Two missions, one conspiracy, zero room for mistakes- or feelings.
Against the Red Sky: Mission X
by Kristen Illarmo
Genre: YA Science Fiction Thriller
Enzo Cruz knows sacrifice. After a failed mission to assassinate the billionaire behind the Mars colony—and the loss of his grandfather—he’s ready for redemption. His new target? The Mars Ascendance Academy shuttle. His orders: infiltrate, sabotage, escape.
As the youngest operative in Terra Primera, Enzo’s talent with explosives could tip the balance in Earth’s fight for survival. But inside the Academy, nothing goes to plan—especially when Maddie Westing enters the picture.
Maddie has dreamed of joining her mother on Mars since she was ten. Now she has her shot: one of thirty elite students in the Academy’s inaugural class. But being the niece of the colony’s powerful founder comes with strings—and shadows.
When Enzo’s mission collides with Maddie’s quest for truth, both teens are thrust into a conspiracy that threatens Earth and Mars alike. Loyalties will be tested. Secrets will be exposed. And the greatest danger may not come from the skies—it may lie in their hearts.
In this heart-pounding YA thriller, survival means risking everything—including the people you thought you hated most.
For fans of The Hunger Games, Red Rising, and Aurora Rising—Against the Red Sky delivers explosive tension, star-crossed loyalty, and a high-stakes rebellion that could destroy two worlds.
What readers are saying:
“This YA novel is one long dopamine hit, an insightful saga with crush-worthy protagonists. Enzo, pulled between his ecoterrorism world and a gnawing realization that there may be flaws to his organization’s methods, is a vibrant, well-executed character. Maddie’s journey parallels his in many ways, and her resolve, spirit, and appealing energy make her equally entertaining. Their two paths collide, and Illarmo delivers a twisty examination of greed, loyalty, and the dark motives that drive people when pushed to their limits.” Rated 10 out of 10.
-The BookLifePrize
“This is one of the best books I’ve read this year and I have read over a hundred so far! This is a nail biting, page turning masterpiece that will completely have you mesmerized and under its spell by the first few chapters!” ARC reviewer
“Great, fast-paced fun story with lots of twists and turns
that kept me turning the pages. It has elements of academy, romance, scifi, and thriller that kept me up late reading.” ARC reviewer
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Kristen Illarmo is a New Orleans-based author of young adult science fiction and fantasy. Her action packed, character-driven stories explore the ripple effects of real-world choices, set in decaying societies and with tangled family dynamics. Her debut duology, Kirasu Rising, was featured at the 2023 Louisiana Book Festival.
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
This sounds like a really good read.