The Darwin Elevator: 1 (The Dire Earth Cycle) - Softcover

"A hell of a fun book."--James S. A. Corey, New York Times bestselling author of Abaddon's Gate

"[Jason M.] Hough's first novel combines the rapid-fire action and memorable characters associated with Joss Whedon's short-lived Firefly TV series with the accessibility and scientific acumen of [James S. A.] Corey's 'Expanse' series."--Library Journal (starred review)

"The best part about alien stories is their mystery, and Jason Hough understands that like no other. Full of compelling characters and thick with tension, The Darwin Elevator delivers both despair and hope along with a gigantic dose of wonder. It's a brilliant debut, and Hough can take my money whenever he writes anything from now on."--Kevin Hearne, New York Times bestselling author of The Iron Druid Chronicles

"Newcomer Hough displays a talent for imaginative plotting and realistic dialogue, and the brisk pacing and cliffhanger ending will keep readers enthralled and eagerly awaiting the next installment."--Publishers Weekly

"Jason M. Hough does a great job with this huge story. The world of Darwin and the Elevator is deliciously complex and satisfying. Skyler, Tania, and all the other characters are delightfully drawn and fun to spend time with. . . . The story unfolds with just the right balance of high adventure, espionage, humor, and emotional truth. . . . As soon as you finish, you'll want more."--Analog

"A debut novel unlike any other . . . This is something special. Something iconic. The Darwin Elevator is full of majesty and wonder, mystery and mayhem, colorful characters and insidious schemes."--SF Signal

"Fun, action-packed and entertaining . . . a sure contender for science fiction debut of the year!"--Pat's Fantasy Hotlist

"Claustrophobic, intense, and satisfying . . . I couldn't put this book down. The Darwin Elevator depicts a terrifying world, suspends it from a delicate thread, and forces you to read with held breath as you anticipate the inevitable fall."--Hugh Howey, New York Times bestselling author of Wool

"Hough writes with irresistible energy and gritty realism. His puts his characters through hell, blending a convincing plot with heart-stopping action and moments of raw terror as the world goes crazy in the shadow of unfathomable alien intentions."--Sara Creasy, author of the Philip K. Dick Award-nominated Song of Scarabaeus

"A thrilling story right from the first page . . . This book plugs straight into the fight-or-flight part of your brain."--Ted Kosmatka, author of The Games

"If you enjoy high adventure with a kick-ass crew, I suggest you take Hough's Darwin Elevator for a ride."--Warren Hammond, author of KOP Killer

After aliens constructed an elevator from Darwin, Australia into space, humanity established orbital colonies along the elevator's cord. Years later, those outside of the machine's protective aura were wiped out by a mysterious plague. When the elevator's virus shield begins to break down, a scavenger and a scientist must unravel the mystery of the failing alien technology to save what's left of the world.