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The Icarus Saga #3
The Icarus Job
Hoping to take possession of a new alien star-hopping portal, Roarke and Selene are tasked with transporting an assassin, who is herself being targeted.
For years Gregory Roarke and his Kadolian partner Selene worked as crocketts, combing through the atmospheres of uninhabited worlds for places that might be colonized or hold valuable resources. Now, they work for the Icarus Group, a top-secret government organization hunting for portals created by a long-vanished alien race, portals that can teleport a person hundreds or thousands of light-years in the blink of an eye.
Usually, those hunts are long and tedious. But Roarke has now been handed an intriguing offer. A criminal boss, Robertine Cherno, will hand over a hitherto unknown portal to the Icarus Group in exchange for Roarke and Selene agreeing to transport a passenger named Nikki across the Spiral.
There’s only one catch. Nikki is a professional, high-priced, highly feared assassin. And she’s on the job.
That would have been bad enough. But when the alien Patth also move to gain possession of the portal, bad quickly promises to go to worse.
Especially when it becomes clear that Nikki herself is being hunted by someone.
It’s up to Roarke and Selene to untangle the mysteries and get to the truth before they become someone’s collateral damage.
For years Gregory Roarke and his Kadolian partner Selene worked as crocketts, combing through the atmospheres of uninhabited worlds for places that might be colonized or hold valuable resources. Now, they work for the Icarus Group, a top-secret government organization hunting for portals created by a long-vanished alien race, portals that can teleport a person hundreds or thousands of light-years in the blink of an eye.
Usually, those hunts are long and tedious. But Roarke has now been handed an intriguing offer. A criminal boss, Robertine Cherno, will hand over a hitherto unknown portal to the Icarus Group in exchange for Roarke and Selene agreeing to transport a passenger named Nikki across the Spiral.
There’s only one catch. Nikki is a professional, high-priced, highly feared assassin. And she’s on the job.
That would have been bad enough. But when the alien Patth also move to gain possession of the portal, bad quickly promises to go to worse.
Especially when it becomes clear that Nikki herself is being hunted by someone.
It’s up to Roarke and Selene to untangle the mysteries and get to the truth before they become someone’s collateral damage.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2024
24 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Zahn
481 books8,515 followersTimothy Zahn attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1973. He then moved to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and achieved an M.S. degree in physics in 1975. While he was pursuing a doctorate in physics, his adviser became ill and died. Zahn never completed the doctorate. In 1975 he had begun writing science fiction as a hobby, and he became a professional writer. He and his wife Anna live in Bandon, Oregon. They have a son, Corwin Zahn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 25, 2024
With his Icarus Series, Timothy Zahn has proven that he is incredibly consistent.
Each Icarus Novel for me has been about a 7 out of 10, and this book is no different. I think that Zahn knows exactly what he wants to write here, and he's achieved it every time.
This book is by far the least puzzle-boxy of the Icarus novels. It feels much more like a faster paced thriller than the other books. However, this book still has elements of the Puzzle Box Mystery, and I was very pleased with the way it turned out.
I think the added character of "Piper" really brought out a new dynamic, particularly out of Roarke and Selina. Her being an assassin who is actually being hunted was very interesting.
I also really liked the action in this book, and think that Zahn did an excellent job of laying out the information at the beginning of the book. I think this book has the ability for the reader to guess the mystery, whereas I think the other books were too far out there for readers to guess.
My biggest gripe has been the lack of character development for Gregory Roarke and Selina, particularly with regards to their relationship. However, there is a glimmer of something there still so I'm hopeful that Zahn capitalizes on it before the final book. We only have 3 left in the series.
Overall, this is an entertaining Sci-Fi puzzle box book, but it's not necessarily Zahn's best or worst. Its right in the middle where the other Icarus novels have been. 7 out of 10.
By the way, I love this cover by Dave Seeley. It's really excellent!
