Plague Ship

Embark on a pulse-pounding voyage to the stars, where cosmic fortunes are paid in blood. 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.