Take Indiana Jones, mixed with Lara Croft, and set in the largest, twistiest, most dangerous escape room to ever exist ever, and you’ve got Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner’s thrilling adventure story, Unearthed. This book was so amazing. Space operas are one of my most genres and Amie and Meagan write some of the best galactic adventures I’ve ever read.

One of the greatest aspects of this book is the characters. Jules and Mia are so fun to read about and get to know. Jules is just the biggest geek, filled with wonder and excitement and knowledge about the alien race known as the Undying. All he wants to do is find the answers left by the Undying that will clear his father’s name and restore his honor. He never expects to stumble upon Mia, a scavenger, who is also searching for a way to save her little sister from a life of enslavement. Mia is fierce and strong, clever with numbers, and so, so funny. Their banter is excellent, and I wouldn’t complain one bit if book two featured even more of it. I also really like the development each character undergoes as an individual and then later, together, in both a working and romantic manner. They need each other in order to survive and solve the puzzles presented by the ancient temple, and that is expressed very well throughout the entire book.

For me, this book was close to perfect, but there were still a drawback or two. It felt oddly slow in the beginning, which is weird because the action begins almost immediately. I think the problem was that initially there was a bit of info dumping, and it’s done introspectively rather than through dialogue. This makes sense for the plot, because a big part of these characters is their initial reaction of “I must keep my agenda a secret from this other person so it can’t be used against me” which is fine, and works well for the rest of the story. It just made the initial pacing a bit slow. The only other qualm I had while reading was that some of the puzzles seemed too simple. I am someone who loves puzzles and problem solving, and escape rooms, which are a huge trend right now. This entire book felt like one giant escape room to me, which was so cool, because I’ve experienced quite a few of them but haven’t really ever read anything that portrays them in a some way or another. I was okay with some of the puzzles being seemingly easy the further I got into the book because of all the other plot twists that started coming left and right.

I really loved this book. Mia and Jules are wonderful, the story is well plotted and mostly fast paced, and the puzzles and escape room vibe really speaks to my soul. The wait for book two is going to be excruciating, especially after the mind-boggling ending that left me saying “NOOOO IT CAN’T END LIKE THAT!”

*Thank you to Disney-Hyperion and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

This was an engaging science fiction story told from two viewpoints.

Amelia is a scavver, she searches the abandoned cities on Earth to find tech that can be used as is or stripped for parts. She left school at thirteen because she needed to make money to rescue her sister from indentured servitude. They dream of being able to escape to Los Angeles where an alien invention provides power and clean water. When she is given a chance to go to Gaia, she sees the possibility of riches if she can find some of the tech the Undying left behind.

Jules Addison has a different reason for wanting to go to Gaia. His father was the one who first translated the messages from the Undying but came to believe that it would be dangerous for Earth to explore Gaia to find and use the alien tech. Jules is on the hunt for a mystery buried in the message that he hopes will prove his father right and free him from prison.

These two kids have very different goals but band together because they are not the only ones on the hunt for alien tech. They need to elude a group of scavvers who would be more than willing to steal their stuff and leave them for dead.

Together they travel to an obscure temple that Jules hopes will have the answers he needs. He lies to Amelia about a hidden tech cache there but feels guilty when he learns why she needs to tech. Together they solve clues that let them travel into the heart of the temple. But the scavvers on their trail haven't given up and capture them again.

This story had great world building. I liked the relationship that grows between Jules and Amelia. I liked the mystery of the Undying and the way Jules and Amelia have to combine their skills to solve the puzzles that the Undying have left.

This story has betrayal and romance. It has adventure and discovery. It has an ending that comes as quite a surprise and makes me very eager for the next book in this series.

ARC courtesy of Netgally

Mia is a scavenger dropped on an alien planet in a different galaxy to raid the tombs of the Undying, a race that was killed off centuries before language was even created on our planet. The tech she uncovers might be the payday she’s been looking for when she gets back to Earth. The Earth as we know it is gone, climate change dramatically altered the landscape so now desert covers most of the country including Chicago where Mia lives close by to her illegal sister and fresh water is scarce.
Jules is a prodigy from Oxford sent on a mission to uncover the secrets of the aliens that lived on Gaia before the last nuclear blast that annihilated the population of the planet. He believes he knows the secrets of the broadcast sent to Earth from the Undying and might be the key to cracking the riddles left behind. The discovery he’s trying to make could be the key to redeeming his family’s name, or could be the salvation for the planet the International Alliance (IA) has been searching for.
Their worlds couldn’t be any different. Jules grew up with face-to-face lectures from the brightest teachers in the country and plays water polo, Mia drops out of her virtual classroom when she was 13 to keep her family financially afloat. When fate throws them together Jules’s knowledge of the Undying, and Mia’s uncanny ability for math and street smarts may keep them alive long enough to solve the riddles left in the tomb before time runs out and it’s not just ancient riddles that are trying to kill them. What they find may be the salvation for the planet, or the end of Earth as they know it.

