Whatever it is, there’s something about being an astronaut that is awe-inspiring, especially for children. He attempts a rescue mission but falls into multiple traps along the way and ends up being rescued himself by Swarm agents, including a newly programmed Adi. He is also a best-selling author and an inspirational communicator of science to audiences of all ages. The notion that children – the target readers in other words – will have to fix the mess of previous generations runs strong throughout the books, and, although I think the environmental foreboding is perhaps repeated too often, the plotline is a clever way of inspiring action.

The Swarm has sent Adi to scout out Earth after intercepting the Arecibo radio message, which was transmitted in 1974 carrying basic information about Earth and the human race (that bit’s fact, not fiction). The journey to defeat the “Malusonians” is action packed and features a lot of sci-fi hallmarks, including zombies, teleporting, DNA hacking, an antimatter bomb, cryogenic suspension and a trip to the International Space Station (ISS).With the action and science both in the hands of experts, this is really good reading, but I like too the way that it reminds us throughout that the future of the planet and our species is in the hands of young readers, who the authors clearly see as smart, committed and ingenious as their protagonists. Sign into your Physics World account to get access to all available digital issues of the monthly magazine. The story is full of twists and turns, cleverly orchestrated by Cole, and the action culminates in a trip to the International Space Station, where Peake is obviously very much at home.

This second book has a lot more twists and turns than the first, which is one of the reasons why I preferred it. By using the Web site, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by the Terms and Conditions. Swarm Enemy Perfect for fans of Alex Rider, Young Bond and Cherub, this fast-paced action-adventure is the second thrilling story from astronaut Tim Peake and bestselling author Steve Cole. As Peake is an astronaut and a science-outreach ambassador, I did have faith that the science in the books would be factual – which is just as well, because there’s a lot of it. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged.Biography: Tim Peake (Author) Tim Peake was the first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station. The book also examines the surprising, shocking and often poignant stories of astronauts back on Earth, whose lives are forever changed as they readjust to terra firma. Naturally, chaos ensues, and the race to save the world includes superpowers related to quantum physics, aliens trying to understand the concept of individualism, and the protagonists travelling across space as digital intelligences transmitted via radiowaves.

Not only do these people kidnap Jamila, but they use Swarm-based powers to remove all trace of her from existence – except it doesn’t work on Danny’s memory. When Danny is kidnapped by Adi – who can run through brick walls and make cars drive on water – he realises that all humans are in danger. It is however worth persevering through the information-heavy sections, and the authors are less prone to them in the second book .There are other, more subtle messages skilfully woven into the stories that are more delicately handled. Hachette Australia acknowledges and pays our respects to the past, present and future Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For instance, when Danny’s mum is talking about some previously detected signals, the conversation with Danny goes like this: “ ‘…the radio waves were being thrown out by a stellar remnant. When Danny's best friend Jamila goes missing, and no one remembers she exists, Danny knows the alien Swarm are back on Earth.