Plague Ship

The Solar Queen, an independent Free Trader spaceship, has landed on the exotic, dangerous world of Sargol. Their mission is straightforward: secure a highly lucrative trade contract for the planet's rare and fragrant Koros stones. But Cargo-master-apprentice Dane Thorson and the battle-hardened Captain Jellico quickly discover that navigating Sargolian politics is a lethal endeavor.

Sargol is ruled by the proud, feline Salariki-an ancient warrior race whose respect is only won through complex scent rituals, perilous sea monster hunts, and savage trials of personal combat. If the monstrous, crab-clawed 'gorp' lurking in the oceans don't kill them, a ruthless corporate behemoth known as Inter-Solar just might. The rival Company is already on-world, ready to use espionage, sabotage, and bloody duels to crush the independent spacers and claim a monopoly over the galaxy's wealth.

Why You Will Love This: Fans of golden age Science Fiction and expansive space operas will be utterly captivated by Andre Norton's rich world-building. If you crave gripping tales of interstellar commerce, intricate alien cultures, heroic starship crews, and action-packed retro sci-fi survival stories, this masterpiece delivers thrilling suspense on every page.

Biographical Note: Andre Norton (1912-2005), often hailed as the "Grande Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy," was a pioneering titan of the genre. Her enduring legacy includes creating the beloved "blue-collar space merchant" trope, forever shaping the landscape of speculative fiction.