Darok 9
by H.J. Ralles
Top Publications, Trade Paperback $9.95 ISBN:1-929976-10-0
In 2120 AD, the barren surface of the moon is the only home that three
generations of earth's survivors have ever known. Towns, called Daroks, protect
inhabitants from the extreme lunar temperatures. But life is harsh. Hank Havard, a
young scientist, is secretly perfecting SH33, a drug that eliminates the body's need for
water. When his First Quadrant laboratory is attacked, Hank saves his research onto a
memory card and runs from the enemy. Aided by Will, his teenaged nephew, and Maddie,
Will's computer-wizard classmate, Hank must conceal SH33 from the dreaded Fourth Quadrant.
But suddenly Will's life is in danger. Who can Hank trust-and is the enemy really closer
to home?
Reviews
Creative writing workshop educator H.J. Ralles has set her science fiction novel Darok
9 in the year 2120. This is an exciting post-apocalyptic story about the Earth's
last survivors, barely enduring on the harsh surface of the moon. A top scientist
perfects a drug that removes the body's need for water, making survival that much
easier; but his discovery brings treachery and murder, and the teenagers Will and
Maddie get swept up in a dangerous game with the welfare of humanity's legacy at
stake. An enjoyable and recommended novel for science fiction
enthusiasts.
James Cox, The Midwest Book Review
DAROK 9 is another wonderful science fiction book for young adults by H.
J. Ralles, author of KEEPER OF THE KINGDOM. Filled with nonstop action and suspense,
it tells the story of a young scientist, Hank Havard, and his quest to keep his big
discovery out of enemy hands.
World War III has been fought, and has rendered the Earth uninhabitable. The
surviving humans have divided the Moon into four quadrants, and each of these quadrants
are divided into cities, called Daroks. All are dependent on large shipments
of water from Earth, and this must be decontaminated before it can be used.
Hank has developed a vaccine which eliminates the human body's need for water. But
his research is incomplete, although he has discovered that he has to keep the vaccine at
a temperature of no more than forty degrees Fahrenheit for it to work.
The Fourth Quadrant was the last one settled and is the poorest in
resources. They frequently attack the others to take what they want or need by
force. When they attack the First Quadrant's Research Facility, which is
outside all the Daroks and underground, Hank and his assistant, Lydia Grant, pack the
formula in an insulapak. Hank then downloads his research notes onto memory cards
and erases them from the computer system. With this done, he and Lydia run for their
lives.
Hank and Lydia get separated before they get to the subway Bullet, and Hank goes home to
Darok 9, not knowing if Lydia survived the attack. He heads for his apartment, but
before he arrives, he sees a light in the window there, and knows someone has broken
in. The only thing he has of value is his research.
Hank turns to his sister and her son, and leaves two of the vials for his sister to hide,
and leaves a copy of his research notes with his teenage nephew. Before Hank can get
to a place of safety, he and his family find themselves caught up in a web of deceit and
murder. They are on the run, and they don't know who to trust. Can anyone help
them out of the mess and save Hank's research for the good of all?
The language in this book is clean, as it was in KEEPER OF THE KINGDOM, something I found
refreshing. Also, the message that violence doesn't pay is strong. The
characters are believable, and the plot is solid. DAROK 9 is a can't-put-it-down,
go-away-and-let-me- read science fiction thriller, sure to please any reader of any age!
Jo Rogers
Reviewer for MyShelf.com
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