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Synopsis
After a forty-year journey from an Earth left teetering on the brink of nuclear Armageddon, the United Nations colonial starship *Unity* reaches the lone habitable planet orbiting Alpha Centauri's primary star, bringing with it the hope of a new beginning for the human race. Hope turns to ashes when, on final approach to the new world, a mysterious, malfunction damages the ship, triggering a crisis that results in the death of the captain and a rash of infighting over the ship's undamaged colony pods. The *Unity* breaks apart in space and seven colonial factions are scattered across the surface of the planet. As the *Unity* survivors struggle to rebuild human civilization on this strange and mysterious alien world, old tensions resurface and on man sets in motion forces that man destroy any dream of a lasting peace.
Is Centauri Dawn appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
This science fiction novel depicts humanity's struggle to colonize a new world after Earth's collapse, with themes of political conflict, factional violence, and character death during the ship's catastrophic arrival.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include death, mass death, and violence (see the full list above).
Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.
Who'll love this
Teens who love stories about space exploration, colony survival, and political drama will enjoy this tale of humanity's fresh start on an alien world.