This is author Steven Webb’s first novel. Avernus was published in 2020. It is the 63rd book I completed reading in 2023.

Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to some violence and a few minor mature situations, I categorize this novel as PG. The Phoenix VII has been sent to Mars with the first human visitors. The 10 crew members explore the Gorgon crater before beginning their voyage back to Earth. They find signs of life and take samples.

While on their return trip, a massive solar flare hit them. They end up crashing the Phoenix on an Earth-like planet. Because of the crash, samples taken on Mars escape and begin to spread. The survivors face one life-threatening challenge after another. Not all of them survive the encounter.

I enjoyed the 6+ hours I spent reading this 308-page science fiction novel. The plot is moved forward through the eyes of the crew. Each chapter is from a different perspective. The plot does not always adhere to the laws of science, but it is an enjoyable story. The cover art is simple, but appropriate to the novel. I give this novel a rating of 3.6 (rounded to 4) out of 5.

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