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Jovian #5
The Cold Light of Fate
Look to the stars and you shall see where the cold light of fate marks her destiny.
Svetlana has sacrificed everything to bring her granddaughter, Natasha, back to Jovian Earth. But as soon as she arrives, her daughter, Evan, reasserts an impossible claim—that she is The Lost Sister, the prophesied savior who alone can prevent the planet’s destruction. Svetlana wants nothing more than to leave this world behind, but fate has other plans.
A relentless terror the Moon Children, an extraterrestrial force, threatens to make Jovian Earth uninhabitable. At the same time, the Jovian Queen is dying, and her second-in-command, Miranda, is prepared to use force—an unthinkable act among the peaceful Jovians—to seize control and set a violent course for the future.
With tensions rising and time running out, humans, clones, and Jovians must put aside their differences and unite against the coming dystopian storm. But the battle for survival will take more than a unified front. The unforeseen, too, has a part to play.
In this epic series finale, the fate of a world teeters on the edge of destruction. Can Svetlana accept Evan’s truth before it’s too late? And when the cold light of fate shines upon them all, who will rise—and who will fall?
"[A] captivating science fiction series!"—BlueInk Review (Starred Review)
Svetlana has sacrificed everything to bring her granddaughter, Natasha, back to Jovian Earth. But as soon as she arrives, her daughter, Evan, reasserts an impossible claim—that she is The Lost Sister, the prophesied savior who alone can prevent the planet’s destruction. Svetlana wants nothing more than to leave this world behind, but fate has other plans.
A relentless terror the Moon Children, an extraterrestrial force, threatens to make Jovian Earth uninhabitable. At the same time, the Jovian Queen is dying, and her second-in-command, Miranda, is prepared to use force—an unthinkable act among the peaceful Jovians—to seize control and set a violent course for the future.
With tensions rising and time running out, humans, clones, and Jovians must put aside their differences and unite against the coming dystopian storm. But the battle for survival will take more than a unified front. The unforeseen, too, has a part to play.
In this epic series finale, the fate of a world teeters on the edge of destruction. Can Svetlana accept Evan’s truth before it’s too late? And when the cold light of fate shines upon them all, who will rise—and who will fall?
"[A] captivating science fiction series!"—BlueInk Review (Starred Review)
- GenresScience Fiction
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2025
About the author
Kim Catanzarite
7 books195 followersKim Catanzarite writes character-driven science fiction and dark fantasy novels. Her books are a mix of heartfelt family and friendship drama, fast-paced adventure, engaging plot twists, and unique imagination. She is the author of the Jovian Universe series and the Angel of Death series. Kim lives in New Jersey with her husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 21, 2025
What a bittersweet moment it is to reach the end of this series!
I am not usually a fan of straight science fiction - if you know me or have followed my reviews, you know I prefer romances (on the dark side) and mystery/thrillers. However, every once in a while, a sci-fi novel jumps out and catches me by the throat. This was definitely the case with They Will Be Coming for Us when I read the blurb for an ARC copy in 2021. Fast forward to five years of books in this series, and it is such a happy, but sad moment to reach the end!
In this final novel, we see the battle for Jovian Earth come to a head. Picking up immediately from the events of The Moon Children, we encounter beloved and aggrieved Svetlana once again embroiled in a battle not of her choosing - this time with her daughter, Evan. Along with other favourites, the mission is to protect the world from forces wishing to destroy it.
This sci-fi book has everything! Clones, time travel, aliens, hybrids. From the beginning, I was absolutely engrossed. The action never waned, ensuring I was never bored. What I enjoyed most was Kim's ability to make me fall in love with these characters and become invested in their lives. Getting to the end made me feel like a beloved TV show had come to its conclusion. I will genuinely miss reading about Svetlana and the gang.
*A great many thanks to Kim Catanzarite for this ARC. It is important to note that I was not committed to providing a positive review; all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*
I am not usually a fan of straight science fiction - if you know me or have followed my reviews, you know I prefer romances (on the dark side) and mystery/thrillers. However, every once in a while, a sci-fi novel jumps out and catches me by the throat. This was definitely the case with They Will Be Coming for Us when I read the blurb for an ARC copy in 2021. Fast forward to five years of books in this series, and it is such a happy, but sad moment to reach the end!
