Author Mike Kilroy is best known for his novel “Nine Meals”, which is an apocalyptic story that readers have even compared to George Orwell’s works. Those who have read his first book will not be disappointed by the second one, as it is written in the same clever and engaging style. “The 17” is unlike any other science-fiction/fantasy book for teenagers: it starts from a very original premise, and the conclusion is like nothing readers would expect.

Zack Earnest is just an average 17-year-old boy. He’s not very popular, but he’s not an outcast either. His life is normal and quite uninteresting until he is kidnapped by an ancient race of aliens known as the Ankhs. He is taken to a world where the Ankhs keep many other prisoners, and conduct weird experiments that Zack can’t even begin to understand. All he knows is that he must do his best to survive and hope that one day he will be able to go back on Earth.

The world Mike Kilroy has created is incredible. Little by little, Zack learns a couple of things about the Ankhs, and he is both fascinated and terrified by their power and technological advances. It seems that the Ankhs are dying and the only thing that may keep them alive is a certain “Spark” they have been searching for a long time. They believe that Zack and the other prisoners might possess it, so they’re ready to try everything to get it from them. Even though he is busy staying alive, Zack finds the time to fall in love, dream, and make plans for the future. He is determined to find out what the Ankhs really want and how he can escape their planet.

“The 17” is a must-read for anyone who likes fast-paced novels with complex world-building and likeable characters. Even though the target audience might seem to be teenagers and young adults, adults will also enjoy it greatly, as the messages behind the story speak clearly to anyone, regardless of age. Zack’s story is about the power of will, about hope, patience, acceptance, and redemption. It is a story that readers will not easily forget.

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