Zero World

Published in rapid succession, Jason M. Hough’s first three novels, The Darwin Elevator, The Exodus Towers,and The Plague Forge, earned mountains of praise and comparisons to such authors as James S. A. Corey and John Scalzi. Now Hough returns with a riveting near-future spy thriller that combines the adrenaline of a high-octane James Bond adventure with mind-blowing sci-fi speculations worthy of Christopher Nolan’s Inception.

Technologically enhanced superspy Peter Caswell has been dispatched on a top-secret assignment unlike any he’s ever faced. A spaceship that vanished years ago has been found, along with the bodies of its murdered crew—save one. Peter’s mission is to find the missing crew member, who fled through what appears to be a tear in the fabric of space. Beyond this mysterious doorway lies an even more confounding reality: a world that seems to be Earth’s twin.

Peter discovers that this mirrored world is indeed different from his home, and far more dangerous. Cut off from all support, and with only days to complete his operation, Peter must track his quarry alone on an alien world. But he’s unprepared for what awaits on the planet’s surface, where his skills will be put to the ultimate test—and everything he knows about the universe will be challenged in ways he never could have imagined.

Includes the complete bonus novella The Dire Earth, a prequel to the bestselling sci-fi adventureThe Darwin Elevator.

Advance praise for Zero World

“[A] science fiction [novel that] smashes The Bourne Identity together withThe End of Eternity to create a thrilling action rampage that confirms [Jason] Hough as an important new voice in genre fiction.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“One hell of an entertaining read. Hough continues to deliver white-knuckle books anchored by unusual and fascinating characters. Zero Worldis a giant cup of pure badassery that secures his place among the finest sci-fi action writers today.”—Kevin Hearne,New York Times bestselling author of the Iron Druid Chronicles

“A high-octane blend of science fiction and mystery, Zero World is a thrill ride that shoots you out of a cannon and doesn’t let up until the very last page.”—Wesley Chu, author of the Tao Series

“Warning: Do not pick up this book if there is anything else you need to do. There is no safe place to rest inside these pages, no lag in the full-throttle action, no moment when you will think, ‘Okay, this is a good spot to take a break.’ Once you realize how much you don’t know—about this world, these characters, this inexplicable mission—the only way out is forward.”—Brian Staveley, author of the Emperor’s Blades series

“I just finished Zero World and there’s only one thing I need to know: How long must I wait for the sequel!?”—Raymond Benson, former James Bond novelist and author of the Black Stiletto series

“A brilliant combination of spy thriller, cold-case mystery, and hard sci-fi tale,Zero World is a smart, action-packed thrill ride of a book. Jason Hough is redefining storytelling with his new novel.”—Ted Kosmatka, author ofThe Flicker Men

“Zero World deftly blends the best elements of sci-fi and spy thriller with blistering action and a depth that unfolds itself in surprising ways. Hough is a master.”—Jay Posey, author of the Duskwalker series