“Interesting quirks and divided loyalties flesh out this first novel in which sf and mystery intersect in a well-crafted plot...Pedreira’s science thriller powerfully highlights the human politics and economics from the seemingly desolate expanse of the moon. It will attract readers who enjoyed Andy Weir’s lunar crime caper Artemis.” -- Library Journal, starred review
A realistic and chilling vision of life on the Moon, where dust kills as easily as the vacuum of space…but murder is even quicker—a fast-paced, cinematic science fiction thriller, this debut novel combines the inventiveness of The Martian, the intrigue of The Expanse, and the thrills of Red Rising.
The Moon smells like gunpowder. Every lunar walker since Apollo 11 has noticed it: a burnt-metal scent that reminds them of war. Caden Dechert, the chief of the U.S. mining operation on the edge of the Sea of Serenity, thinks the smell is just a trick of the mind—a reminder of his harrowing days as a Marine in the war-torn Middle East back on Earth.
It’s 2072, and lunar helium-3 mining is powering the fusion reactors that are bringing Earth back from environmental disaster. But competing for the richest prize in the history of the world has destroyed the oldest rule in space: Safety for All. When a bomb kills one of Dechert’s diggers on Mare Serenitatis, the haunted veteran goes on the hunt to expose the culprit before more blood is spilled.
But as Dechert races to solve the first murder in the history of the Moon, he gets caught in the crosshairs of two global powers spoiling for a fight. Reluctant to be the match that lights this powder-keg, Dechert knows his life and those of his crew are meaningless to the politicians. Even worse, he knows the killer is still out there, hunting.
In his desperate attempts to save his crew and prevent the catastrophe he sees coming, the former Marine uncovers a dangerous conspiracy that, with one spark, can ignite a full lunar war, wipe out his team . . . and perhaps plunge the Earth back into darkness.
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“Former journalist David Pedreira manages an impressive feat in his debut novel, creating a moon-based world that is rich with texture, details, smells, and history, making a world that is seemingly inconceivable yet tangibly real…A thought-provoking, unsettling work that will keep readers engaged, curious, and possibly attempting to brush moon-dust from their boots while reading.”
— RT Book Reviews (4½ stars, Top Pick!)
“Could easily be the prequel to The Expanse, where natural resources off-world become the target of competing powers and one man is left in the middle to avoid catastrophe—a truly interesting read!”
— Bob Mayer, New York Times bestselling author“Excellent…An exciting story with an unexpected depth—a solid winner.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Pedreira’s science thriller powerfully highlights the human politics and economics from the seemingly desolate expanse of the moon.”
— Library Journal (starred review)“An intriguing murder mystery with a great lead that just happens to take place on the moon.”
— Booklist“Memorable visuals and well-executed action sequences mark this exciting foray into near-future hard sci-fi, which is at its best when framing the poignancy of the desire for peace.”
— Kirkus ReviewsBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
David Pedreira’s debut novel, Gunpowder Moon, was named one of the best Science Fiction & Fantasy books of the year by Amazon. The Never Wars is his second novel. A former award-winning newspaper reporter, Pedreira has written about space and military affairs for many years. He co-owns a successful business and lives in Florida, where he surfs, dives, camps, and plays beer league hockey.
Jeffrey Kafer is an avid performer on the stage and in voice-overs. He has narrated over one hundred books spanning all genres, and he won the 2008 Voicey Award for Best New Voice.