Book cover of Loma by Lawrence Nault

Loma - A MacIver Kids Adventure

Paperback: ISBN 978-0-9939636-6-7

Ebook: ISBN 978-0-9939636-7-4

Hardcover: Not Available

by

The MacIver Kids Adventures

Book 1 of 3

Plot Synopsis

When the MacIvers discover a mysterious baby on their doorstep, they have no idea their foster family is about to become part of an intergalactic adventure. Allen, despite his physical disability, grows into a gifted child with uncanny abilities. After strange encounters in the woods reveal his alien origins, Allen and his adoptive siblings must race against time to recover a powerful crystal while protecting their family from a sinister force known as the Loma. This coming-of-age story weaves together science fiction and family drama, exploring themes of belonging, adoption, and the true meaning of family.

Detailed Synopsis

In a quiet suburban neighborhood, the MacIvers—a Scottish couple who foster children—discover a mysterious baby left on their doorstep. The child, Allen, joins their growing family of adopted children, each with their own unique background and story. Despite his unexplained physical disability that affects his legs, Allen grows into a perceptive and gifted child with an uncanny ability to read people's thoughts and emotions.

After a movie night leads to mysterious encounters in the woods, where each child sees a different magical creature, the family discovers Allen's extraterrestrial origins. The alien leader Pinqua reveals their ship crashed years ago, and a vital crystal containing navigational data lies trapped inside a nearby mountain.

As a mysterious virus threatens both Allen and his alien kind, the children must race against time and the sinister Loma to retrieve the crystal. Their adventure tests family bonds, particularly when Amar faces the choice between his adoptive family and the possibility of reuniting with his biological parents.

The story culminates in a dramatic confrontation that transforms both the local forest and the family itself, proving that the strongest bonds aren't those of blood but of choice. Through themes of adoption, disability, cultural identity, and belonging, this tale reminds us that family can include even the most unexpected members—including those from the stars.

Genre Analysis

PRIMARY GENRE: Young Adult Science Fiction

Middle Grade Science Fiction

  • Alien species and technology
  • Interplanetary themes
  • Advanced technology elements
  • Hidden spacecraft
  • Mysterious creatures

Contemporary Fantasy

  • Supernatural elements in everyday settings
  • Magical/otherworldly encounters in familiar places
  • Blend of realistic and fantastic elements

Family Fiction

  • Focus on family relationships
  • Foster/adoption themes
  • Sibling dynamics
  • Intergenerational relationships

Adventure

  • Quest narrative
  • Physical challenges
  • Mystery solving
  • Team-based problem solving

Coming-of-Age

  • Identity exploration
  • Self-discovery
  • Growing independence
  • Making difficult choices

CROSS-GENRE ELEMENTS

Multicultural Fiction

  • Indian cultural elements
  • Scottish heritage
  • Cross-cultural relationships
  • Traditional storytelling

Disability Fiction

  • Positive disability representation
  • Adaptive technology
  • Inclusion themes

Age Range Analysis

RECOMMENDED AGE RANGE: 10-13 (Grades 5-7)

CONTENT COMPLEXITY

  • Complex family dynamics and themes of belonging
  • Romance:Multiple character perspectives
  • Science fiction concepts that require some abstract thinking
  • Emotional depth in character relationships

READING LEVEL FACTORS

  • Vocabulary is challenging but accessible
  • Sentence structure is moderately complex
  • Chapter length and overall book length suit middle-grade readers
  • Balance of dialogue and description appropriate for this age

THEMATIC MATURITY

  • Deals with serious topics (adoption, abandonment, disability) sensitively
  • Contains mild suspense/peril without being overly frightening
  • Explores identity and belonging in ways that resonate with pre-teens
  • Family relationships portrayed with appropriate complexity

SECONDARY AUDIENCES

  • Ages 8-9: More advanced younger readers, but may need support with themes
  • Ages 14+: Could appeal to older readers who enjoy middle-grade sci-fi
Consider with caution for:
  • Under 8: Themes too complex, some emotional content too mature
  • Sensitive readers: May need support with scenes involving the Loma or family separation

Educational Resources

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Book Catalog

Book Series Age Range
Loma
MacIver Kids Adventures 10-13
Diversion
MacIver Kids Adventures 12-17
Titan's Song
MacIver Kids Adventures 12-17
Draconim Lacrima Mortis
Draconim 12-17
Feeding The Fires
Draconim 12-17
Inversion
Standalone 18+
RePHleXions: Echoes of Existence
Standalone 18+
Leviticus 25: Jubilee
Standalone 16+
The Mountain Hermits Animal Tales
Standalone 4-8

Series

MacIver Kids Adventures
Draconim
Standalone Books

Age Categories

Children (4-8)
Teen (10-13)
Young Adult (12-17)
Adult (16+/18+)