I was SO excited when I got my digital ARC of this book! I was a huge fan of Kaufman and Spooner’s This Shattered World series so I was very excited to start reading this one! I really enjoyed how this book was more than just a typical adventure type book. At first glance the two characters seem like they are the stereotypical polar opposites that are forced together to make it through the tomb alive. But as the story progresses you see that while Jules is well educated and grew up learning about this culture, Mia is a quick study keeping pace with the riddles being solved and assists with her different perspective on things. They are a great team and they keep you entertained through the whole book. I must admit, there were a few times when reading that I was wondering what else could possibly happen in this book. While there were a few moments when it felt like the story could have ended, once completing the book it is the perfect setup for the rest of the series. The last few paragraphs will drive you crazy while you wait for the next book to be released! A fast paced, Indiana Jones in space! Cannot wait to read the sequel!

Earth is suffering from environmental damage and limited resources when they receive a message from an alien race that went extinct before humans had language. The Undying were advanced beyond anything humans have invented and the people of Earth hoped that this would be the key to reversing the devastation that has ravaged the planet. Jules wants to study this alien culture and Amelia is only interested in earning enough money for herself and her sister. When this unlikely pair ends up stuck with each other, the stakes change and the outcome cannot be predicted.

Unearthed is the first book in a new series with the same title. This science fiction tale is set in the not too distant future when humans realize their mistakes and are trying to find solutions. As most people know, the ends do not always justify the means and our two lead characters discover many shady transactions and not so honest people. Kaufman has created a new storyline that is easy to relate to and readers will quickly find themselves wanting to know what will happen to Jules and Amelia. Readers be forewarned, the ending is not a cliff hanger, but it also will leave you the undeniable need to know what happens next.

4.5 Stars

I will read anything Amie Kaufman writes. She’s easily one of my favorite authors and her books are always a great blend of science-fiction, action, and romance, with a stellar cast. In Unearthed, Kaufman and Spooner create the perfect balance of humor and suspense.

After a broadcast from an alien race is intercepted, many on Earth will do anything to get to their planet, Gaia, to see what technology and treasure it holds. Mia and Jules are on Gaia for different reasons, but circumstances make them come together in order to survive and have a chance at accomplishing their goals, especially when they are not the only humans on Gaia vying for what's there.

I love how she (and her co-authors) pair unlikely duos together (Tarver and Lilac, Hanna and Nic). It creates some great dialogue and situations. Amelia and Jules are no different. Mia has street smarts while Jules is book smart. Together, their intelligence combines to help them through some tricky traps and puzzles set up by the Undying. I liked seeing the girl be the one who knew how to survive in dire times and the boy be the one with smooth hands and a previous luxury lifestyle.

And that ending! I did not see that coming! I can’t believe I have to wait until 2019 to find out what happens next.

THIS WAS AMAZING!!

Love love love Mia and Jules. She sassy and he’s British and together they’re adorable. I love getting dual POV and each of them were charismatic characters who were easy to root for. Plus there’s some kissing and deliciously long glances when the other one isn’t looking.

Plot wise, it’s like a scavenger hunt x a million. There’s so much on the line for Mia and Jules, that it really made for some excellent tension. The story starts off with a bang and doesn’t let go. It’s fast paced and captivating, with a few reveals and one hell of an ending.

