The Crucible

Six years ago, Alex Racer lost everything when his daughter Madilynn vanished without a trace. His marriage crumbled, his career as a fugitive recovery officer ended, and he found solace only at the bottom of a whiskey bottle. Now, desperate and broken, Alex accepts a dangerous mission that could either kill him or earn him three million dollars: infiltrate the prison transport ship The Crucible where a thousand violent convicts have escaped stasis and taken control. But when Alex learns his ex-wife Kate is among the hostages, what starts as a job for money becomes a desperate rescue mission. Trapped aboard a ship hurtling toward disaster, Alex must navigate deadly corridors filled with escaped killers while confronting Wallace Walker, the riot's ruthless leader. As The Crucible spirals toward a catastrophic crash, Alex must fight not just for survival, but for the chance to save the woman he once loved. In a universe where hope is a luxury he can't afford, redemption may come at the ultimate price. Some prisons are meant to be broken. Others break you first.Fans of Andy Weir's technical precision, Blake Crouch's adrenaline-fueled pacing, and the character dynamics of "The Expanse" series will find themselves right at home with "The Crucible." It's perfect for readers who appreciate:

High-tension action with real consequences Flawed, complex protagonists seeking redemption Sci-fi that feels grounded despite its futuristic setting Stories that blend personal drama with larger threats Sharp dialogue and dark humour in dire situations

"The Crucible" delivers a self-contained, satisfying story while setting up tantalizing threads for the next instalments in the Lost Star Chronicles. It's a thrilling ride that leaves you breathless yet eager for more.