Losers in Space

by

Hardcover, 433 pages

English language

Published Feb. 11, 2012 by Viking.

ISBN:
978-0-670-06156-3
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5 stars (1 review)

In 2129 no one has to work for a living.

But there is one job people would kill for: PROFESSIONAL CELEBRITY.

The girl: Susan Tervaille, 16-year-old daughter of a famous actor.

The guy: Derlock Slabilis, 16-year-old son of the most famous media lawyer on the planet.

The problem: No children of celebrities can inherit their parents' money unless they earn the rank of professional celebrity, too.

The solution: Stow away (with their friends) on a Mars-bound ship. The publicity will cement their fame and futures.

The real problem: Derlock is a sociopath.

This description comes from the publisher.

1 edition

reviewed Losers in Space by John Barnes

Review of 'Losers in Space' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

He grins. “I know a woman who falls for a partial derivative when I see one.”

you know, this was actually rather superb? The potential ability and intellect of these kids, set in such a bleak future really comes to shine through. When I thought they were all just airheads and wasn't really expecting much of this story, I assumed it would just be an average read. But the first EVA just over half way through brought a tear to my eye and from then on, it was clear to me I was hooked and cared about what happened. SO that's a great sign right there.

whilst I can't really get behind all the slang and moral torpidity and the medianess is extreme, this is still a brave, engaging work with a lot riding inside.