As always, Amie and Meagan have written a fabulous story. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

**Huge thanks to Disney Hyperion for providing the arc free of charge**

On the surface this is a space western featuring scavenger Mia and scholar Julius, who arrive on their own to the mysterious planet Gaia with hidden agendas. For Mia it's about saving her illegal sister from a life of servitude, and worse once she reaches a certain age. Julius wants to not only study the planet and the alien race who built its technology, he also wants to prove his father was right and the alien race known as the Undying are dangerous. Once the pair run into one another they tiptoe around their true motives even while growing closer and learning to trust and rely on each other. Set up as a giant mystery full of questions, who are the undying, why did they send a message to earth and can they be trusted. This is more of an adventure tale of archaeologists, exploring an ancient city and using intellect to piece together the past. With death constantly a likelihood it makes the quiet moments of discovery all that more poignant. Crafted with characters that are multifaceted, and two main characters who aren't afraid to question anything this is more than your typical YA book. This is a book the can appeal to a multitude of readers since it crosses multiple genres, even despite its long length. The only problem with this book is waiting for book two to come out.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1813644383?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

Fantastic. Caught my attention from page one and never let up. The characters are real, flaws and all and the story captures the imagination. I thought the Starbound trilogy was exceptional and this one seems set to follow in its footsteps. This writing duo have nailed it. Many thanks for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

An exciting ride of adventure and discovery to be shared with a fantastic duo of characters.

Thank You Net Galley for the free ARC. Reads a lot like the game "Room" where you must solve puzzles to escape a room of secrets. The basic story is spoiled rich boy meets scavenger girl and they fall in love, except we are on the planet Gaya. ( Gaya, of course, is the earth Goddess).

3.5 Kaufman and Spooner can't seem to miss! Creative, action-packed, and lots of chemistry!

Pub date: Jan 2018
3.5 Cliffhanger alert! This was an exciting adventure read, with 2 strong characters and a budding romance. I was hoping that I knew where it was going and then BAM! Cliffhanger. Can't wait to read the next one!

Scholar Jules Addison and scavenger Amelia Radcliffe join forces to unravel secrets of a long-extinct civilization, only to discover something that could spell the end of the human race (from the publisher). Awesome book, fast paced with lots of twists and turns. Would recommend to individuals 6th grade and up.

Unearthed was a fun sci-fi read with a great cliffhanger ending making the wait for a sequel seem too long.

Thank you to Netgalley and Disney Hyperion for the review copy of this book! I have loved Amie Kaufman ever since I read Illuminae, and I'm always interested to see what she will write next -- I was THRILLED to be approved for a copy of this ARC, because the story was billed as Lara Croft + Indiana Jones, in space, with a dash of Doctor Who....Basically, this book was tailor made for me!
The story takes place on a distant planet, accessible from Earth by a portal, but kept under close guard by the government of Earth. The planet was once home to "The Undying", and there are serious arguments about how their technology should be used or preserved. The tale flips viewpoints between Amelia, the smuggler trying to make enough to survive on Earth, and Jules, the intellectual archaeologist trying to preserve all of the knowledge and artifacts left by the Undying. Predictably, the two team up, and have a romance.
I loved all of the scientific aspects of this book, the archaeology, the technology needed to survive on the other planet etc. The story was a lot of fun, and I'm excited to both recommend it to my students and to see what happens in Unearthed 2!

Sometimes, reading a really good book is like running my palm along the smooth side of a long sword...with my fingers curled around its very sharp blade. Being entranced by the flow of good prose or the seamlessness of a smart plot is like feeling the evenness of cold metal, but as a writer, I inevitably compare my skills to the writers of such good books and feel that I'll never write that good, thus the cutting feeling. Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner are two such writers, and their soon-to-be-released book Unearthed is one such book. It was phenomenally good, which left me feeling both elated and a little disheartened. But you will love it.

What Unearthed is About

From Amazon: When Earth intercepts a message from a long-extinct alien race, it seems like the solution the planet has been waiting for. The Undying's advanced technology has the potential to undo environmental damage and turn lives around, and Gaia, their former home planet, is a treasure trove waiting to be uncovered. For Jules Addison and his fellow scholars, the discovery of an alien culture offers unprecedented opportunity for study... as long as scavengers like Amelia Radcliffe don't loot everything first. Mia and Jules' different reasons for smuggling themselves onto Gaia put them immediately at odds, but after escaping a dangerous confrontation with other scavvers, they form a fragile alliance. In order to penetrate the Undying temple and reach the tech and information hidden within, the two must decode the ancient race's secrets and survive their traps. But the more they learn about the Undying, the more their presence in the temple seems to be part of a grand design that could spell the end of the human race.

Why You'll Like It

This book is, to some extent, reminiscent of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, with a young archaeologist having to find a very ancient, long-abandoned temple in the middle of a desert, interpret the glyphs etched therein, and survive the puzzles that the creators of the temple left behind to prevent anyone unworthy from reaching its center. There's even an encounter with an "alien" race and a giant artifact. If Unearthed doesn't get made into a movie--a better version of Temple of Doom--I will give up on any hope I ever had of Hollywood having good sense.

