NEW YORK TIMES
BESTSELLER
Jason M. Hough’s pulse-pounding debut combines the drama, swagger, and vivid characters of Joss Whedon’s
Firefly
with the talent of sci-fi author John Scalzi.
In the mid-23rd century, Darwin, Australia, stands as the last human city on Earth. The world has succumbed to an alien plague, with most of the population transformed into mindless, savage creatures. The planet’s refugees flock to Darwin, where a space elevator—created by the architects of this apocalypse, the Builders—emits a plague-suppressing aura.
Skyler Luiken has a rare immunity to the plague. Backed by an international crew of fellow “immunes,” he leads missions into the dangerous wasteland beyond the aura’s edge to find the resources Darwin needs to stave off collapse. But when the Elevator starts to malfunction, Skyler is tapped—along with the brilliant scientist, Dr. Tania Sharma—to solve the mystery of the failing alien technology and save the ragged remnants of humanity.
Praise for
The Darwin Elevator
“A hell of a fun book.”
—James S. A. Corey,
New York Times
bestselling author of
Abaddon’s Gate
“[Jason M.] Hough’s first novel
combines the rapid-fire action and memorable characters
associated with
Joss Whedon’s short-lived
TV series with the
accessibility and scientific acumen of [James S. A.] Corey’s ‘Expanse’
series.”
—
Library Journal
(starred review)
“The best part about alien stories is their mystery, and Jason Hough understands that like no other.
Full of compelling characters and thick with tension
,
delivers both despair and hope along with a gigantic dose of wonder. It’s
a brilliant debut
, and Hough can take my money whenever he writes anything from now on.”
—Kevin Hearne,
bestselling author of The Iron Druid Chronicles
“Newcomer Hough displays a talent for imaginative plotting and realistic dialogue, and the
brisk pacing and cliffhanger ending will keep readers enthralled
and eagerly awaiting the next installment.”
Publishers Weekly
“Jason M. Hough does a great job with this huge story. The world of Darwin and the Elevator is deliciously complex and satisfying. Skyler, Tania, and all the other characters are delightfully drawn and fun to spend time with. . . . The story unfolds with just
the right balance of high adventure, espionage, humor, and emotional truth
. . . . As soon as you finish, you’ll want more.”
Analog
“
A debut novel unlike any other
. . . This is something special. Something iconic.
is full of majesty and wonder, mystery and mayhem, colorful characters and insidious schemes.”
SF Signal
“Fun, action-packed and entertaining . . .
a sure contender for science fiction debut of the year
!”
Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist
“Claustrophobic, intense, and satisfying . . . I couldn’t put this book down.
depicts a terrifying world, suspends it from a delicate thread, and
forces you to read with held breath
as you anticipate the inevitable fall.”
—Hugh Howey,
Wool