The Venusian Gambit
Michael J. Martinez
Publisher: Night Shade Books
Summary
This thrilling finale “seamlessly blends popular elements from science fiction and fantasy . . . raising the bar for both” (Publishers Weekly, starred review). In the year 2135, dangerous alien life-forms freed in the destruction of Saturn’s moon Enceladus are making their way toward Earth. A task force spearheaded by Lieutenant Commander Shaila Jain is scrambling to beat them there while simultaneously trying to save crewmember Stephane Durand, who was infected during the mission to Saturn and is now controlled by a form of life intent on reopening a transdimensional rift and destroying the human race. But Jain doesn’t realize that the possessed Stephane has bigger plans: beaming critical data to other conspirators heading toward for Venus . . . In an alternate Napoleonic Era, France has occupied England with an army of undead soldiers, the Corps Eternélle. Only Lord Admiral Thomas Weatherby and the Royal Navy have kept the French contained to Earth. But the machinations of old enemies point to a bold and daring gambit: an ancient weapon presumed lost in the jungles of Venus. Now Weatherby must choose whether to stay and fight for his homeland, or pursue the French to the green planet. And Shaila must decide if it’s possible to save the man she loves, or if he must be sacrificed for the good of two dimensions. In the dark alien jungles of Venus, humanity’s fate in both dimensions hangs in the balance—forcing past and present to once again join forces against an ancient terror.