The Lighthouse Trilogy [1] is a set of three books by Irish author Adrian McKinty. They are science fiction young adult novels set in New York, in Ireland and on the fictional planet Altair.
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The Lighthouse Land (Abrams, 2006) is the first installment of The Lighthouse Trilogy. It tells the story of Jamie O'Neill, a cancer survivor who has lost his left arm and since has refused to speak. The book sets its stage in Harlem, New York, where Jamie and his mother, Anna, live until they receive a letter informing them that Anna has inherited the Lighthouse House and Muck Island, both in Ireland, from her grandfather. Upon moving to Ireland, Jamie meets a new friend, Ramsay, and the two of them discover a secret about the lighthouse: a secret room. Inside this room is an object, referred to as the salmon, which takes them to a new world and a new adventure. There they come across strange new beings; aliens from a world completely unlike our own. The first of these aliens they meet is Wishaway, princess of the Aldans, whom Jamie later falls in love with. She is described as having four fingers on each hand, yellow hair, and pointed ears. Jamie learns her land is in danger from a coming foe, and the hopes of the Aldan people rest on his shoulders.
The book was shortlisted for the 2008 Young Hoosier Award and also for the 2008 Beehive Award [2]
The Lighthouse War (Abrams, 2007) is the second installment. In this book, Jamie O'Neill and his friend Ramsay have been back in Ireland for a year since their previous adventures on Altair. There is still part of Jamie that wants to be on Altair with the only girl who ever liked him. When a signal from Altair arrives on Earth and Ramsay decodes it, they learn it is a call for help that was sent from a hundred years in the past. The only way to return to Altair is to use the Salmon of Knowledge. Unfortunately the salmon needs to be recharged. In the process of charging it they need to explain what they are doing to Jamie's mom and Ramsay's brother. The four of the them are transported to Altair, but into their enemies' stronghold. While Jamie and Ramsay escape, their companions are captured and made hostages.
The Lighthouse Keepers (Abrams, 2008) is the third installment. It is set in Islandmagee, Ireland and Altair. Hunted by a rogue CIA agent, Jamie O'Neill, Wishaway, Ramsay McDonald and Thaddeus Harper go to Altair for a final confrontation with the Alkhavans. On their return to Earth Jamie must make an important decision regarding the future of the Earth.