S. G. Basu

Maia and the Xifarian Conspiracy (The Lightbound Saga) (Volume 1) S. G. Basu 1st edition

The chance of living the life of a regular thirteen year old was never hers, Maia knows that much. Her dead mother is an alleged turncoat; her people are practically slaves to the Xifarians-a race of ruthless, space travelers; her planet is near extinction. Maia keeps hoping, however. Of evading the Xifarians and of someday atoning for the sins of her mother. Maia has learnt to be careful, she is cautious. Until the day she gives in to the charms of a gypsy boy and the allure of flying his glider. And then, all Maia's plans fall apart.
 
Spotted by Xifarian scouts, Maia is recruited into a dubious peace initiative. She had never considered visiting the galaxy roving planet-spaceship of Xif; she had never imagined meeting or befriending a Jjord - the reclusive people from the under-ocean colonies. But all that is about to happen, and Maia's life is about to change forever . . .
 
Maia and the Xifarian Conspiracy is a daring space adventure and a coming-of-age story. It is a riveting tale in which the young hero's journey of self-discovery parallels the timeless search for friendship, knowledge, and truth.