Inheritance (Rare Earth Trilogy)

With an expanding need for new technology and even newer gadgets, the rare earth materials needed to produce these are dwindling. Humankind had to turn elsewhere to find these elements. The latest gold rush is in deep space. Asteroid mining is the way of the future. Thea Watts is well familiar with deep space mining. Her father was the founder and owner of Watts Astromining Company. In its heyday, it was one of the top mining companies. But when Thea’s father dies, everything is left to her, including the Zephyr, his antiquated mining ship. Unable to sell the ship, be it the curiosity of space or stubborn pride, Thea decides to continue in her father’s space-booted footprints. Assembling a ragtag crew of misfits, Thea takes on the dangers of asteroid mining and human greed.

Inheritance is a science fiction thriller by Lou Iovino. Novels involving space mining have grown in popularity in recent years. Iovino adds his own exciting story to this growing genre. This is a true science fiction novel. There is no invading alien race trying to compete for resources. No lightspeed or hyperspace. No space lasers or fancy weaponry. This is a tale of the human ambition to tackle and conquer new frontiers and to eke out a living in the deadliest of environments. The action comes fast and furious as Thea and her crew delve deeper into the asteroid belt for the big score.

Along with the dangers of deep space, Iovino pits the underdog against more giant corporations and human greed and ambitions. Woven into this story is a tale of deception and espionage. Action, adventure, and intrigue come at the reader from every angle. As well as a warning of corruption.

Inheritance is not the first, nor will it be the last, novel of mining in space. Iovino does it through the lens of true science fiction with none of the fantasy. Mining in outer space will be here soon, and much of it will resemble descriptions in this novel. Readers looking to glimpse what may come will enjoy Iovino’s tale. This is a tale of danger and humans battling the elements. Jack London told of the struggles of the Yukon. Lou Iovino tells of the struggles of the dark side of the Moon, the struggles of deep space, and the struggles of mining asteroids. Just as Thea inherited her father’s ship, the reader inherited the excitement and intrigue of Iovino’s latest novel.