Sixteen-year-old Ephraim Scott is horrified when he comes home from school and finds his mother unconscious at the kitchen table, clutching a bottle of pills. The reason for her suicide attempt is even more disturbing: she thought she’d identified Ephraim’s body at the hospital that day.
Among his dead double’s belongings, Ephraim finds a strange coin — a coin that grants wishes when he flips it. With a flick of his thumb, he can turn his alcoholic mother into a model parent and catch the eye of the girl he’s liked since second grade. But the coin doesn’t always change things for the better. And a bad flip can destroy other people’s lives as easily as it rebuilds his own.
The coin could give Ephraim everything he’s ever wanted—if he learns to control its power before his luck runs out.
Winner of the 2012 Andre Norton Award for Outstanding Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy Book
Finalist: 2013 Compton Crook Award
Finalist: 2013 British Fantasy Award for Best Newcomer (the Sydney J. Bounds Award)
March 2012, Pyr (OOP)
ISBN: 978-1-61614-609-2
ASIN: B01MRYDZR7
2016, Sharp Point Press (Chinese Edition)
2022, NIEKO RIMTO (Lithuanian Edition)
REVIEWS
“Fair Coin is a fantastic, nonstop thrill ride. I barely remembered to breathe!”
– Sarah Beth Durst, author of Drink, Slay, Love
“Funny, flirtatious, and unexpectedly poignant, Fair Coin takes the phrase ‘be careful what you wish for’ and runs with it. A standout debut from an author to watch.”
– Lauren McLaughlin, author of Scored
“This one reminded me a lot of Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies. There’s so much to love here: madcap adventure, chewy theoretical physics, realistic angst, serious stakes leavened by hilarious snark. The kind of book smart kids will love.”
– N.K. Jemisin, author of The Inheritance Trilogy
“In Fair Coin, Myers builds a terrifying and magical universe full of diverse and interesting characters, with a teenage heart beating squarely at its center. Smart, witty, and at turns mind-blowing, this novel will have you wishing for the next book in the series.”
– Matthew Kressel, World Fantasy Award–nominated editor and publisher of Sybil’s Garage
“Myers’s debut novel is an entertaining, exciting science-fiction adventure.”
– Anthony C. Doyle, School Library Journal, April 2012
“Hard-core sf readers fond of speculating upon wormholes, quantum realities, and whatnot will have a field day with this brain bender….the central conflict—between Ephraim and his best friend, who grows ever madder with power—is a strong one.”
– Daniel Kraus, Booklist, May 15, 2012
“Magic and science collide in this retelling of the classic fable about misguided wishes never having exactly the outcome you intend. A complex plotline explores experimental theories in this fast-paced and fun story.” (FOUR STAR – COMPELLING- Page Turner)
– Raven Haller, RT Book Reviews, May 2012
Warning: This Book is Pure Awesome Crack
“If you’ve been jonesing for a science fiction book that’s got clever ideas as well as a fun story, you should totally pick up Fair Coin. Just don’t plan on doing anything else until you finish reading it.”
– Charlie Jane Anders, io9.com
“It’s a fast-paced, weird adventure… If you want your mind blown this summer, pick up a copy of this book.”
[io9’s Summer Beach Reading List for 2012]
“[A] dizzying debut… Ephraim’s ability to see past the temptations of power despite an active teen libido provides him with a sturdy moral base.”
– Kirkus [see full review]
”Fair Coin is a stellar debut. It’s witty, adventurous, and thought provoking.”
– Melanie McCullough, A New Kind of Ordinary [see full review]
”The bold beginning told me every thing I needed to know about why I was going to like this book. Myers quickly immerses us in the characters, who in turn usher us through an increasingly complex and fast-paced plot.”
– Michelle Ristuccia, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writer’s Chat
“With Fair Coin, Myers creates a fun story with plenty of shocks and suspense… Readers of teen fiction who are looking for something other than supernatural romance or dystopian futures should check it out.”
– James W. Powell, The Debut Review
“Fair Coin is a nice action-adventure story… The plot was fast-paced and well-written.”
– Barb Caffrey, Shiny Book Review
“This is one YA debut you don’t want to miss!”
– Usagi, Birth of a New Witch [see full review]
“…an enjoyable fast-paced adventure”
– Robert Mitchell Evans [see full review]
“It’s a great debut novel with twists and turns… one of the best I’ve read in the last few years.”