Each Icarus Novel for me has been about a 7 out of 10, and this book is no different. I think that Zahn knows exactly what he wants to write here, and he's achieved it every time.
This book is by far the least puzzle-boxy of the Icarus novels. It feels much more like a faster paced thriller than the other books. However, this book still has elements of the Puzzle Box Mystery, and I was very pleased with the way it turned out.
I think the added character of "Piper" really brought out a new dynamic, particularly out of Roarke and Selina. Her being an assassin who is actually being hunted was very interesting.
I also really liked the action in this book, and think that Zahn did an excellent job of laying out the information at the beginning of the book. I think this book has the ability for the reader to guess the mystery, whereas I think the other books were too far out there for readers to guess.
My biggest gripe has been the lack of character development for Gregory Roarke and Selina, particularly with regards to their relationship. However, there is a glimmer of something there still so I'm hopeful that Zahn capitalizes on it before the final book. We only have 3 left in the series.
Overall, this is an entertaining Sci-Fi puzzle box book, but it's not necessarily Zahn's best or worst. Its right in the middle where the other Icarus novels have been. 7 out of 10.
By the way, I love this cover by Dave Seeley. It's really excellent!
March 18, 2024
A little more thriller-esque than the previous two Icarus books, as Roarke and Selene are transporting an assassin named Nikki in hopes of getting another portal... Except 1) that portal was stolen from the Paath, 2) Nikki is concealing a lot of secrets, and also 3) there are bounty hunters on her tail.
I still feel like Roarke does most of the heavy lifting and Selene ends up under-developed as a result, but I'm interested to see where the series goes from here--in addition to searching for portals, Roarke and co. will have another *spoilery thing* to investigate.
I still feel like Roarke does most of the heavy lifting and Selene ends up under-developed as a result, but I'm interested to see where the series goes from here--in addition to searching for portals, Roarke and co. will have another *spoilery thing* to investigate.
February 21, 2025
4.5 stars. The books in this series are all fairly similar to be honest, but the addition of the traveling assassin in this book really added an interesting dynamic to the main cast of protagonists. Also, the (slow, but appreciated) world building at the end of the book, hinting at even larger mysteries, was a refreshing addition compared to previous entries in the saga.
December 14, 2024
Another excellent book! Fantastic characters, a great puzzlebox, and now we're getting hints about the ancient alien race who created these portals in the first place. These reveals are very well done, and appear to be setting up to reveal more about the mysterious Icari. It adds even more depth to a galaxy already rich with details that make it feel real.
As always, I'm looking forward to the next one!
As always, I'm looking forward to the next one!
December 12, 2025
Well, these are definitely not getting better...
August 12, 2024
Brilliant!
April 2, 2024
I have really enjoyed the Icarus series. Timothy Zahn writes tightly plotted space opera thrillers that keep me guessing as the plot slowly unwinds.
This time crocketts (that is, orbital surveyors looking for unknown habitable planets) Roarke and his alien partner Selene have a new variable to juggle as they agree to pick up a passenger and take her wherever in the Spiral she wants to go. All they know about her is that she is a professional assassin on a job, and they are her ride.
But things are never what they seem in a Timothy Zahn Icarus book.
Who is their passenger really and why have they been promised a portal (that is, a teleporter) just to serve as a common carrier (has anyone not ever heard of commercial space liners?)?
In the Icarus universe, an alien race called the Patth first developed a working fast stardrive and they jealously guard their monopoly. (Humans and the other races have space travel themselves, but it is much slower.)
Then the Icarus Group discovered the first portal. Not surprisingly, the Patth wanted a portal, too.
And the Mafia (mobsters) are alive and well in the Icarus universe. In fact, it was a mob boss who contracted with Roark and Selene to ferry the assassin to her chosen destination.
Can we say double cross, anyone? It is for sure that you can't be certain who is on whose side as the plot thickens!
Highly recommended for space opera fans, mystery fans, series fans, and fans of plenty of character-driven action!
