She only wanted to study the galaxy.
Instead, she may have to save it.

All her life, Aria Flade has dreamed of studying the galaxy’s people, cultures, and languages. But on a planet devoted entirely to science and mechanics, her passion has made her an outsider. Trapped by low aptitude scores and no prospects of leaving her world, Aria is resigned to a future she never wanted.

Until Alexander Drake returns.

The charismatic starship pilot Aria once knew in school arrives with a mystery only she can solve: a wall of ancient text written in a dead alien language no one ever bothered to study.

No one except Aria.

Desperate for a chance to escape, she agrees to help translate the writings, only to uncover clues to a powerful ancient treasure tied to a growing intergalactic war. Suddenly hunted across the stars by pirates, invading aliens, and ruthless enemies, Aria finds herself swept into a dangerous space-faring adventure that may hold the fate of the galaxy itself.