Cibola Burn

by James S. A. Corey

After the events of Abaddon's Gate, humanity has gained access to thousands of new worlds and solar systems through the gate networks. At the start of Cibola Burn the United Nations, Martian, and Outer Planets Alliance governments have thus far restricted exploration and colonization efforts to one corporate scientific survey mission to one of these planets. Complicating matters is the existence of a colonial settlement already existing on the planet from before the military blockade of the rings came into effect. Both sides claim ownership in a confrontation reflecting many colonial interactions throughout history. Jim Holden is sent to mediate the interactions between the colonists and scientists when political and racial tensions culminate in violence. Still dogged by the disembodied presence of Miller, who wishes to investigate the disappearance of the planet's former inhabitants, Holden arrives on a world on the verge of war. Yet the biggest danger to the colonists, scientists, and Holden himself is not the human disagreements that they have brought with them, but the frontier itself. As with the settling of the American West and many colonial projects of Earth's past, the frontier into which humanity has ventured is vast, uncontrolled, and full of dangers. When a mysterious disease and horrific disaster strike at the same time and threaten the lives not only of the colonists, but all those in orbit as well, Holden and Miller must brave the ruins of an alien civilization in search of the one thing that might save them all.