For fans of Skyward and The Illuminae Files, Falling Through the Black is a gender swapped Aladdin meets Doctor Who in a fast-paced and swoony, no spice YA Science Fantasy space adventure.

SHE SURVIVED THE DESERT. HE'S REENTERED THE FIGHT. AND THE REBELLION IS RISING THROUGH IT ALL.

Leef Verus is back in the fight and on his way to the planet Neba to carry out the next part of his mission, but the clock is ticking. With Dot still in pieces and Talie out of commission, the next stage of the plan rests heavily on a young woman once thought lost to the desert.

Merritt fought the arid wastelands of Neba and survived, winning a place for herself in a ragtag family of misfits that have healed a part of her broken heart. Her life as a thief and part-time Rising supporter is enough for her, but all of that is put to the test when a roguish young man bursts in to shatter the tentative peace she's come to expect.

With an increased military presence enforced by High King Praxin, tensions in the galaxy are high and the disparity between the wealthy and the working class continues to grow.

The Soldier finds himself in the midst of progressively difficult operations where not only are his skills tested, but his loyalties as well.

Through it all, the Rising, the underground rebel force, seeks to arrange the pieces of a complex puzzle of power. Their aim to overthrow King Praxin rests solely on self-sacrifice and the belief in their plans for peace, but is it enough?

Put to the test, Leef and Merritt must face the space-cold truth of where their loyalties lie, and if love really can conquer all.

---

The second book in the award-winning Xerus Galaxy Saga. It's a no spice romantic space opera perfect for fans of The Skyward series, The Lunar Chronicles, and Firefly. (Recommended for 13+)

Jane Maree