It's phenomenal, for one, because of the premise. The Earth is dying. Amelia is on Gaia to scavenge something from one of the Undying's temples to take back to Earth and sell so that she can get her 14-year-old sister out of bondage, since they're parentless and Amelia had to become part of a scavenger group in order to provide the necessities of life for them. Jules is there because it was his father who originally decrypted the message sent from the Undying to Earth, then seemed to go crazy on live television saying that there was a hidden message that showed the Undying to be not as benevolent as they seemed. Jules wants to prove that his father wasn't crazy by discovering proof of whatever the Undying's true motive might be. Her goals are the opposite of his, but they have to unite against a common enemy to survive. In uniting, they eventually discover that they like each other...alot, but their goals can't change.

Which leads me to the second reason I really liked this book: the main characters. The juxtaposition of Jules, a genius British teenage archaeologist, and Amelia, a street-smart American teenager, makes for many funny, "spicy" moments. There's this paragraph, spoken by Jules, for example:

"The Undying certainly knew how to roll out the welcome mat," I manage, meeting her gaze. She's as rattled as me, and I know that endless fall will be flashing behind her eyelids as she tries to sleep tonight--just as it will behind mine. Assuming we survive until bedtime. "If this is the welcome mat, I'd hate to see their 'do not disturb'," she manages, with a weak laugh.

Or this sentence, spoken by Amelia:

A cliff like this has got to look like death on a tea sandwich to someone like him.

Because of the premise, there aren't alot of other characters that come into play until just before halfway through the book, and even then, they aren't very well-developed, but Amelia and Jules' banter and bickering is plenty entertaining.

And the fact that the plot depends so much on the actions, feelings, and reactions of these two characters makes the fact that it is so awesome that much more amazing. What I mean by that is you wouldn't think that it would allow for too many plot twists, but it does. In fact, there are several insane twists that I was totally shocked by, but in retrospect, realized that they had been well-built-up to, oftentimes quite surreptitiously. Well done, Amie and Meagan, well done.

I do have to say, in the spirit of a nutrition facts label, that there was a lot of swearing (primarily on Amelia's part).  I lost track after 54 swear words, which happened probably around two-thirds of the way through the book. And I didn't like the cover, but that's just me.

And the book ends with one of the biggest cliffhangers I've ever read. I hate cliffhangers with a passion, mind you, because I think they're unfair to the readers and manipulative on the part of the publishers, but I will be waiting on pins and needles for the sequel to this.

I asked for this book through NetGalley because I'd read Amie and Meagan's Starbound Trilogy, which I reviewed here and which is also very good, and Amie's Illuminae, a YA sci-fi horror-ish graphic novel (graphic in the sense that it's told with visuals as well as text). I knew going on that they're writing was going to be good, but I think they've outdone themselves this time. So, off I go back to further revise my second manuscript and study the craft so that I can one day publish a book as good as this.

If you go to AmieKaufman.com/preorder, you can preorder the book (it comes out in January) and be entered to win some really cool stuff, like your name in the sequel to the book. On her site, she does say that the book is being made into a movie so whew!

"Unearthed" was amazing. Mia and Jules are unexpectedly partnered up to race through temples and across an alien planet. Mia is streetwise where Jules is educated and "proper." There's definitely an us vs. them theme throughout the novel; teenagers vs. adults, rich vs. poor, book educated vs. street educated, aliens vs. humans, etc. I enjoyed having the story told through Mia's and Jules' perspective in alternating chapters. Both voices felt authentic and I liked both characters.
I can't wait for the next installment!

Fun YA read about temple <s>raiding</s> investigation on a distant planet, with a bit of a romance, tons of danger ... and a cliffhanger.

At the 95% mark, I started to get nervous. I mean, I didn't travel halfway across the universe to be left dangling in the middle of the story! They got me.

Mia was a fun, over-impulsive heroine, Jules was naive but interesting, there were some plot holes, but overall a fun read, full of adventure. Made to be filmed.

Um, wow!
I was speechless after I read this. I found myself sulking through the last 5-10% because I didn't want it to end.
Sci-fi is definitely not my first choice in any category, but I wanted to take a chance on this as the writer is so well known, and one of the best.
I have a new found love for sci-fi after this one. It sucked me in, kept me there and then blew up in my face in the end. I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!