A spine-tingling thriller by New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune, about a 10-year-old girl with an impossible power, her father, and an unlikely stranger, who come together to confront the dangerous forces that want her at all costs. A strange story of family, love, comets, and bacon. Perfect for fans of Stranger Things.

In the spring of 1995, Nate Cartwright has lost everything: his parents are dead, his older brother wants nothing to do with him, and he’s been fired from his job as a journalist in Washington DC. With nothing left to lose, he returns to his family’s summer cabin outside the small mountain town of Roseland, Oregon to try and find some sense of direction. The cabin should be empty. It’s not. Inside is a man named Alex. And with him is an extraordinary little girl who calls herself Artemis Darth Vader. Artemis, who isn’t exactly as she appears.

Soon it becomes clear that Nate must make a choice: let himself drown in the memories of his past, or fight for a future he never thought possible. Because the girl is special. And forces are descending upon them who want nothing more than to control her.

At the Publisher’s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

TJ Klune has once again proven why he is an auto-buy author for me. Departing from his more fantastical works like “The House in the Cerulean Sea” and “Under the Whispering Door,” this novel ventures into a gripping sci-fi narrative reminiscent of “Stranger Things” and “Escape to Witch Mountain” (a movie I loved as a kid). It carries Klune’s signature warmth, wit, and exploration of found-family dynamics while wrapping it in an action-packed, emotionally resonant story that is impossible to put down.

Set in 1995, the novel follows Nate Cartwright, a man who has always been somewhat adrift, but when the book begins, he feels especially alone. Nate recently lost his job as a reporter, lost both his parents to a murder/suicide, and has no meaningful connection to his estranged brother. After his parent’s death, Nate inherited the family’s old cabin in the remote mountains of Roseland, Oregon, along with his father’s old truck. Nate flies back to Oregon to spend some quiet time alone, but when he arrives, he finds a couple of unexpected visitors squatting in the cabin. A mysterious man named Alex and an extraordinary young girl who calls herself Artemis Darth Vader are hiding out and, at first, are convinced that Nate is part of a group that has been chasing them. However, they’re not especially clear as to why. From there, the story launches into a whirlwind of danger, adventure, revelations, and – as expected in a Klune novel – a fantastic, found family dynamic that’ll tug at your heartstrings.

For readers familiar with Klune’s previous works, the found-family trope is here in full force, and as always, it feels like a great big hug. But where many of his previous novels are tinged with whimsy, this novel is tinged with action and a sense of urgency and danger, which was a welcome surprise. While the emotional beats of the story are its backbone, this is a fast-paced and suspenseful ride. The sci-fi elements are subtle but effective, blending seamlessly into the grounded 1990s setting. This would make a fantastic movie. As I mentioned earlier, it was almost like a gay “Escape to Witch Mountain,” and I loved that!

The main cast of characters is as loveable as you would expect in a Klune novel. Nate’s inner turmoil, Artemis’s infectious charm, and Alex’s quiet strength create a trio of characters that balance each other perfectly. The bond between the three develops organically, with Klune taking his time to explore the small, tender moments that make their relationships feel authentic. Nate’s journey of self-discovery and healing is beautifully woven into the narrative, and his growing attachment to Artemis and romantic attachment to Alex is both heartwarming and bittersweet.

The ending is as poignant as it is satisfying, delivering an emotional payoff that left me teary. Despite its sci-fi underpinnings, the novel is fundamentally about humanity and really speaks to LGBTQIA+ readers like me – especially those of us who have had to build our own family because we didn’t get the support we needed from the family we were born into.

For longtime fans of TJ Klune, this book is a must-read. It showcases his ability to explore new genres while maintaining the heart and humor that make his writing so beloved. For new readers, this is an excellent introduction to his work, offering a story that is both thrilling and deeply moving. Whether you’re drawn in by the sci-fi premise or the promise of a heartfelt found-family narrative, this book will definitely entertain you. It’s a journey you won’t soon forget.