Their 125-year journey was a promise. Now, trapped in the void, it's a death sentence—thanks to their own Chief Engineer. A massive explosion cripples the UNCS Jens Andersen's life support and leaves the vital radiation shield dysfunctional, turning the long colonization voyage into a guaranteed killer for the hundreds aboard. Their doom is fixed: a lethal stellar flare is hurtling directly toward their flight path. Brilliant but rebellious engineering cadet Erin devises the only audacious solution that can save them. But Chief Engineer Manik—a man wrestling with severe PTSD and career-crushing imposter syndrome—sees her radical plan as a personal indictment of his authority and a permanent stain on his career. Manik's internal anguish quickly escalates. Rather than admit his own failure to prevent the disaster, his obsession with stopping Erin's solution transforms him from a professional opponent into a desperate, violent saboteur. He skulks between decks, attacking personnel, and laying traps designed to doom the entire ship. Can Erin outwit the brilliant engineer consumed by his own inner demons and repair the radiation shield before the Andersen's last hope—and its last chance at colonization—is destroyed by a man determined to save himself from his past? If you enjoy these books, you'll love Defiancé: Fans of The Expanse's morally complex characters and Martha Wells' damaged-but-brilliant protagonists will find themselves at home aboard the Andersen. Those who enjoyed Andy Weir's work will appreciate Defiancé's focus on scientific problem-solving under extreme pressure, echoing both Project Hail Mary and The Martian. Becky Chambers fans of To Be Taught, If Fortunate will appreciate the focus on the crew's interpersonal dynamics under pressure. A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet has the same found-family feeling of a diverse crew on a long journey through space. Recommended for adults and mature teens. ​ Content advisory: Contains violence and mature psychological themes. Reader discretion is advised.