In this final novel, we see the battle for Jovian Earth come to a head. Picking up immediately from the events of The Moon Children, we encounter beloved and aggrieved Svetlana once again embroiled in a battle not of her choosing - this time with her daughter, Evan. Along with other favourites, the mission is to protect the world from forces wishing to destroy it.
This sci-fi book has everything! Clones, time travel, aliens, hybrids. From the beginning, I was absolutely engrossed. The action never waned, ensuring I was never bored. What I enjoyed most was Kim's ability to make me fall in love with these characters and become invested in their lives. Getting to the end made me feel like a beloved TV show had come to its conclusion. I will genuinely miss reading about Svetlana and the gang.
*A great many thanks to Kim Catanzarite for this ARC. It is important to note that I was not committed to providing a positive review; all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*
August 25, 2025
I was totally absorbed with this series. I was sad to see it come to an end.
April 29, 2025
A beautiful and well-written story. I’ve enjoyed every book in the series and highly recommend.
May 8, 2025
I had the immense pleasure of beta reading this novel and let me say, it was, without a doubt, one of my favorite betas ever.
Kim Catanzarite has a flare for writing a wide mix of unique and emotionally engaging characters, weaving complex plot lines, building awesome futuristic worlds and tech, and sending you on a roller coaster of perfectly timed emotional punches that will leave you simultaneously breathless and yearning for more. The action is cinematic. The heartbreak is devastating. The triumphs exhilarating. It’s all there: aliens, battles, telepathy, clones, adventure, spaceships, time travel, heartbreak, fallible heroes and terrifying villains. There’s something for everyone to fall in love with in a Catanzarite novel!
I’m off to find a lucky pinecone… 😉
Kim Catanzarite has a flare for writing a wide mix of unique and emotionally engaging characters, weaving complex plot lines, building awesome futuristic worlds and tech, and sending you on a roller coaster of perfectly timed emotional punches that will leave you simultaneously breathless and yearning for more. The action is cinematic. The heartbreak is devastating. The triumphs exhilarating. It’s all there: aliens, battles, telepathy, clones, adventure, spaceships, time travel, heartbreak, fallible heroes and terrifying villains. There’s something for everyone to fall in love with in a Catanzarite novel!
I’m off to find a lucky pinecone… 😉
May 25, 2025
The Cold Light of Fate, the final book in the Jovian series, does not disappoint. Kim Catanzarite is an eloquent writer whose descriptions paint vivid scenes of other worlds and expose the conflicted emotions of her intriguing characters. Those characters are thrust into one challenging situation after another, sometimes against one each other, and many are forced to face inevitable paths that are their destiny. The strongest individuals do so with grace and courage. From They Will Be Coming for Us (pub. 2021) to this fifth installment, The Jovian Pentalogy will appeal to long-time connoisseurs of science fiction and those dipping their toes into the genre for the first time.
May 17, 2025
This last book in the series starts with a flourish’s d then romps along with plenty of tension and surprises. It pushes the Jovian world to new edges and the characters all unfold delightfully as they fight to create a better future and preserve the Earth from malevolent sociopaths. A thoroughly enjoyable escape with one of the best opening sequences I’ve read.
April 22, 2025
Catanzarite is back and will launch you into a riveting sci-fi adventure!
“You have empathy and an open mind,” Dayana said. “Those two things can take you anywhere.” Dayana, a greenhouse keeper as old as the “earth’s core,” delivers this poignant message and is just one of the many memorable characters in Kim Catanzarite’s The Cold Light of Fate, a captivating, fast-paced conclusion to the Jovian Universe series.
Delivering a suspenseful and spirited sci-fi adventure, the book picks up where The Moon Children, fourth in the series, left off and takes little time to draw us in. The mission remains: to protect Earth and her inhabitants from destruction. And Jovian, hybrid, clone, and human characters distinguish once again in supporting this objective to stop the enemy that threatens to upend their world.
