by Paul Preuss
First published 2021
Sparta accepts what seems like routine surveillance work for the Board of Space Control. Her assignment takes her to monitor Professor J.Q.R. Forster's expedition to Amalthea, one of Jupiter's moons. The mission generates excitement across the galaxy, but Sparta knows her enhanced abilities make her more than just an observer. The expedition grows complicated when Sir Randolph Mays crashes on Amalthea's surface. Mays claims the landing was accidental, but Sparta recognizes Forster's longtime rival has other plans. Mays wants to steal Forster's discoveries and will resort to sabotage to get them. Sparta must use her biotechnologically enhanced capabilities to stop Mays from destroying the mission. She discovers Mays has deeper motives than simple academic rivalry. The situation becomes more dangerous when the expedition uncovers something unexpected on the moon's surface: alien life. Sparta faces choices that will determine not just the fate of the expedition, but how humanity responds to first contact with extraterrestrial organisms.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, mystery, thriller
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Venus, Amalthea, Jupiter
Period: Future
312 pages · Paperback · iBooks