Published by David Fickling Books, ''The Lost Art'' is probably aimed at older teen/young adult market, but there is no reason why it shouldn't be enjoyed by anybody from about 12 years old onwards (or even younger if happy to read 500+ pages of large type). Yes, it's largely a combination of old tropes, but it's done professionally, skilfully, with enthusiasm and grace. The resulting book works really well and I haven't that much fun with a novel for a while. Highly recommended as a summer read for all s-f fans, and might inspire the younger ones to ask deeper-probing questions.
Thanks to the good people at Random House for sending us this book! We've also got a review of [[Equations of Life by Simon Morden]].
Those ready for a truly grown up space opera of awesome complexity should try [[The Algebraist by Iain M Banks|The Algebraist]] by [[:Category:Iain M Banks|Iain M Banks]].