Time travel between universes. A glowing extraterrestrial stowaway. A rambunctious and opinionated eighteen-year-old who is The Lost Sister. Faithful and intelligent clones. The delicate promise of a pinecone. And the luxurious taste of water on earth. This book is a delightful mixture of plot, characters, dialogue, and storytelling as action scenes, camaraderie, humor, and even a budding romance fills its pages. Indeed, cultures also collide as when space pilot Max attempts to make a joke. Upon smiling—and ultimately baring his teeth—at the extraterrestrial creature he is transporting to earth, he accidently gives the impression he seeks to harm his Luna Liberi passenger.
A swift read with crisp storytelling and memorable characters, Catanzarite keeps the pace moving with chapters presenting individual character perspectives, and which are organized in relevant and timely fashion that is successful in building tension. And through it all, consistent themes of loyalty to and nurturing of people, places, and things we love—whether family, friends, the planet we live on, or the air and earth around us—emboldens the text, leading to a highly satisfying resolution.
Fans of sci-fi and those new to the genre will enjoy this exciting book that serves as the perfect closure to a lively five-part series. The preceding book, The Moon Children, is a recommended read to set the stage for this final installment and will bring the most enjoyment out of The Cold Light of Fate.
(I received an ARC of this book prior to its upcoming publication date.)
“You have empathy and an open mind,” Dayana said. “Those two things can take you anywhere.” Dayana, a greenhouse keeper as old as the “earth’s core,” delivers this poignant message and is just one of the many memorable characters in Kim Catanzarite’s The Cold Light of Fate, a captivating, fast-paced conclusion to the Jovian Universe series.
Delivering a suspenseful and spirited sci-fi adventure, the book picks up where The Moon Children, fourth in the series, left off and takes little time to draw us in. The mission remains: to protect Earth and her inhabitants from destruction. And Jovian, hybrid, clone, and human characters distinguish once again in supporting this objective to stop the enemy that threatens to upend their world.
Time travel between universes. A glowing extraterrestrial stowaway. A rambunctious and opinionated eighteen-year-old who is The Lost Sister. Faithful and intelligent clones. The delicate promise of a pinecone. And the luxurious taste of water on earth. This book is a delightful mixture of plot, characters, dialogue, and storytelling as action scenes, camaraderie, humor, and even a budding romance fills its pages. Indeed, cultures also collide as when space pilot Max attempts to make a joke. Upon smiling—and ultimately baring his teeth—at the extraterrestrial creature he is transporting to earth, he accidently gives the impression he seeks to harm his Luna Liberi passenger.
A swift read with crisp storytelling and memorable characters, Catanzarite keeps the pace moving with chapters presenting individual character perspectives, and which are organized in relevant and timely fashion that is successful in building tension. And through it all, consistent themes of loyalty to and nurturing of people, places, and things we love—whether family, friends, the planet we live on, or the air and earth around us—emboldens the text, leading to a highly satisfying resolution.
Fans of sci-fi and those new to the genre will enjoy this exciting book that serves as the perfect closure to a lively five-part series. The preceding book, The Moon Children, is a recommended read to set the stage for this final installment and will bring the most enjoyment out of The Cold Light of Fate.
(I received an ARC of this book prior to its upcoming publication date.)
July 7, 2026
The Cold Light of Fate is the kind of science fiction finale that delivers on both spectacle and emotion. While the novel certainly offers high-stakes conflict, political intrigue, and an imaginative extraterrestrial world, what stayed with me most was how deeply personal the story remains beneath its epic scale. At its heart, this is a novel about family, sacrifice, identity, and the burden of accepting a destiny no one asked for.
What impressed me most was the way Kim Catanzarite balances multiple storylines without losing sight of the characters. The conflicts between humans, clones, and Jovians never feel like simple world-building exercises—they become reflections of fear, loyalty, prejudice, and hope. Every major decision carries emotional weight because the characters are forced to choose between what they want and what their world demands.
I also appreciated how the novel resists easy answers. Questions of prophecy, leadership, free will, and survival are explored with nuance, making the ending feel earned rather than predetermined. Even amid looming catastrophe, the story continually returns to compassion, reconciliation, and the possibility that unity can emerge from profound division.
As a conclusion to the series, The Cold Light of Fate feels both satisfying and ambitious. It rewards long-time readers while delivering the kind of emotional payoff that makes the entire journey worthwhile. Fans of thoughtful, character-driven science fiction that combines cosmic stakes with deeply human relationships will find plenty to admire here.
