Colossus Rising - (Torth) by Abby Goldsmith (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In this thrilling dystopian space-opera, escapees flee a ravaged Earth--but what's more dangerous: the wasteland of their past or the one that lies ahead?

Having obliterated entire civilizations, the Torth Majority is now threatening humanity itself. Barreling through deep space--and hunted every dark mile by armadas, saboteurs, and kamikaze armies--the passengers of a refugee streamship must outrun everything they left behind if they hope to stay alive.

Instilled with illegal superpowers, Ariock is a literal giant among gladiators. It's in his blood: his legendary great-grandfather outwitted the Torth, and Ariock himself dared to betray them. Thomas, on the other hand, is a supergenius. Sure, he's physically disadvantaged, but his mind is a brainwashing, telepathic, terrifying wonder to behold. What he's done to outlast the abuses of his youth is something of a mystery . . . and possibly malevolent. Not even Vy, his caretaker and foster sister, knows all of Thomas's secrets.

What all three share is a fear of the unknown. Their ship on the last dregs of fuel, they crash-land on a distant planet still under the toxic, storm-filled fallout of an ancient nuclear war. Turns out this hell-scape is the ancestral homeworld of the Torth. And while that savage empire couldn't withstand this poisoned sludge of a planet, it doesn't mean they're not still guarding it.

On a predatory world of mutant monstrosities and relentless galactic enemies, Thomas foresees nothing but death and defeat. But it's do-or-die for Ariock and the streamship exiles who are fighting to survive--and somehow find light in a dead city of eternal night.

The second volume of the hit sci-fi fantasy series--with more than 750,000 views on Royal Road-- now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!

Review Quotes

Praise for Majority "Thoughtful explorations of morality, altruism, justice and mercy, and the idea that godlike powers come with godlike responsibilities add depth and breadth to this auspicious entry in SF literature's mutant-superman genre. . . . An Earth-shaking opening to the chronicle of a rapacious galactic empire." --Kirkus Reviews

"Engaging from the start, this complex space opera features relatable, believable characters; highly original, meticulous world building; and difficult ethical and moral dilemmas. Both young adult and adult readers are sure to be absorbed by Thomas' intergalactic journey. Luckily this is just the first installment of an epic series." --Booklist

About the Author

Abby Goldsmith is the author of the Torth series, originally released on Wattpad and Royal Road. Additionally, her work has been sold to Escape Pod and Writer's Digest Books, and will be featured in an upcoming anthology. She is also a 2D and 3D animator with game credits. Goldsmith has lived on all three coasts of the United States and currently resides in Texas with an alpha reader who should write fanfic.