An antediluvian culture hidden at the Earth’s core rises to the surface in C. S. Wachter’s Lander’s Legacy. When his grandfather passes away, teenager Lander Devlin’s life comes crashing down. On the run from mysterious agents, his only hope lies with a family he’s never met and powers he has only begun to unearth. With help from Noah’s God and some unexpected friends, Lander might survive long enough to discover not only his legacy as a child of Core Dwellers, but his destiny as a Stone Sovereign. Lander’s Legacy stacks modern thrills and complex characters on a foundation of biblical what-ifs. The story’s compelling start leads to a slower and relationship-driven middle, before the action climbs in the final chapters. Beware a cliffhanger that leads directly into book two.

Best for: Pre-teen and teenage boys as well as any fans of lost worlds, superpowered characters, and conspiracy stories

Discern: Violent scenes include torture and medical experiments, someone kills in self-defense, people refer to “Noah’s God” and discuss prayer and religious beliefs.