This time crocketts (that is, orbital surveyors looking for unknown habitable planets) Roarke and his alien partner Selene have a new variable to juggle as they agree to pick up a passenger and take her wherever in the Spiral she wants to go. All they know about her is that she is a professional assassin on a job, and they are her ride.
But things are never what they seem in a Timothy Zahn Icarus book.
Who is their passenger really and why have they been promised a portal (that is, a teleporter) just to serve as a common carrier (has anyone not ever heard of commercial space liners?)?
In the Icarus universe, an alien race called the Patth first developed a working fast stardrive and they jealously guard their monopoly. (Humans and the other races have space travel themselves, but it is much slower.)
Then the Icarus Group discovered the first portal. Not surprisingly, the Patth wanted a portal, too.
And the Mafia (mobsters) are alive and well in the Icarus universe. In fact, it was a mob boss who contracted with Roark and Selene to ferry the assassin to her chosen destination.
Can we say double cross, anyone? It is for sure that you can't be certain who is on whose side as the plot thickens!
Highly recommended for space opera fans, mystery fans, series fans, and fans of plenty of character-driven action!
July 9, 2025
🕵️♀️🔫🚀
“The job was simple. The catch? So was the trap.”
🕵️♀️🔫🚀
4.3 out of 5 Star-Hopping Setups
The Icarus Job dials up the tension and finally cracks a knuckle or two. Less puzzle box, more high-stakes thriller, this is Zahn in kinetic mode—chases, cons, and characters with too many secrets and not enough safe exits.
Roarke and Selene are back, but it’s Nikki—the deadly-plus-passenger assassin—that gives this book its sharpest edge. She’s not just the package, she’s the detonator. The Patth want the portal, the mob wants a favor, and everyone wants to walk away alive. Spoiler: not everyone does.
There’s a deeper thread unraveling now—the alien Icari’s ancient network isn’t just background lore anymore. Zahn’s starting to lift the curtain, and it’s working. We’re not just chasing jobs; we’re inching toward something massive.
Selene gets more page-time (finally), Roarke is still all intuition and tired competence, and Zahn's signature calm-control style keeps it all from slipping into chaos, even when laserfire starts flying.
Best for: Readers who want intrigue, tight action, and Zahn's layered worldbuilding with a noir soul.
Skip if: You’re tired of slow-burn character arcs or allergic to assassins with soft spots.
“The job was simple. The catch? So was the trap.”
🕵️♀️🔫🚀
4.3 out of 5 Star-Hopping Setups
The Icarus Job dials up the tension and finally cracks a knuckle or two. Less puzzle box, more high-stakes thriller, this is Zahn in kinetic mode—chases, cons, and characters with too many secrets and not enough safe exits.
Roarke and Selene are back, but it’s Nikki—the deadly-plus-passenger assassin—that gives this book its sharpest edge. She’s not just the package, she’s the detonator. The Patth want the portal, the mob wants a favor, and everyone wants to walk away alive. Spoiler: not everyone does.
There’s a deeper thread unraveling now—the alien Icari’s ancient network isn’t just background lore anymore. Zahn’s starting to lift the curtain, and it’s working. We’re not just chasing jobs; we’re inching toward something massive.
Selene gets more page-time (finally), Roarke is still all intuition and tired competence, and Zahn's signature calm-control style keeps it all from slipping into chaos, even when laserfire starts flying.
Best for: Readers who want intrigue, tight action, and Zahn's layered worldbuilding with a noir soul.
Skip if: You’re tired of slow-burn character arcs or allergic to assassins with soft spots.
October 9, 2024
Zahn’s got me hooked for the long haul with this series. I wasn’t as thrilled with this book’s predecessor and this one is a little better though not my favorite thus far. However, we know so much more about the deeper mystery of the world building… or at least we are lead to believe as Roark makes observations of the newly named Icari ruins. I might be making things up in my head, but I feel like there is something missing about Roark’s backstory— and definitely Selene’s— that has some connection to the secrets the Icarus Group are safeguarding. I dunno, for some reason I don’t trust Selene.
