Science fiction for ages 10+
A unique sci-fi adventure about a young girl and her robotic best friend as they battle to save the remnants of humanity.
Living 400 years in the future among a forest filled with the rusting shells of giant robots, Violet and Jackdaw steal and trade mysterious marbles that can pause time. Yet time is not on their side. A vicious mutation has spread through the forest and soon, the only habitable place left on the planet will be gone forever.
When Violet finds a marble that will pause time for an entire year, she embarks on a journey to unlock its secrets in the hope that it will be the key to saving the forest.
But Violet is not the only one who knows of the marble’s existence, and soon, everything she knows about her world is turned upside down. Perhaps she should have listened to Jackdaw and left the marble alone? But then, Violet is not that sort of girl…
Filled with time’s trickery, vicious thieves and an elevator to space, The Girl Who Sold Time is perfect for readers of all ages who love feisty girls, sardonic robots and inventive science.
Praise for The Girl Who Sold Time
Middle-grade readers who love thought-provoking SF will find this page-turner of a novel all but unputdownable. […] An obvious selling point here is the courageous and relatable main character, who is dealing with issues that will undoubtedly resonate with the target audience, such as the meaning of family, the power of friendship, and finding one’s place—or purpose—in the world. But Nelson’s impressively deep worldbuilding and backstory, which give the narrative an undeniable timeliness and thematic gravity, is arguably even more of a hook. The author also excels at exploring complex scientific theories and making them palatable for young readers.
An exciting sci-fi adventure for young readers featuring space, robots and gadgets and time-pausing marbles. […] V S Nelson has created a great fictional role model of a girl interested in STEM subjects.
The Girl Who Sold Time is a must-read for fans of imaginative sci-fi, strong female leads, and razor-sharp storytelling. If you like stories with survivalist grit, fast-paced adventure, and a touch of dark humor, this one’s for you.
The Girl Who Sold Time is an absolute win for sci-fi lovers, especially readers who enjoy fast-paced adventures with emotional depth. The mix of survival, friendship, and time-warping mechanics makes it perfect for fans of Scythe, The Hunger Games, and The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August. I’d highly recommend it to students and adults alike—it’s the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you turn the last page. I can’t wait to see what V.S. Nelson writes next!
A top notch, sci-fi mystery filled with twists, turns, suspense and a cast of memorable characters. Fab for middle graders!
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Special editions
Special editions of The Girl Who Sold Time – dedicated and signed along with extra goodies, are available directly from me at my TikTok Shop.
