Zeroboxer

Lee, Fonda. Zeroboxer. 2015. 360p. ISBN 9780738743387. Available at FIC LEE on the library shelves.

At nearly eighteen, Carr Luka is an up-and-coming star on the zeroboxing circuit. For the last ten years, Luka has been training hard, and two years ago he moved from Earth to Valtego, one of the many large space stations orbiting many of the inner planets of the solar system. There, in a zero gravity environment, he has become one of the best fighters in the Cube, the zeroboxing arena.

With such a meteoric rise, the ZGFA (Zero Gravity Fighting Association), recognizes Carr’s marketability and star power and appoints a brandhelm to propel his career to the next level. Risha is a driven and knowledgeable half Martian / half Terran and will provide him with a personalized marketing strategy that will make him the most popular athlete in the solar system. Their relationship also evolves and they become involved in a torrid love affair.

The power of celebrity draws challenges from far, however. Amid rising political tensions between Earth and Mars, A tournament is organized to fight for zeroboxing supremacy between the two planets. As the face of Earth, Carr is ready to stand against the Martians, the best zeroboxing fighters in the system. But suddenly he becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that could at the very least cost him his career, and, at worse, could destroy the careful balance between Terrans and Martians. What tough choices will Carr and Risha make?

A great science-fiction novel, the universe and zeroboxing will never be the same.