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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
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2025
6 people are currently reading
711 people want to read
About the author
Kim Catanzarite
7 books182 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.)
December 16, 2025
The Cold Light of Fate is a powerful and emotionally grounded conclusion to an ambitious science fiction series, one that balances prophecy, political tension, and deeply personal sacrifice with impressive clarity.
Kim Catanzarite delivers a richly layered narrative where fate is not just foretold, but fiercely resisted. Svetlana’s journey anchors the story with heart and gravity; her exhaustion, love, and refusal to surrender autonomy make her a compelling counterpoint to the sweeping prophecy surrounding her daughter, Evan. Rather than relying on spectacle alone, the novel explores the emotional cost of destiny, what it demands, and who must pay.
The political dynamics of Jovian Earth are equally gripping. The dying Queen, Miranda’s morally fraught ambition, and the threat of the Moon Children create a tense, multifaceted conflict that feels both epic and unsettlingly plausible. Catanzarite’s handling of violence as a taboo within a peaceful society adds philosophical depth rarely explored with this much care in space opera.
What truly elevates this finale is its insistence on unity across difference, humans, clones, and Jovians confronting extinction not as symbols, but as flawed beings forced to evolve or perish. The result is a conclusion that feels earned, resonant, and emotionally satisfying without sacrificing complexity.
A captivating science fiction series indeed, one that closes with consequence, courage, and a lingering sense of wonder.
Kim Catanzarite delivers a richly layered narrative where fate is not just foretold, but fiercely resisted. Svetlana’s journey anchors the story with heart and gravity; her exhaustion, love, and refusal to surrender autonomy make her a compelling counterpoint to the sweeping prophecy surrounding her daughter, Evan. Rather than relying on spectacle alone, the novel explores the emotional cost of destiny, what it demands, and who must pay.
The political dynamics of Jovian Earth are equally gripping. The dying Queen, Miranda’s morally fraught ambition, and the threat of the Moon Children create a tense, multifaceted conflict that feels both epic and unsettlingly plausible. Catanzarite’s handling of violence as a taboo within a peaceful society adds philosophical depth rarely explored with this much care in space opera.
What truly elevates this finale is its insistence on unity across difference, humans, clones, and Jovians confronting extinction not as symbols, but as flawed beings forced to evolve or perish. The result is a conclusion that feels earned, resonant, and emotionally satisfying without sacrificing complexity.
A captivating science fiction series indeed, one that closes with consequence, courage, and a lingering sense of wonder.
November 12, 2025
Kim Catanzarite brings her Gemini’s Children saga to a breathtaking conclusion with The Cold Light of Fate, a sweeping, emotionally charged finale that blends intricate world-building with profound human questions about destiny, sacrifice, and survival.
At the heart of this gripping narrative is Svetlana, a woman torn between the urge to protect her family and the crushing weight of prophecy. Her granddaughter Natasha’s return to Jovian Earth sets in motion a series of events that test not only the boundaries of fate but also the fragile alliances among humans, clones, and the ethereal Jovians.
As the Moon Children threaten to annihilate life and the dying Jovian Queen’s second-in-command prepares for a coup, Catanzarite explores the collision between peace and power, faith and fear. Her prose shimmers with both urgency and grace, turning every chapter into a meditation on what it means to believe in something greater than oneself.
With vivid imagery, emotional depth, and thought-provoking moral complexity, The Cold Light of Fate is more than a science fiction epic, it’s a story about legacy, choice, and the light that endures even in the darkest reaches of the cosmos. Fans of Becky Chambers, N.K. Jemisin, and Octavia Butler will find themselves spellbound.
Catanzarite closes her universe with poise, empathy, and an unflinching gaze toward the stars.
At the heart of this gripping narrative is Svetlana, a woman torn between the urge to protect her family and the crushing weight of prophecy. Her granddaughter Natasha’s return to Jovian Earth sets in motion a series of events that test not only the boundaries of fate but also the fragile alliances among humans, clones, and the ethereal Jovians.
As the Moon Children threaten to annihilate life and the dying Jovian Queen’s second-in-command prepares for a coup, Catanzarite explores the collision between peace and power, faith and fear. Her prose shimmers with both urgency and grace, turning every chapter into a meditation on what it means to believe in something greater than oneself.
With vivid imagery, emotional depth, and thought-provoking moral complexity, The Cold Light of Fate is more than a science fiction epic, it’s a story about legacy, choice, and the light that endures even in the darkest reaches of the cosmos. Fans of Becky Chambers, N.K. Jemisin, and Octavia Butler will find themselves spellbound.
Catanzarite closes her universe with poise, empathy, and an unflinching gaze toward the stars.
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.
December 2, 2025
The Cold Light of Fate is a masterful and deeply affecting conclusion to a series defined by destiny, sacrifice, and the delicate balance between worlds. Svetlana’s struggle to reconcile her past choices with the prophecy hanging over Evan creates a gripping emotional center, while looming threats, from the Moon Children to the destabilizing political fracture on Jovian Earth, raise the stakes to breathtaking heights.
What makes this finale so powerful is how seamlessly it blends cosmic peril with intimate humanity. Every character, from clones to Jovians to the embattled humans, carries a piece of the world’s survival on their shoulders. The result is a conclusion that feels both epic and personal, delivering a story of unity, unforeseen turns, and the relentless pull of fate. A stunning and unforgettable end to a captivating sci-fi saga.
What makes this finale so powerful is how seamlessly it blends cosmic peril with intimate humanity. Every character, from clones to Jovians to the embattled humans, carries a piece of the world’s survival on their shoulders. The result is a conclusion that feels both epic and personal, delivering a story of unity, unforeseen turns, and the relentless pull of fate. A stunning and unforgettable end to a captivating sci-fi saga.
December 11, 2025
The Cold Light of Fate is an electrifying conclusion to an epic science fiction saga. Kim Catanzarite crafts a high stakes, emotionally resonant story where human, clone, and Jovian characters must navigate prophecy, survival, and interplanetary politics. The narrative balances intense action with intricate character arcs, exploring themes of destiny, sacrifice, and unity in the face of cosmic threats.
The book’s rich world building immerses readers in the intricate dynamics of Jovian Earth and its inhabitants. Catanzarite’s ability to weave together personal struggles, political intrigue, and existential danger creates a suspenseful and engaging experience for science fiction fans. At 312 pages, this finale delivers both emotional depth and thrilling plot progression, making it a satisfying conclusion to the series.
The book’s rich world building immerses readers in the intricate dynamics of Jovian Earth and its inhabitants. Catanzarite’s ability to weave together personal struggles, political intrigue, and existential danger creates a suspenseful and engaging experience for science fiction fans. At 312 pages, this finale delivers both emotional depth and thrilling plot progression, making it a satisfying conclusion to the series.
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.)
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