Brightly Burning, written by Alexa Donne, reviewed by Carrie Conner

Summary:  The earth has been plunged into an ice age and the global powers (and the super rich) now live in spaceships orbiting safely above. This teenage science-fiction romance is a reimaging of Jane Eyre. Stella is a teen orphan and an engineer on a failing ship until she gets a job on the luxurious private ship, the Rochester. Moving ships means better water rations and food quality, but working for Captain Hugo brings many mysteries as well. In her position as a governess for his younger sister, Stella grows closer to Hugo and discovers there is more going on with his position of power within the fleet. Torn between her heart and her conscience, Stella must decide if her true place is with Hugo or her former shipmates of her own class.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Skillfully mixing science fiction with a classic story, this adaptation will be more enjoyable for those familiar with Jane Eyre and open to a reimagining.  A comparison with the classic would be a natural curricular connection for High School. This book is more romance than science-fiction, but elements like environmental disasters, survival of the species, population control, disease, and vaccines are discussed in realistic terms. Power/class structure and abusive governments are also themes. There is mild sexual content limited to kissing only, some violence, use of alcohol, and very limited strong language. There is some diversity present, but in minor characters. However, gender roles are equitable and Stella is a positive role-model as a skilled engineer while also maintaining a conscience and self-sacrificing for the greater good.