Straight forward plot here with to-be-expected of this series twists and surprises. Just makes me wonder what Zahn’s end goal is with this series, published so close together. If he just getting started or winding down in the next two books? Let the puzzles continue!
Straight forward plot here with to-be-expected of this series twists and surprises. Just makes me wonder what Zahn’s end goal is with this series, published so close together. If he just getting started or winding down in the next two books? Let the puzzles continue!
September 29, 2025
The Icarus Job by Timothy Zahn is the third book in "The Icarus Saga".
In this one, Gregory Roarke and his alien partner, Selene, are working as Trailblazers. Trailblazers search out new worlds for the possibility of future development. This, unfortunately just barely pays the bills after they maintain their spaceship. Along comes an opportunity that sounds too good to be true, and most probably is. They need the money, however, so they take the job anyway. They will soon become embroiled in plots by the alien Patth, gangsters, and an assassin. A fun read by one of the modern masters of science fiction. Note: Although part of an ongoing series, this book can be read as a standalone and still enjoyed.
In this one, Gregory Roarke and his alien partner, Selene, are working as Trailblazers. Trailblazers search out new worlds for the possibility of future development. This, unfortunately just barely pays the bills after they maintain their spaceship. Along comes an opportunity that sounds too good to be true, and most probably is. They need the money, however, so they take the job anyway. They will soon become embroiled in plots by the alien Patth, gangsters, and an assassin. A fun read by one of the modern masters of science fiction. Note: Although part of an ongoing series, this book can be read as a standalone and still enjoyed.
July 28, 2024
As usual, a fun, twisty, breakneck-speed time. I appreciated that Selene gets more things to do in this book! And I enjoy pretty much all cameos of the OG McKell and Ixil. :3
The plot in this one feels a little thin, or like details weren’t as clear in the beginning so the end pieces could all fall into place. Or perhaps I just lost track. The overall story beats slot right into place with the rest of the series so far, and this one opens up the big world-shaker reveal, right on schedule. I look forward to finding out what happens next; I’ve got the next one lined up, although I’m wondering if I should save it until the next installment is published. Either way, it’ll be a good time!
The plot in this one feels a little thin, or like details weren’t as clear in the beginning so the end pieces could all fall into place. Or perhaps I just lost track. The overall story beats slot right into place with the rest of the series so far, and this one opens up the big world-shaker reveal, right on schedule. I look forward to finding out what happens next; I’ve got the next one lined up, although I’m wondering if I should save it until the next installment is published. Either way, it’ll be a good time!
July 23, 2024
Continues the same level of quality as the rest of The Icarus Saga. Consistently entertaining, while never reaching the level that the original The Icarus Hunt was at.
It's annoying that still whenever the characters talk about an unknown person they default to using "he". With the last book having a whole of one female character, and this one doubling it to two, of course they're always right - the unknown new character every single time does indeed turn out to be a "he."
Reading time: 9h 13m
It's annoying that still whenever the characters talk about an unknown person they default to using "he". With the last book having a whole of one female character, and this one doubling it to two, of course they're always right - the unknown new character every single time does indeed turn out to be a "he."
Reading time: 9h 13m
March 22, 2024
DNF after the first sentence… you guessed it “As my father always used to say.” Maybe I’m just in a bad mood, but I have to be honest with how this series has stresses me out these last 3 days starting with Icarus Plot. I even skipped ahead in this book to see if the narration got better. It didn’t change so I returned it.
Especially disappointing since I think Timothy Zahn and Mark Thompson have done amazing work and will do again at some point.
Especially disappointing since I think Timothy Zahn and Mark Thompson have done amazing work and will do again at some point.
March 22, 2024
The Sci-fi Master
The new Icarus series is amazing! But I expect nothing less from a book series by Timothy Zahn. Zahn is the top of my list when it comes to sci-fi writers. Asimov, Clarke, Bradbury and others may have set the sci-fi stage, but he brings life to the stage. I can't think of anyone who creates better characters and places them in more masterful plots than he is able. It's why he has so many successful book series. And the Icarus series is no disappointment.
