Book Review - Nyxia by Scott Reintgen

Title: Nyxia (The Nyxia Triad # 1)
Author: Scott Reintgen
Genre: Science Fiction
Published: 2017
 
Description: Emmett Atwater isn’t just leaving Detroit; he’s leaving Earth. Why the Babel Corporation recruited him is a mystery, but the number of zeroes on their contract has him boarding their lightship and hoping to return to Earth with enough money to take care of his family.
 
Before long, Emmett discovers that he is one of ten recruits, all of whom have troubled pasts and are a long way from home. Now each recruit must earn the right to travel down to the planet of Eden – a planet that Babel has kept hidden – where they will mine a substance called Nyxia that has quietly become the most valuable material in the universe.
 
But Babel’s ship is full of secrets. And Emmett will face the ultimate choice: win the fortune at any cost, or find a way to fight that won’t forever compromise what it means to be human
 
Review: “Nyxia” is a high-stakes young adult sci-fi novel that is the start of book series “The Nyxia Triad”. If you are fan of “The Hunger Games” or “Red Rising” (the last one I have yet to read) this book series is something you might like. I received this book by accident, when I purchased another book online and knew little to nothing while going into it.
 
The story centers around Emmett Atwater, a teenager from Detroit who is recruited by the Babel Corporation for a secret mission to the planet Eden. Emmett and nine other recruit with struggling backgrounds are told they will mine Nyxia, a volatile, telepathically controlled substance. But before they can go to Eden, they have to enter a year-long competition aboard the spaceship Genesis 11. Because of the ten recruits only eight will be granted a landing spot on Eden to earn the life-changing wealth Babel promised.
 
“Nyxia” is a fast-paced and action-packed story, a real page-turned. Especially during the physical trials and scoreboard updates. Emmett is a great main character, he’s a moral compass through the story and he shows realistic emotional vulnerabilities. He is seen often struggling whether he can win the competition without compromising his humanity.
 
There is great diverse representation in the characters, which I can only praise. And overall the characters a all very interesting to read about. Aside from Emmett, who is a very likeable characters, I especially loved Bilal, a true good-hearted guy who befriends Emmett during the competition.
 
The mid-section of the book can feel monotonous and repetitive as characters undergo similar drills repeatedly. And I believe the broader universe feels a bit underdeveloped. Hopefully the sequels will change this. I also didn’t really care for the romantic subplot, but that’s just a small part of the story towards the end.
 
I was pleasantly surprised by “Nyxia”, I really enjoyed the story and I will definitely be continuing on in this series.

Rating: 4/ 5