by S.C. Godfrey
First published 2026
Zoe Wilder studies ciphers at a California university, living the quiet life of an academic. At a cryptology conference in Madrid, she accidentally triggers entry into the Enigma Challenge, a secret competition that erases losers from existence. The contest offers twelve million dollars to winners and total obliteration to those who fail. Zoe realizes she lacks the skills to survive alone. Dane, a enigmatic hacker, proposes an alliance. He understands the Challenge's mechanics and players while she decodes the puzzles. Six days stretch ahead with five puzzles spanning three countries and countless competitors hunting the same prize. Romance sparks between the unlikely partners, but emotional distractions threaten their survival. The competition destroys lives as easily as it creates fortunes. Multiple contestants will die before the final solution emerges. Zoe must navigate deadly puzzles while managing her growing feelings for Dane and staying ahead of ruthless rivals who will kill to win.
Genres: science-fiction, romance, adventure, mystery, thriller
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, high-stakes, romantic-tension, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, forced-proximity, slow-burn-romance, unlikely-alliance
Setting: California, Madrid, Three countries
Period: Contemporary, Six days
416 pages · Paperback · Random House Large Print
Content warnings: death, violence