What impressed me most was the way Kim Catanzarite balances multiple storylines without losing sight of the characters. The conflicts between humans, clones, and Jovians never feel like simple world-building exercises—they become reflections of fear, loyalty, prejudice, and hope. Every major decision carries emotional weight because the characters are forced to choose between what they want and what their world demands.
I also appreciated how the novel resists easy answers. Questions of prophecy, leadership, free will, and survival are explored with nuance, making the ending feel earned rather than predetermined. Even amid looming catastrophe, the story continually returns to compassion, reconciliation, and the possibility that unity can emerge from profound division.
As a conclusion to the series, The Cold Light of Fate feels both satisfying and ambitious. It rewards long-time readers while delivering the kind of emotional payoff that makes the entire journey worthwhile. Fans of thoughtful, character-driven science fiction that combines cosmic stakes with deeply human relationships will find plenty to admire here.
May 16, 2025
The Cold Light of Fate
If you enjoy an epic sci-fi fantasy, daring female characters, and richly layered stories, do not miss the Jovian Universe series!
Once again Kim Catanzarite thrills readers who want to spend time with their favorite characters from the Jovian Universe. Her deeply developed characters never cease to engage our minds and warm our hearts. It was bittersweet spending time with my favorites (and growing to love my least favorites), knowing this is the last book in her captivating series.
Catanzarite brilliantly weaves fascinating aspects of humanity with the outer limits of the universe and time travel while celebrating the precious attributes of Earth. From the diverse characters to their high-stakes plight, to the intriguing sci-fi settings, this final book will have readers on the edge of their seats. And if you’re like me, you may come away with a little more appreciation for the things we take for granted here on Earth.
You don’t have to start with book one, but all the books are so incredible, it would be a shame to miss the extraordinary adventures that set the stage for The Cold Light of Fate. I’m excited to go back to the beginning and reread the series without pause between the books.
If you enjoy an epic sci-fi fantasy, daring female characters, and richly layered stories, do not miss the Jovian Universe series!
Once again Kim Catanzarite thrills readers who want to spend time with their favorite characters from the Jovian Universe. Her deeply developed characters never cease to engage our minds and warm our hearts. It was bittersweet spending time with my favorites (and growing to love my least favorites), knowing this is the last book in her captivating series.
Catanzarite brilliantly weaves fascinating aspects of humanity with the outer limits of the universe and time travel while celebrating the precious attributes of Earth. From the diverse characters to their high-stakes plight, to the intriguing sci-fi settings, this final book will have readers on the edge of their seats. And if you’re like me, you may come away with a little more appreciation for the things we take for granted here on Earth.
You don’t have to start with book one, but all the books are so incredible, it would be a shame to miss the extraordinary adventures that set the stage for The Cold Light of Fate. I’m excited to go back to the beginning and reread the series without pause between the books.
June 13, 2025
Sci-fi isn't just aliens, space travel, and scientific technology. In Kim Catanzarite's Jovian/Earth world, it's also adventure, intrigue, the possibility of war, and the end of a world, along with characters that we meet and get to know along with the story. I'd read all of the other books in the series, and especially after the last one, wondered what was going to happen.
Kim's storytelling flows along, and then it picks up speed. I found myself wondering what was going to happen, and how this could possibly turn out okay. Which is precisely what a good storyteller is supposed to do. Her character development is so good. I cared about the people, (and aliens) and through the books, they aged, changed, and lived their lives as we do. And just like in real life, there were some characters that I didn't like or care about, and situations that weren't all happy scenarios.
This is a sci-fi book, but it's also a story about the various ways we are families and different places we call home. The situations in the story which we can work and fight together for the things we love, shine. Questions are answered, and issues are resolved in satisfying and heartfelt ways.
(I received and ARC of this book and also pre-ordered the e-book.)
Kim's storytelling flows along, and then it picks up speed. I found myself wondering what was going to happen, and how this could possibly turn out okay. Which is precisely what a good storyteller is supposed to do. Her character development is so good. I cared about the people, (and aliens) and through the books, they aged, changed, and lived their lives as we do. And just like in real life, there were some characters that I didn't like or care about, and situations that weren't all happy scenarios.
This is a sci-fi book, but it's also a story about the various ways we are families and different places we call home. The situations in the story which we can work and fight together for the things we love, shine. Questions are answered, and issues are resolved in satisfying and heartfelt ways.
