Against the Red Sky
Mission X
by Kristen Illarmo
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Pub Date Oct 07 2025 | Archive Date Dec 15 2025
Kristen Illarmo | Empty Field Publishing
Talking about this book? Use #againsttheredsky #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
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.
For fans of The Hunger Games, Red Rising, and Aurora Rising—Against the Red Sky delivers explosive tension, star-crossed loyalty, and a high-stakes rebellion that could destroy two worlds.
A Note From the Publisher
This book is clean YA. There is a love story, but no steam here.
Advance Praise
Independent Book Review called it, “…just plain enjoyable: a fast-paced, constantly engaging young adult thriller with likeable and well-intentioned characters.”
Early Readers are saying,
“This is one of the best books I’ve read this year and I have read over a hundred so far! This is a nail biting, page turning masterpiece that will completely have you mesmerized and under its spell by the first few chapters!” - ARC reviewer
“I found the story so well written, with brilliant planning on the plot & a well crafted storyline.” - ARC reviewer
“Great, fast-paced fun story with lots of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. It has elements of academy, romance, scifi, and thriller that kept me up late reading.” - ARC reviewer
Marketing Plan
Against the Red Sky will be promoted through a multi-platform campaign leading up to and following the book’s release. This includes:
Kickstarter Campaign: Launching June 18th with the goal of building early buzz and built-in readership from engaged backers. Backers will receive early copies and are encouraged to review.
Email Marketing: Ongoing email campaigns to my growing list of engaged subscribers through my newsletter and Substack publication Scene Craft, which focuses on storytelling craft and behind-the-scenes looks at the development of the sequel.
Social Media Promotion: Consistent posting across Instagram and Facebook with teasers, quotes, book aesthetics, and behind-the-scenes content to build anticipation and drive preorders.
Kristenillarmobooks.com: Available for preorder and purchase through my direct-to-reader store, with exclusive hardcovers and direct selling extras.
Blog & SEO Content: Supporting blog content focused on book themes, reviews, and author insight to boost discoverability through organic search.
ARC Outreach: In addition to NetGalley distribution, I’m directly reaching out to book bloggers, influencers, and early readers who align with the book’s target audience (YA sci-fi/dystopian fans).
Local Promotion: Seeking in-person appearances at New Orleans markets and indie bookstores, plus potential local media outreach.
This plan is designed to build excitement, generate early reviews, and drive word-of-mouth buzz within the YA sci-fi/dystopian community.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9798998691003 |
| PRICE | $9.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 355 |