– Dawn Vanniman, Absolute Forest of Words [see full review]
“The characters were great… easily one of the best things about the book.”
– Justin, Justin’s Book Blog
“Fair Coin is an immensely fun plot-driven novel… The portrayals of the teenager characters are believable and there is a plethora of cool female characters…”
– Ana, The Book Smugglers [see full review]
“This book is the kind of fun friend you hang out with at a party.”
– Megan, Forever Young Adult [see full review]
“… it will appeal to a fair number of science-fiction oriented male youths…”
– Tatiana, Night Owl Reviews [see full review]
“Fair Coin is a refreshingly unique read… I loved the characters, I loved the concept, and most of all I loved how immersed I was in the story.”
– Jessica Torres, Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile [see full review]
“Fair Coin is a young adult novel of substance. It is humorous, emotional, and complex in a refreshing way, and I think it’s a book that anyone who enjoys Science Fiction could really love.”
– Aerié Anderson, Literary Obsession [see full review]
“Oh, I loved this book… reads like an awesome episode of The Twilight Zone…”
– geekgirl, Geek Girl’s Book Blog [see full review]
“(A) smart young adult novel… with a great science fiction story.
– Lisa, Starmetal Oak Book Blog [see full review]
“(A) novel that not only defies the norm but commands the reader’s attention… probably my favourite read in 2012 thus far. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend this book to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy male MCs, science fiction and fantasy.”
– Melissa, I Swim for Oceans
“E.C. Myers provides a terrific young adult science fiction tale.”
– Harriet Klausner, Alternative Worlds
“(R)est assured that if you’re a fan of YA Science Fiction, particularly stories that have great plotting and pacing, then this IS your cup of tea. Drink up.”
– Bryce Dayton, My Awful Reviews [see full review]
”This book is smart and funny and had me on the edge of my seat… Myers has written a brilliant book that will challenge and entertain you.”
– Megan Orsini, Hooked to Books
“Impossible to put down, this fast-paced scifi adventure is laced with teen angst and humor. An impressive debut, Fair Coin is a non-stop thrill ride with plenty of unexpected twists.”
– Angela, SciFiChick.com [see full review]
“FAIR COIN is a breath of fresh air, a far cry from the endless dystopian and paranormal novels that have taken over the YA shelves.”
– Jess, HubPages
“loads of adventure and action… mysterious and compelling”
– Savannah, Books With Bite
“Whatever your age range, Myers’ characters are characters most people can completely relate to… a fast, fascinating read”
– Sarah, Bookworm Blues
“To me, this was a solid representation of what a lot of adolescents have to go through as they transition into the adult world… written in a way that appeals to both male and female audiences.”
– Natalie, Mindful Musings
“I have to give credit here for getting me thinking which is what will make this book stick in my head for at least a few months to come… I absolutely think this is a YA title worth reading.”
– Kellie, ReaWrite
“I was truly impressed at how tight this plot was and how the threads were all tied up at the end… The prose flows easily and the characters are well-drawn.”
– Mette Ivie Harrison [see full review]
“An intriguing read which will likely have you debating good and evil…”
– Rhiannon, The Diary of a Bookworm
“I liked that Myers brought a bunch of different elements together into one fun, intriguing story and I’m looking forward to the sequel.”
– Caitlin, watchYAreading? [see full review]
“It’s always refreshing to see a multiracial cast sawing away at a plot that doesn’t involve social justice angst.”
– Claire Light, Hyphen [see full review]
“An entertaining and mind-bending new read that plumbs the depths of the speculative fiction landscape.”
– Stephen Hong Sohn, Asian American Literature Fans [see full review]
“Fair Coin was a gripping sci-fi novel and I am very glad I was able to experience it… I didn’t want to put it down.”
– Taylor, taysbookcorner [see full review]
“This is author E.C. Myers’ first full-length book and it’s a cracking read, even for someone slightly older than the young adult demographic it’s aimed at.”
– Aidan Fortune, SF Crowsnest
“(A) a stunning, fast-paced, cleverly-plotted teen novel… I’m warning you that if you pick it up, you’re gonna want to finish it right there and then, so I suggest you don’t pick it up at 9pm on a Sunday.”
