In 2012, Valkerie Jansen's extensive research in microbial ecology grabs the attention of the Johnson Space Center. Instantly, she finds herself thrust into NASA's astronaut program. But when a surprise resignation leaves an opening on the Ares 10 crew, Valkerie prepares for a new mission. She's going to Mars.

A little over a year later, the Ares 10 crew lifts off and faces turbulence from the start. A rough launch followed by a mysterious explosion rocks the team. And in the middle of it all, the unthinkable becomes a reality: the spacecraft is losing oxygen.

Is a saboteur on board? Even now, no one knows if someone on the ground crew is determined to sabotage the mission. Suspicions run high and trust was left back on Earth. NASA calculates and re-calculates. There's simply not enough oxygen to last for all four crew members. And it's too late to turn back for Earth. Too late to be rescued.

Only one alternative remains. An option that leaves the entire mission and everyone's lives in the hands of one person. Are they the right hands?

John B. Olson and Randall Ingermanson teamed up to create a novel filled with action, science fiction, technology, suspense and even romance. Oxygen leaves you hanging until the very last page, coupled with a surprise ending.

[ by Melissa Kowalewski ]
Rambles: 9 February 2002