Ashar of Qarius

by Clare Cooper

When alien creatures attack the Earth colony on the planet Plioctis, a small group of stranded children and their pets must depend for survival upon an unknown form of artificial intelligence that speaks to them through their computer Grandpa.

Genres: Science Fiction

163 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1990

About the author

Brenda Clare Cooper, published as Clare Cooper, is a UK writer, mostly of young adult fantasy and science fiction.

Reviews

[Oscar Maquito · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.8/5

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a YA book, but it is very interesting; I've reread it several times. The teenage protagonist, Kate, finds herself in charge of young William, William's baby sister, a cat and two mice when everyone disappears from the living dome on Plioctis while she is outside looking for the cat. With the help of the computer Grandpa, they make contact with something called Ashar who they hope is going to help them before the Dissgatts come back again. I hope there is a sequel for this - there is plenty of story more to go!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had this recommended to me by one of my fifth graders who is obsessed with Madeline L'Engle. I usually don't like science fiction, but this was a good story and would complement any futuristic survival story well without being too scary. It's out of print, so if you've got a copy keep it for those kids who can't handle Enders Game yet.