A group of 240 young pioneers embarks on a one-way mission to colonize Mars, but when a suspicious death occurs, biologist Kiev Bright is thrust into a web of secrets, power struggles, and moral dilemmas that threaten the mission’s fragile unity. As she investigates the possible murder and navigates complex alliances—including a tense relationship with the enigmatic Administrator—the story explores themes of identity, trust, and the cost of building a new society.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a dystopian future, the story follows Kiev Bright, a young biologist among 240 Pioneers aboard the Icarus on a one-way mission to Mars. The narrative centers on a suspicious death that is officially ruled a suicide but is suspected by Kiev to be murder, drawing her into a complex web of lies, manipulations, and political intrigue. As Kiev is thrust into an unwanted leadership role, she must navigate shifting alliances, moral dilemmas, and her complicated relationship with the enigmatic Administrator, all while the mission’s dream of building a new future on Mars begins to fracture. The book blends elements of murder mystery, political drama, and queer romance, with a focus on character-driven storytelling and ethical questions about law and human rights in an isolated, high-stakes environment.

Readers consistently praised the immersive world-building and the depth of the characters, noting that the author avoided overwhelming technical detail while still creating a believable sci-fi setting. Many highlighted the emotional realism and relatability of the cast, describing them as fully human and capable of eliciting strong positive or negative reactions. The story’s pacing and suspense, particularly the evolving mystery and unexpected plot twists, were frequently mentioned as engaging, with several readers reporting that the book kept them reading late into the night. The depiction of queer characters and relationships, as well as the balance between action and introspection, were also appreciated, with some readers noting that the book appealed even to those who do not typically enjoy science fiction.

Some readers expressed dissatisfaction with the pacing, describing it as slow at times, and noted that the writing could feel bland or stilted, possibly due to translation issues. There were also comments about the rushed, cliffhanger ending and a desire for more thorough explanations of certain technical aspects, such as the chips, the origins of the rebellion on Terra, and the development of the protagonist’s romance. A few readers felt that some narrative elements were underexplored or left ambiguous, leading to lingering questions about the world and its mechanics.

The book is scheduled for publication on December 1, 2025, and has received an average rating of 4.48 out of 5 from 29 readers, with 11 full reviews. It is categorized under science fiction, LGBT, lesbian, and queer genres, and is authored by Laura Morante. Most of the available reviews are from ARC readers, several of whom mention that this was their first experience with science fiction or that they do not usually read much, suggesting the book’s accessibility to a broad audience.