Bianca Breen, Made of Steam and Stardust, Stag Beetle Books, May 2025, 288 pp., RRP $26.99 (pbk), ISBN 9798889170495
I loved the alternating points of view in this debut YA sci-fi novel by West Australian author Breen. The plot zips along, switching between the feisty inventor Gerdie and her bestie, the tortured Leo. In a classic sci-fi trope, he’s a young man in denial of his great destiny. Then there’s their mysterious new friend, Fell, who has strange powers and turns out to be out of this world in more ways than one.
Set in the 2300s, Earth is a fond memory and trees are almost a thing of the past. When a comet is found to be hurtling towards her planet, Gerdie sets herself the goal of inventing something to stop it.
The novel will appeal to sci-fi and cli-fi fans who enjoy reading about feisty teen characters. Copies can be purchased from the author’s website.
Reviewed by Heather Gallagher
