Lightless

By: C. A. Higgins

Serving aboard theAnanke,an experimental military spacecraft launched by the ruthless organization that rules Earth and its solar system, computer scientist Althea has established an intense emotional bondnot with any of her crewmates, but with the ships electronic systems, which speak more deeply to her analytical mind than human feelings do. But when a pair of fugitive terrorists gain access to theAnanke,Althea must draw upon her heart and soul for the strength to defend her beloved ship.

While one of the saboteurs remains at large somewhere on board, his captured partnerthe enigmatic Ivanmay prove to be more dangerous. The perversely fascinating criminal whose silver tongue is his most effective weapon has long evaded the authorities most relentless surveillanceand kept the truth about his methods and motives well hidden.

As the ships systems begin to malfunction and the claustrophobic atmosphere is increasingly poisoned by distrust and suspicion, it falls to Althea to penetrate the prisoners layers of intrigue and deception before all is lost. But when the true nature of Ivans mission is exposed, it will change Althea foreverif it doesnt kill her first.

Praise forLightless

Gripping . . . sci-fi flavored with a hint of thriller.New YorkDaily News

[A] measured, lovely science-fiction debut [that is] more psychological thriller . . . contained, disciplined, tense . . . The plot is compulsive. . . .Lightlessis the first of a planned series, and you cant help looking forward to learning whats next.The New York Times

Lightlessis full of suspense and fun as hell to read.BuzzFeed

Absolutely brilliant . . . This is science fiction as it is meant to be done: scientific concepts wedded to and built upon human ideals.Seanan McGuire,New York Timesbestselling author of the October Daye series

The stakes in this story are highlife and death, rebellion and betrayaland debut novelist Higgins continually ratchets up the tension. . . . A suspenseful, emotional story that asks plenty of big questions about identity and freedom, this is a debut not to be missed.Kirkus Reviews(starred review)

A taut, suspenseful read.Tech Times

Lightlessis an exercise in lighting a very slow fuse and building the tension to an unbearable pitch while making us guess just how apocalyptic the ultimate explosion will be. . . . It is a high-wire act, a wonderment, and a fine accomplishment from a name well be seeing again.Sci Fi