Newly published 17-year-old Kingborough writer, Madeline Lowe, and her 17-year-old co-author, Layla Ottaway, have written a family-friendly sci-fi novel for readers aged 10 and up.

The book featured as part of the Tassie Indie Author Book Fair on Saturday, May 8, where young authors read from their novel.

Planet Alterra is a 150-page novel set on a colonised planet full of hybrid creatures and follows the exciting adventures of Splash, a fish-human hybrid created in an experimental lab, who escapes and tries to make sense of the world she finds herself in.

The story combines action with humour.

Madeline said writing the novel had been a two-year project and releasing it was a dream come true for her and Layla.

“We worked so hard, learned so much about the writing process and had a lot of laughs along the way,” Madeline said.

“I hope that young readers of sci-fi will enjoy Planet Alterra and will sense the drama and humour we have put into it.”

The novel is suitable for readers aged 10 and up.

The novel can also be ordered by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and the young authors can be followed through the Instagram account @planet.alterra.book.official

Picutred: Madeline Lowe (right), and co-author, Layla Ottaway (left), have written a family-friendly sci-fi novel titled Planet Alterra. (PS)