– Dionne Galace
“Block out some time on the beach or at the pool or even on the weekend and read this book. It thrills me that a first novel can be so good.”
– Catherine Schaff-Stump [see full review]
“(A) riveting roller coaster ride, frequently humorous and layered with complexities. E.C. Myers writes with enthusiasm and wit, telling a breakout novel overloaded with romance, sarcasm, geek pop-culture, and theoretical physics. I loved reading Fair Coin and I am certain that you will too.”
– Nick Sharps, Goatfairy Review Blog
” [I]t calls to mind some of the best, most mind-bending fiction of Philip K. Dick or Jorge Luis Borges. A great read for just about anyone.”
– Kristopher Reisz, Guys Lit Wire [see full review]
“[I]t’s nice to see young adult books doing something a bit different from the Harry Potter/Twilight/dystopian future thing…”
– Malin, Cannoball Read IV [see full review]
“FAIR COIN is a well-constructed, fast-paced science-fiction adventure that starts with an interesting premise and expands it into something even more complex and affecting.”
– Michael Berry, Common Sense Media [see full review]
“…I liked the female characters in this story… These are strong girls who are smart and who have more to them than meets the eye … Myers pulled together an interesting, unique story with tons of twists.”
– Tee, YA Crush [see full review]
“Fair Coin starts with an intriguing idea that becomes more interesting as the story develops … This is a great book that fans of fantasy or science fiction will enjoy.”
– Barbara Cothern, Portland Book Review [see full review]
“This book has a great, complex, but still generally fast-moving plot and good world-building.”
– Misti, Kid Lit Geek [see full review]
“(T)his is a good young-adult novel that also has lots to offer not-so-young adults.”
– Nisi Shawl, The Seattle Times [see full review]
“…an engaging, and often thought-provoking novel.”
– Cait H., Escape Through the Pages [see full review]
“Overall, this is an intriguing book with an unusual yet unique concept.”
– Cricket, Little Library Muse [see full review]
“This book did something awesome, something that doesn’t happen often: it surprised me.”
– Amanda Liston, Appraising Pages
“This was such a great and fun book to read no matter how old you are , so if you have ever wondered ‘what if’ read this you will soon find out.”
– Holly, Team TEEN Author Perfect 10
“Fair Coin had me back in elementary school discovering the Goosebumps series (remember that?) and so many others that were, now that I think about it, probably my very earliest tastes of SF and horror. Moreover, Myers uses that penchant for nostalgia to great effect.”
–Jeremy Frantz, Worlds Without End [see full review]
“Fair Coin will stretch your mind!”
– Amanda Makepeace
“I wasn’t expecting the head ride this book was.”
– Starlin Verity, Musings of the Fanatic Reader [see full review]
“If your teen is bored with vampires and wizards, FAIR COIN is a smart and fun change from the current YA scene.”
– Vanessa, Elitist Book Reviews [see full review]
“…the attention paid to teenage romance and familial relations elevate the book beyond its genre. A fun, fast read…”
– Sung J. Woo, Fiction Writers Review [see full review]
“Fair Coin might not have the same kind of instant appeal that some YA genre novels pack, but if you’re willing to make the leap it’s worth the investment. It’s a tale that twists genres without breaking the rules of any of them, told with fire and confidence and a sense of humor. E. C. Myers has quite simply done something wonderful here, and if you’re frustrated with predictable genre fiction you’ll be glad this book exists.”
– Matthew Jackson, Stacked
“It will keep you turning pages until late into the night.”
– Douglas Cobb, BSCKiDS [see full review]
“…an authentic adolescent story in a gripping SF package.”
– Phoebe North, Intergalactic Academy
“Fair Coin is an excellent book. I highly recommend it to sci-fi fans or anyone who has daydreamed about wishing their life’s better.”
– A Librarian Reads, Bettendorf Public Library
“All in all, FAIR COIN was a suspenseful and intriguing science fiction novel that takes a new spin on an old concept. From the un-put-down-able storyline to the well-developed cast of characters, this is a book for anyone who doesn’t usually enjoy science fiction or just wants to read something with an interesting concept behind the plot.”
– Izzy G., My Words Ate Me [see full review]
“(Fair Coin) is fabulous from start to finish… …I recommend it to you highly.”
– Charles de Lint, Fantasy & Science Fiction, Mar/Apr 2013 [see full review]