Randoms

Zeke Reynolds, a sci-fi-obsessed kid, is selected as the random member of a four-teen delegation from Earth to live on an alien space station and help determine whether humanity is worthy of joining a galactic confederation. Unlike the other chosen teens, he has no special talent beyond deep knowledge of science fiction tropes and fandom trivia.

Once in space, Zeke is ostracized by the others, but he finds allies among other “randoms” from alien species who have also been sidelined by their own people. A transport attack and the mission’s fallout complicate everything, leaving Zeke blamed for violence, pursued by enemies, and forced to navigate shifting politics, hidden agendas, and escalating danger.

As the story continues, Zeke’s pop-culture knowledge and growing friendships become unexpectedly useful, and the larger design behind the selection process starts to come into view. The book builds toward revelations about the confederation, the other species, and what the randoms really mean, while setting up the next installment in the series.