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the Academy would touch:

• A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm
• A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates 
• A smart-ass tech-whiz with the galaxy’s biggest chip on his shoulder
• An alien warrior with anger management issues
• A tomboy pilot who’s totally not into her squad leader, in case you were wondering.

And Ty’s squad isn’t even his biggest problem―that’d be Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he’s just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler’s squad of losers, discipline-cases and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.

NOBODY PANIC.

‘An exuberant mix of space opera, romance, zombies, hackers, and political thrills, told with eccentric aplomb.’—Scott Westerfeld, bestselling author of Uglies and Impostors

‘Never have I read a book so wholly unique and utterly captivating. This took my breath away.’—Marie Lu, bestselling author of Warcross 

‘This is one of those rare books that will truly keep your heart pounding and the pages turning as you peel back the layers─and you hope that the characters you love survive.’—Beth Revis, bestselling author of Across the Universe

‘This is a heartfelt story locked on hyperdrive.’—Sydney Morning Herald

‘An adrenaline-pumping action story with timely themes and lasting resonance thanks to the focus on the characters’ humanity.’—Kirkus Reviews (starred)

‘Nervy chicks, cute fighter pilots, lots of heart, lots of heartbreak, a mentally unstable battleship, and even pink hair. This book is … awesome.’—Laini Taylor, bestselling author of Smoke and Bone

‘Stunningly creative. Smart, funny, and romantic. This is the book I’ve been waiting for.’—Veronica Rossi, bestselling author of Under the Never Sky

New York Times bestselling co-authors Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff feast upon your tears and relish your screams.

In addition to their internationally bestselling series ‘The Illuminae Files’, Amie is the co-author (with Meagan Spooner) of the bestselling ‘Starbound’ trilogy and the ‘Unearthed’ duology. She is also the author of Ice Wolves and Scorch Dragons, in the ‘Elementals’ trilogy.

Jay is the author of the award-winning ‘Lotus War’ trilogy and the ‘Nevernight Chronicles’, as well as Lifel1k3, the first in the ‘Lifel1k3’ trilogy.

They live with their respective spouses in Melbourne, Australia. Find Amie and Jay at amiekaufman.com and jaykristoff.com.

(Image credit: Christopher Tovo)

Read an extract from Aurora Rising here.

Be one of the first to read Aurora Rising. Email us at childrensmarketing@allenandunwin.com for your chance to receive one of ten proof copies.