Enzo Cruz knows sacrifice. After a failed mission to assassinate the billionaire behind the Mars colony-and the loss of his grandfather-he's ready for redemption. His new target? The Mars Ascendance Academy shuttle. His orders: infiltrate, sabotage, escape.As the youngest operative in Terra Primera, Enzo's talent with explosives could tip the balance in Earth's fight for survival. But inside the Academy, nothing goes to plan-especially when Maddie Westing enters the picture.Maddie has dreamed of joining her mother on Mars since she was ten. Now she has her shot: one of thirty elite students in the Academy's inaugural class. But being the niece of the colony's powerful founder comes with strings-and shadows.When Enzo's mission collides with Maddie's quest for truth, both teens are thrust into a conspiracy that threatens Earth and Mars alike. Loyalties will be tested. Secrets will be exposed. And the greatest danger may not come from the skies-it may lie in their hearts.In this heart-pounding YA thriller, survival means risking everything-including trusting the people you thought you hated most. I write young adult science fiction and fantasy that explores how our current decisions may impact future generations. My storytelling thrives on complex family dynamics set against the backdrop of decaying societies. My influences include Marie Lu, Suzanne Collins, Ransom Riggs, Neil Gaiman, and Douglas Adams.When I'm not writing, you may find me looking for the peacock in my quirky New Orleans neighborhood with my tiny, giant-eared dog.
