Black Mirror meets What If It’s Us in this gripping, romantic, and wildly surprising novel about two boys lost in space trying to find their way home—while falling in love—from the critically acclaimed author of We Are the Ants.
When Noa closes his eyes on Earth and wakes up on a spaceship called Qriosity just as it’s about to explode, he’s pretty sure things can’t get much weirder.
Boy is he wrong.
Trapped aboard Qriosity are also DJ and Jenny, neither of whom remember how they got onboard the ship. Together, the three face all the dangers of space, along with murder, aliens, a school dance, and one really, really bad day. But none of this can prepare Noa for the biggest challenge—falling in love. And as Noa’s feelings for DJ deepen, he has to contend not just with the challenges of the present, but also with his memories of the past.
However, nothing is what it seems on Qriosity, and the truth will upend all of their lives forever.
Love is complicated enough without also trying to stay alive.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
★ “Questions about death and the afterlife, identity, and the role of
memories, as well as rebuilding one’s self after trauma, mingle with clever meta commentary on how we consume and critique media (such as Hutchinson’s cheeky nod to the “bury your gays” trope). The vulnerable, empathetic characters are full of personality and ground the high-concept premise with relatable issues.”
–Booklist starred review
“Hutchinson skillfully balances high-stakes action and mind-bending plot twists with humor and profundity. The result is a wildly ambitious, wackily imaginative tale that will leave readers craving a sequel.”
–Publisher’s Weekly
“Thrilling twists keep the conflict surprising, and, as the title suggests, a romance simmers between Noa and DJ. Through their love story, Hutchinson explores topics of consent, trauma survival, and the significance of #ownvoices storytelling…A riveting ride through the stars.”
–Kirkus
“When events get curioser and curioser, love seems to conquer all. A great addition for those who enjoy mixed-up romance stories.”
–School Library Journal
“The novel’s lighthearted narrative and tone likewise give way to thoughtful explorations of the tropes, types, and trends that plague serialized media for teens.”
–Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
A Complicated Love Story Set in Space contains the following: