Future Hack

by Dana Klisanin, Yeyan Xu (Illustrator)

What if the key to saving the future lay in a technology that makes love visible―even after death?

Lexa Andromeda is just a normal twelve-year-old girl, until the day her dog dies.

She's at a loss―until she discovers pranking. It's fun, it's easy, and it gives her something to do while she mourns. But when one prank goes too far, Lexa finds herself sent to Thistleton Academy―a prestigious boarding school for "Highly Creatives" like her.

And that's when things start getting weird. Lexa soon discovers a sinister plot that could lead to a mass extinction event. Join Lexa, her friends, and a mysterious time traveler as they navigate the dangerous halls of Thistleton and work to reveal the truth and save the world before it's too late.

344 pages, Hardcover

Published October 24, 2023

Reviews

[Adam Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dana Klisanin's "Future Hack" immerses readers in a captivating narrative that revolves around the determined and environmentally-conscious protagonist, Lexa Andromeda. Lexa's unyielding commitment to preserving the environment sets the stage for an exhilarating journey filled with twists and turns. When a seemingly harmless prank goes awry, Lexa's parents redirect her fervor towards the Thistleton Academy for Highly Creatives, unaware of the dark secrets lurking within its walls. As Lexa and her friends navigate the complexities of the academy, a shocking revelation about an impending extinction event thrusts them into a rapid race against time.

Lexa's magnetic determination and unwavering resolve strikes deeply within readers, while the presence of her beloved late dog, Zara, adds layers of emotion and depth to her already complex character. Alongside Lexa, characters like Jack contribute to the narrative with their intelligence, unwavering loyalty, and unique perspectives, enriching the story's tapestry with diverse viewpoints. Klisanin's vivid writing brings each character to life, fostering a profound connection between readers and the cast of characters.

The deliberate pacing at the story's outset lays a powerful foundation for the unfolding mystery, allowing for the careful establishment of Lexa's background, values, and the precise dynamics of the Thistleton Academy. As the narrative accelerates, the intrigue surrounding the academy and the looming threat of extinction propels the story forward, keeping readers eagerly turning pages in anticipation of what's to come.

"Future Hack" not only offers a compelling exploration of environmental conservation, creativity, and responsibility but also serves as a poignant reminder of the power of friendship, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Klisanin's masterful storytelling and meticulous character development ensure an immersive and thought-provoking reading experience that leaves a lasting impression on readers, inviting them to ponder its themes long after the final page is turned.

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dana Klisanin’s Future Hack introduces readers to Lexa Andromeda, a protagonist both fearless and deeply committed to environmental preservation. The narrative takes off when an ill-conceived prank leads Lexa into serious trouble, prompting her supportive but disappointed parents to channel her fervor into a constructive outlet: the Thistleton Academy for Highly Creatives. However, the academy is not as it appears, and the revelation of an impending extinction event, disclosed by a time traveler, catapults Lexa and her friends into a quest to unearth Thistleton’s secrets and advocate for a brighter future.

Lexa, with her charismatic and determined spirit, truly resonates with the reader. Her late Saluki, Zara, remains a poignant memory throughout the story, enriching Lexa’s character with depth and resilience. Jack, another student at the academy, is particularly notable for his intelligence and loyalty. Klisanin’s prose brings each character to life with distinctive personalities and expressive dialogues, effectively weaving themes of nature, environmental stewardship, friendship, and responsibility into the fabric of the narrative.

Initially, the story takes a measured pace to establish Lexa’s background and her family’s environmental ethos. This slower start lays a solid foundation for the ensuing action and mystery that grip the reader once Lexa steps into Thistleton Academy. Klisanin’s meticulous character development ensures a connection between the reader and the characters, fostering a deep empathy for their journeys.

Future Hack is a compelling exploration of environmental conservation’s complexities, underscored by the importance of creativity and perseverance. Klisanin has crafted a world where young, creative minds confront significant challenges, making this book a notable contribution to young adult speculative fiction.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Katie Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very cute and entertaining, would be great for ages 7-14! Without giving too much away, this is a great action-packed story that teaches kids about the importance of environmental conservation and the protection of wildlife. Kids who are deemed as "problem children" after committing acts of activism are sent to a school where they learn things are not as they seem! Give it a read!

I work at a S.T.E.M. school so after finishing I donated it to our library for students to enjoy!