Ultraball #2: Deathstrike

The stakes are extreme in the second book of Jeff Chen’s futuristic, action-packed Ultraball series. Win-or-lose turns into life-or-death in this thrilling middle grade adventure tailor-made for sports and sci-fi fans.

Strike and the Miners are hungrier than ever for a championship after losing yet another Ultrabowl. When they suffer a shocking defeat in their season opener, Strike knows that something is off with his game, but the secret hampering his play is too large to reveal.

If he can’t perform at the highest level, what chances do the Miners have against the unstoppable Neutrons?

Worse yet, his powerful enemy, Raiden Zuna, knows Strike is hiding something. Zuna offers to help, and Strike is tempted—but the information Zuna wants in return threatens Strike’s friend Boom, as well as the growing Dark Side resistance. When rumors surface about Zuna’s mysterious grand plan, code-named Operation Deathstrike, Strike’s choice could have consequences he never anticipated.

Even as the Ultraball games ratchet up in intensity, with teams using explosive new tactics to reach the Ultrabowl, Strike has bigger decisions to make if he wants to keep his teammates—and the moon—safe.

With a shadowy enemy closing in and a rebellion on the line, can one quarterback make the right choice when every option is a betrayal?

• Futuristic Sports Action: Experience the bone-crushing intensity of Ultraball, where armored players battle for a championship and mecha suit tactics decide who survives.
• A Hero with a Secret: Star quarterback Strike is hiding a career-ending secret, and his game is suffering. If he can’t find a solution, the Miners’ season is over.
• A Dangerous Enemy: The ruthless Raiden Zuna knows Strike is vulnerable and makes an offer he can’t refuse—one that could betray his friend Boom and the entire resistance.
• A Dystopian Conspiracy: Uncover the truth behind the mysterious "Operation Deathstrike" as Strike realizes the fate of his teammates, and the entire moon, is in his hands.

“Plenty of twists to keep readers guessing. Every Ultraball game is tightly written with great clarity... an intriguing hybrid of football and sci-fi with plenty of butt jokes.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Chen’s debut delivers a smart and subtle exploration of socioeconomic inequality. Sf and sports readers alike will enjoy the futuristic dystopia Chen has created. Fans of Mike Lupica, Dan Gutman, and Tim Green looking to get their feet wet in sf should be directed to this series opener.” - ALA Booklist

“Fart jokes and cheesy banter makes this well suited for a middle school audience.” - School Library Journal