Edge of Catastrophe

A Terraforming Mars Novel

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Pub Date 22 Nov 2022 | Archive Date 28 Oct 2022

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Description

Return to the Red Planet as the saga of Terraforming Mars continues, in a sweeping science fiction thriller of planetary progress, set in the universe of the award-winning boardgame

In the 26th century, Mars is thriving: the huge crater made by the crashed moon of Deimos is now a vast domed city, buzzing with industry and a burgeoning Martian-born and immigrant workforce. Ecoline scientist Mel Erdan is at the forefront of vital research to feed and maintain Mars’ increasing population. But when her viral enhancer transforms lush green plants into a blackened swathe of dead crops, it triggers a wave of violent unrest across Deimos City, and Mel is accused of deliberately sabotaging Mars’ fragile viability. With resources rapidly dwindling, conspiracy theories flying, and criminal gangs rioting, Mel must prove her innocence, uncover the truth, and revitalise Mars’ harvest before it’s too late – for everyone.
Return to the Red Planet as the saga of Terraforming Mars continues, in a sweeping science fiction thriller of planetary progress, set in the universe of the award-winning boardgame

In the 26th...

A Note From the Publisher

JANE KILLICK is an author and journalist who juggles working for BBC Radio with a lifelong passion for science fiction. Alongside several series of original SF novels, she has also written numerous behind the scenes books, including Stasis Leaked Complete, a guide to TV show Red Dwarf, and a series on Babylon 5.

JANE KILLICK is an author and journalist who juggles working for BBC Radio with a lifelong passion for science fiction. Alongside several series of original SF novels, she has also written numerous...


Advance Praise

“This is a very strong book. Mars has been the subject of many books written about it, and for me this felt just as good as Kim Stanley Robinson’s Mars trilogy, and frankly is Hugo material.”

Big Geordie Geek

“In the Shadow of Deimos is a fantastic tale for anyone who is looking for a fix of Terraforming Mars without the time to play the game, or a good sci-fi story about survival.”

Eternal Bookcase


“This is a very strong book. Mars has been the subject of many books written about it, and for me this felt just as good as Kim Stanley Robinson’s Mars trilogy, and frankly is Hugo material.”

Big...


Marketing Plan

• Season announcement Dec 21

• Cover reveal May 22

• eARCs w/ NetGalley 3 months out

• Cross-promo w/ Edge Studios

• Featured title in advertising at gaming shows: Origins, UK Games Expo, GenCon

• Featured advertising at book trade shows: ALA, & US Book Show

• Facebook Live interview w/ author on publication

• Co-op with Ingram

• Amazon Ads for related searches

• Aconyte Extra with free chapter samplers, high-res covers etc.

• Social media promo & giveaways w/ influencers

• Season announcement Dec 21

• Cover reveal May 22

• eARCs w/ NetGalley 3 months out

• Cross-promo w/ Edge Studios

• Featured title in advertising at gaming shows: Origins, UK Games Expo, GenCon

...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781839081613
PRICE CA$22.95 (CAD)
PAGES 352

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)
Send to Kindle (EPUB)
Download (EPUB)

Average rating from 17 members


Featured Reviews

I am a massive fan of Martian fiction. I think it was probably Andy Weir that helped me on my way but finding credible sci-fi women writers with the accent on the 'sci' is problematic. I know that's not a fashionable position but it's my truth. However, Killick delivers on both fronts. A cracking thriller with that desperate claustrophobia that all good Martian fiction should provide, backed up with science and smarts. The only reason it didn't get a 5-star for me was the description of everyone's skin colour. I find this distracting but it's a personal thing, I like to visualise characters for myself. A thumping good thriller which has forced me to start reading the author's backlist. Can't get a better recommendation than that? Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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A pretty good sci fi mystery. This has tech, science, and more, and I enjoy this overall. I plan to go back and read the first one soon.

Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!

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If you didn't hear my cry of delight when "Edge of Catastrophe" became available on NetGalley, then you must have been on Mars! The first book in this series ("In the Shadow of Deimos" - check it out!) was set in an earlier time, meaning we get a whole cast of new characters and a more advanced setting with book 2. It's a fantastic story with excellent writing, great characters, and a gripping plot... and it's set on Mars - who needs more?

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

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[Blurb goes here]

Terraforming Mars: Edge of Catastrophe, is the second installment in the stand alone stories based on the award-winning boardgame. While I didn't read the first book (In the Shadow of Deimos), I came across this one, and the blurb just pulled me in.

Who said that a book about potatoes was not a fun read? Boil em, mash em... you get the gist.

Mel, a scientist working in a modified version of a potato is on the brink of a life changing discovery. Using a viral enhancer, she has given the tubers rich nutrients, and the capacity to grow in the red planet's harsh conditions. Her research could be applied to other plants, thus helping feed the growing population inhabiting the world, since immigration numbers had been steadily on the rise, along with those of natural born martians.

One fateful morning, Mel arrives at her lab. Today is the day that will make her, or brake her. To her dismay, she finds her testing crops all rotten. Maybe she did something wrong? Fortunately her now putrid crops are contained inside the lab, there's no way the infection could spread among other farms. This idea, a needed respite, proves to be wrong. The enhanced virus spreads all across the planet. Fault resting upon her shoulders. She's found guilty, jail awaits. But there's something nagging at Mel's mind. Something that forces her to escape: the certitude of sabotage.

Here's where the action starts. Mel has a few good friends, and she's going to need their help to prove foul play.

Jane Killick writes a great who-done-it, while (truth be told) at times it slows down to a crawl. I liked most of the characters; some are not so fortunate, and feel like jagged paper cut-outs. I loved the science, while intricate, is not too hard on the reader. With an intriguing and intricate plot, the story has its fair share of twists and turns.

At times, IMHO, the dialogs feel a bit empty...nonsensical, even. Let me clarify: that's not the norm, but something to be mindful of. Killick will push the envelope, hitting you with corporate conspiracies, criminal gangs, and dwindling resources, making Edge of Catastrophe a very interesting read.

Even if you're not a fan of the boardgame, or haven't read the first book: if you're up for an entertaining adventure, I recommend you have a go at this story. It wetted my appetite for "In the Shadow of Deimos."

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Mars is a thriving community, that is self sufficient. Martians are terraforming the planet. Suddenly there is a food shortage. There are terrorists attacks. Who's responsible?

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ARC Copy...it was very fast and intriguing page turner that I really wanted to find out how this all turns out and I would say even if one is not familiar with the "Terraforming Mars" universe, still is a decent sci-fi noir read.

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I always enjoy books in different game universes, this was what I wanted. I had enjoyed the first book "In the Shadow of Deimos" in the Terraforming Mars series. I had high hopes for this book and it fulfilled all of them. Jane Killick has a great writing style and works really well as a scifi novel, I don't play the game but I've been enjoying the two books in this series, it promotes the game in a good way and I hope there is more in this series.

"The jewel that was Deimos City sparkled in the afternoon sun as the train pulled away. Deverau had forgotten how beautiful it looked from the outside, with each panel of armored glass cut to perfection and catching the light at a different angle."

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