(I received and ARC of this book and also pre-ordered the e-book.)
December 2, 2025
The Cold Light of Fate by Kim Catanzarite is a gripping and immersive conclusion to her epic science fiction series. The story follows Svetlana, whose desperate mission to reunite with her granddaughter, Natasha, collides with forces beyond her control, including family tensions, prophecy, and the existential threat of the Moon Children.
Catanzarite masterfully balances high stakes action with emotional depth, exploring themes of destiny, loyalty, and survival. The novel presents a richly imagined world where humans, clones, and Jovians must confront both internal and external threats to protect their planet. The tension escalates with each chapter, culminating in a breathtaking finale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Fans of complex world building, interstellar conflict, and compelling characters will find The Cold Light of Fate both satisfying and thought provoking. Catanzarite’s narrative skillfully weaves suspense, intrigue, and science fiction elements into a story that resonates long after the last page.
Catanzarite masterfully balances high stakes action with emotional depth, exploring themes of destiny, loyalty, and survival. The novel presents a richly imagined world where humans, clones, and Jovians must confront both internal and external threats to protect their planet. The tension escalates with each chapter, culminating in a breathtaking finale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Fans of complex world building, interstellar conflict, and compelling characters will find The Cold Light of Fate both satisfying and thought provoking. Catanzarite’s narrative skillfully weaves suspense, intrigue, and science fiction elements into a story that resonates long after the last page.
May 29, 2025
Kim Cantanzarite delivers a deeply satisfying conclusion with The Cold Light Of Fate, the fifth and final book in the 'Jovian Universe' series. Having followed these characters throughout their journeys, this installment perfectly wraps up their arcs. I loved the addition of Diana and the way Lara arrives on Earth. As a sci-fi fan who enjoys aliens, time travel, and alternate timelines, this book hit all the right notes. The diverse cast, including my particular favorites, Max and Dimitri, truly shines. The book masterfully combines plot, character development, engaging dialogue, thrilling action, and even a touch of budding romance. Furthermore, Cantanzarite weaves in meaningful themes about the importance of protecting Earth’s beauty. While The Cold Light of Fate stands alone, reading the previous books will enhance the overall experience and appreciation for this exciting and captivating conclusion.
This is a five-star finale that I highly recommend.
This is a five-star finale that I highly recommend.
May 8, 2025
This was the first of Kim Catanzarite's novels in The Jovian Universe that I've read. Because of that it took me a few chapters to become familiar with all the characters. However, once I had a sense of all the relationships, I couldn't put down the book. Catanzarite keeps the pace moving with chapters that alternate between each character's perspective, leaving the reader wanting to know what comes next. The writing is clear, crisp, and powerful with some amazing metaphors and similes! The themes of family, friendship, and caring for others is at the heart of this novel and the reasons that kept me reading. The Cold Light of Fate is a must-read for science-fiction and fantasy readers and highly recommended for those who've never read SFF.
(I received an ARC of this novel.)
(I received an ARC of this novel.)
May 15, 2026
The Cold Light of Fate is a sweeping sci fi finale filled with prophecy, political tension, and looming planetary collapse.
Kim Catanzarite delivers a layered narrative where family conflict, identity, and survival collide against a backdrop of alien threats and shifting power struggles.
A dramatic and emotionally charged conclusion for fans of epic, character driven science fiction.
Kim Catanzarite delivers a layered narrative where family conflict, identity, and survival collide against a backdrop of alien threats and shifting power struggles.
A dramatic and emotionally charged conclusion for fans of epic, character driven science fiction.
May 26, 2026
A satisfying end to a great pentology. The Cold Light of Fate is written with Catanzarite’s typical smooth prose, effortlessly bringing the story to life. I thoroughly enjoyed my journey through the Jovian universe.
August 28, 2025
I'm the author of this novel, and it's so special to me. This is the fifth and final installment in the Jovian Universe series. After I wrote the first two books in the series, the plan became to write five, a pentalogy. Since spending five novels-worth of time with the main families in these books, I'm finding it hard to let go. But it is time. The story of the Jovians and the Petermans has come to an end—at least for now. Who knows what the future will bring! I hope you enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews