Jocasta's Gift

Book excerpt: While studying at the Woodbridge Academy on Earth, Jocasta is surprised to discover that, along with her friend David, she has been selected to train as a cadet for the prestigious Elite Corporation. This involves training on Mars, far away from her family and home, where she will learn all the skills necessary to become one of the special Elite students, who will enhance the work of the corporation.On her journey, she develops new friendships and meets some strange and interesting characters – the fascinating but hostile Antigone and the excitable Tara. Jocasta finds out that every other cadet possesses a talent or gift, be it transmogrification or telepathic ability, but much to her dismay she seems unable to discover what hers might be. Until, that is, she embarks on an illicit and dangerous journey across the plains of the red planet, leaving behind the safety and security of the Elite life.This is the story, not only of Jocasta’s search for her own unique and elusive ability, but of a secret that has long been buried under the shifting red sands of Mars. Jocasta’s Gift is an adventure story that will appeal to children aged 9 to 14 years who enjoy fantasy and science fiction novels. Author Deborah is inspired by a range of authors, including John Wyndham, Enid Blyton, Michael Morpugo, J. K. Rowling and George Orwell.