Star Splitter

Star Splitter takes place in a distant future in which the problem of interstellar travel is solved by scanning a person, turning their body and consciousness into a data file, and then using a 3D biological printer to replicate them in another location. The original body is destroyed.

Jessica's parents are scientists who left her at the age of eleven with her grandparents on earth to explore far away stars and planets. They have been gone for six years. They ask her to join them to survey a planet that has undergone a massive extinction event caused by a giant volcano. She finds herself awaking in a printer in a crashed lander on the planet. There are multiple graves and a familiar stranger who is keeping secrets from her.

Star Splitter is an incredible mix of sci-fi, horror and thriller, and had me addicted from the beginning. It is told in dual timelines which heightens the suspense. Star Splitter is thought provoking and unsettling as it raises many questions about the nature of consciousness and personhood, as well as the ethics and costs of interstellar travel and exploration. I liked that there was no romance, which is refreshing in YA. The ending leaves some questions unanswered, and I would have liked more of an epilogue, but I think the author did this purposefully. Star Splitter is absolutely gripping, intriguing and unique. Thank you to BookishFirst for a copy to review.