The new Icarus series is amazing! But I expect nothing less from a book series by Timothy Zahn. Zahn is the top of my list when it comes to sci-fi writers. Asimov, Clarke, Bradbury and others may have set the sci-fi stage, but he brings life to the stage. I can't think of anyone who creates better characters and places them in more masterful plots than he is able. It's why he has so many successful book series. And the Icarus series is no disappointment.
August 2, 2025
I can't say that these books are great literature. But, they're nice reads that are easy to digest and understand. The characters aren't that bad, though I like the original characters (Tara, Ixil, and McKell) better. (I listen to these on audio, so I'm not sure about the name spellings).
The addition of Nikki was interesting.
I'm just waiting for a time where someone tells Roarke that they don't give an F about what his father used to say. It came close with Nikki.
The addition of Nikki was interesting.
I'm just waiting for a time where someone tells Roarke that they don't give an F about what his father used to say. It came close with Nikki.
March 10, 2024
I enjoyed this book very much!
This book got me to the point that I didn't want to put it down until I finished it. I loved the twists and turns in the story and the ability of the characters to adjust to the situation!
This book got me to the point that I didn't want to put it down until I finished it. I loved the twists and turns in the story and the ability of the characters to adjust to the situation!
April 9, 2024
Great sci fi adventure
The worldbuilding is fascinating, Roarke is a personable narrator, and the story is definitely a page-turner. Surprising allies and astonishing discoveries made the book notable; I didn't foresee some of the plot twists. I'm enjoying this series.
The worldbuilding is fascinating, Roarke is a personable narrator, and the story is definitely a page-turner. Surprising allies and astonishing discoveries made the book notable; I didn't foresee some of the plot twists. I'm enjoying this series.
June 2, 2024
Excellent Series
I can’t wait to read the next installment of this series. Timothy Zaharia has done an excellent job of character development with many plot twists. I can’t wait until next series comes.
I can’t wait to read the next installment of this series. Timothy Zaharia has done an excellent job of character development with many plot twists. I can’t wait until next series comes.
October 19, 2024
The protagonist and his side-kick get roped into transporting an assassin around the galaxy. At the same time, they are investigating the locations and possible theft of more of the Icarus pods, which allow instantaneous transport between worlds.
June 9, 2025
This is hard… I liked the premise and the action, even some of the characters. But the writing style was not my thing and majority of the characters weren’t either. The dialogue and the narration together didn’t seem to flow for me.
December 17, 2025
Another great installment. Keep track of what's going on, it keeps you on your toes. Likeable characters, even the ones who might be villains, and a great plot. Looking forward to continuing the series.
April 4, 2024
A good writer at the top of his game! The continuation of Gregory Roarke and his partner Selene a Kadolian. This a professional highly feared assassin is on the hunt.
August 24, 2024
It was not bad--too much mansplaining by the protagonist, for my taste. He was always explaining things away to other characters, became boring
November 2, 2024
Good fun. Helpful to have read and to remember The Icarus Plot first, but not essential. I didn't remember as much as I'd have liked but I still kept up.
December 10, 2024
An experiment in how much I'm willing to endure annoying MC/author writing ticks, but continue reading anyway because I'm interested in the plot/worldbuilding...
December 18, 2024
I'm tired of the characters, I'm not going to read more in this series
March 12, 2025
Like my father said, if you constantly quote your father you might annoy your readers.
March 31, 2025
Zahn keeps the saga exciting, adding new characters while further developing the returning principals, adversaries, and allies.
June 8, 2025
Who are we really working for? It's tough to tell at times.
August 9, 2025
The best book of the series so far! I love that the heroes do their best to keep the moral high ground, and this book explores some of the complexities of that struggle. Well done, Zahn!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews