Europa

by D.L. Houpt

Lena:
They thought it was the ultimate weapon…until it became our extinction.
Now, plummeting towards Jupiter’s icy moon, humanity’s fate falls in our hands.
But maybe we aren’t worth saving.

Keller:
The hosts only hunt at night, but they’re always listening…waiting.
We’re told to keep our eyes on the horizon; to not look at them directly.
But I search for her in every one, because hope in this scorched world is our worst enemy, but also our fiercest ally.

For fans of The Last of Us, Interstellar, and The Haunting of Hill House, comes a chilling exploration of corruption, deceit, and the true meaning of humanity.

Genres: Science Fiction, Horror

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

As a mom of two littles, D.L. Houpt is used to the daily chaos. From a young age, she found herself escaping in the pages of novels. She loves writing stories, dreaming up magical worlds, and doom scrolling astrophysics videos that send her into an existential crisis. When she isn’t found typing up her new idea (most likely ignoring her husband to write), she’s in the garden with her daughter or enjoying a book with her son.
Engineer by day, she uses her writing as an outlet to uplift powerful women whether they be behind a computer monitor in an office or a shield on the battlefield

Reviews

[Baily Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Europa is an adventurous, heart-wrenching sci-fi novella that will hook you immediately. Told from the dual perspectives of Lena and Keller, you learn about the destruction of Earth and the efforts to restore it.

Mankind is always the enemy! I want to immediately re-read.

[Alexa Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!
Annihilation meets Alien meets The Last Of Us.
this was so gripping start to finish, i loved every moment of it. Man is always the real monster.
10/10 recommend.

[Vesper Doom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Europa is a gem of weird horror. Alternating between the horrors of being stranded in space and being a survivor in a TLOU-like apocalypse, Houpt shows us two sides of the struggle to survive. With a few squeamish moments as a treat.

[McKayli · Rating 5 out of 5]

-ARC Review-

The Last of Us x Interstellar absolutely ripped my heart out in one sentence, and I need to erase my memory so it can happen all over again. It has a little bit of everything creepy and eerie atmosphere with wonderful character development, leaving me sobbing in the end.

In this story, we follow Lena, our female main character, who is an astronaut on a mission to Europa, and Keller, our male main character, who is on a bomb-ridden Earth. Both are doing their best to survive, and the journey is an incredible adventure packed into just 127 pages. I can’t say too much without giving away spoilers, but Houpt's writing is absolutely beautiful. I was instantly captivated, and the story has been on my mind for three days now. My only suggestion would be to extend it before publishing or to have a sequel because I need more!!

Some of My Favorite Quotes:
✧"Beneath all these hardened, dust-covered layers, it's there. The one thing that'll most certainly get me killed: hope."
✧"Eyes on the horizon, Kell"
✧"Johannes doesn't exist anymore, and that's perhaps the same as never having existed to begin with."
✧"you live for a brief moment, then die. And nothing is left. Not even a memory"
✧"There's no right or wrong anymore, Mic. We survive or we die. That's it,"

If you love:

✧The Last of Us
✧Interstellar
✧Astronaut FMC
✧MMC gives Rick Grimes vibes
✧Sci-Fi post-apocalyptic world

Genre/Type: Sci-Fi Horror
How I Read: Kindle
Pages: 127
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Spice: 0/5
Series or Standalone: Standalone Novella
Check Triggers⚠️💫

[Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

EUROPA looked me dead in the eye and said, “You think you can put me in a category? FOOL.” Then proceeded to break my brain and my heart.

An epic story masterfully packed into a novella format, Europa is a genre-bending tale; equal parts interstellar sci-fi and creature horror, threaded with deeply human emotion. You could compare it to The Martian by Andy Weir or The Last of Us, but doing so would be a disservice. Europa is wholly its own.

Set in a future where a parasitic infection (originally engineered as a weapon) has gone global, the Earth is falling. Desperation leads a team of scientists to one of Jupiter’s moons in search of salvation. Told in dual POVs, we follow Lena, a scientist who leaves her partner to embark on a years-long mission, and Keller, the partner left behind to survive the nightmare Earth has become.

What makes Europa so gripping is how these two perspectives function like separate novellas—distinct in tone and theme, yet interwoven into a single, devastatingly cohesive narrative. Lena’s side delivers a cerebral sci-fi journey. Keller’s? A raw, horror laced survival tale. And behind it all lurks something more terrifying than monsters: systemic greed, lies, and government betrayal.

This novella may be brief in length, but it delivers a cinematic, soul-crushing punch. I devoured it in a single sitting, and I genuinely fear I’ll never read anything quite like it again.

Thanks to the author for a providing me an eARC for reviewal purposes.

[Karina Serrano · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really gave off the last of us vibes and I freaking loved it!!

In this book you get two POV’S you get Kellers & Lena’s.
Keller is / was Lena’s husband he’s down on earth and she’s up in space on what she thought was “find a cure or something to help humanity out” but seriously didn’t see that twist and I’m not going to lie I was like wth 😱😱

& then you know when you’re watching a movie / show and you meet the characters and even though you don’t know much about them you start to like them only for them to freaking get 💀💀

Yea.. this book had me feeling some type of way for TWO of the people I was rooting for 😭😭

And then that ending👀😱😭

Def recommend this book if you’re a scifi / horror fan 🖤

[ArielsBookCorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting and unique novella. It gives The Last of Us meets Annihilation meets Project Hail Mary and I love all of those so naturally I really enjoyed this one.

You’re following two different POVs, both in vastly different circumstances but with a common thread that is powerful and heartbreaking. Two stories of resilience, survival, and hope that will definitely be sticking with me. I think this book is going to haunt me actually, but in the best possible way. The commentary on humanity and its impact on the natural world, the corruption of those in power, and what we as human beings boil down to was really well done. Definitely recommend for a fast-paced, interesting sci-fi novella!

Thank you to the author for the eARC and opportunity to be an early reader!

[Gaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75, rounded up.

This is a lovely little sci-fi novella that you can read in a day if you really want to feel like "Man, the world is on fire, but we could be living in constant fear of flesh-eating parasites, so I guess it's okay." We follow Lena and Keller, a married couple just trying to survive and find their way back to each other while also uncovering the secrets behind a mysterious new infection.

The story was fast-paced and drew me in enough to finish most of it in a morning, but be aware that this is an indie published book, so there are some typos and a few places that could have used a little more editing, but it hits its stride pretty quickly and ends with a bang.

At the risk of spoiling anything, just go check it out and see for yourself!

[⋆｡‧˚ʚ Chantal ɞ˚‧｡⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Rating: 4.75/5)

I normally don't read sci-fi, and I'm not too crazy about space travel, but I actually enjoyed this one. It was a short read, and my attention span thanks the author for that lol

If you're looking for a happy ending, this is not the book for you. It is bleak and hopeless, and it'll have you thinking that humanity may be far crueler than a parasite.

The ending was heartbreaking :(
& I do wonder if there ever will be a cure for the infected.

If you're a fan of The Walking Dead, Venom and/or The Last of Us you may like this book!

[Nathaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast paced sci-fi horror novella that feels like watching an episode of Love, Death, and Robots. I had a great time. I was horrified and excited all at once.

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic novella. Totally thinking this was The Last of Us in space, and then read the synopsis saying just as much.

I was hooked from the beginning. And then I blew through it because I couldn’t get enough. Heartbreaking, with heart pounding action, and so spot on with what humanity would likely do to itself, this book delivers. When I finished reading, I started it again! I needed to make sure I caught all the details, it was that good. My only complaint is that I want more. This needs to be a full length novel!

If you’re a sci fi fan, and liked The Last of Us and Interstellar, you will definitely like this book. Read it! It will not disappoint.

5 stars!

Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

gut renching

[Ande · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In this new world of destruction, you live for a brief moment, then die. And nothing is left. Not even memory.

4.75 / 5.00 stars

A small crew has just crash-landed on Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, where Lena learns that nothing is quite what it seems. Keller is back on Earh, struggling to survive a zombie-apocalypse-like state as he searches for his missing wife. Does humanity still have a chance? Thank you to D.L. Houpt for choosing me as one of your ARC readers and providing me with a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I loved this novella! The dual perspective of Keller showing us Earth as it currently stands and looking through Lena’s lens on Europa was such a unique and interesting take on the destruction of humanity trope. It was exciting for me to watch these two separate stories become halves of the same whole. The short chapters give us just a glimpse at a time into each world which adds to the addiction I felt to reading this so quickly.

Keller’s story for me was giving total 28 Days Later vibes, while Lena’s story reminded me of Interstellar. I don’t want to say too much more for fear of giving away all the twists and turns, but please go read this book – I seriously could not put it down!

I had to dock it a quarter of a star due to some pretty glaring grammatical errors (hopefully those will be corrected before publication!), mild body horror, and because I wanted just a little more from the ending. All that being said, I would be THRILLED to read more from Houpt! She was able to build a new Earth and create two very complex individuals in a very short number of pages which is not an easy feat.

Pendant by Cuco (specifically the Tiny Desk Concert version) is the perfect fit for this novella. The piano sounds just like something I’d expect to see in a melancholy space drama. Banos’s vocals in this version hit the perfect tone to make you long for what you left behind. “Through your eyes I want to see what’s clouding up your mind / Thought about the days when you were young, and now you’re dying… Goodbye” IYKYK.

Connect with me on Instagram (@bookmarks_and_backbeats) for more reviews, musical pairings, and all around good times!

[Kim ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy. Freaking. Wow. This book took me by surprise in the best possible way!
I’ve read a couple of SciFi ARCs lately, and let’s be real—most of them didn’t quite hit the mark.
But Europa by D.L. Houpt? Damn. This one delivered!

I got completely lost in this book. Like, "whoops, there goes my afternoon" lost. And here’s the wild part: when I finished and saw it was only 130 pages, I actually had to double-check because no way did it feel that short. The world-building was so rich and immersive that it felt vast, like I’d just binge-watched an entire season of some mind-blowing sci-fi series. The characters are so well fleshed-out, I was emotionally invested in them immediately. And the story was packed with tension, horro, twists, and moments that had me holding my breath.

The dual POV structure was genius. Keller’s perspective gave us this haunting, desperate look at Earth as it’s falling apart, while Lena’s chapters on Europa were eerie, isolating, and so atmospheric. It’s such a fresh take on an alien invasion than your typical doom-and-gloom apocalypse story.

And can we talk about the writing? It was descriptive, brilliant and beautiful without ever slowing down the pace. Every sentence pulled me deeper into the story, whether it was the creeping dread of the virus’s spread or the vast, frozen unknowns of Europa. The horror elements (freaking clicking zombies) were legit unsettling, but what really got me was how heartbreaking the story was at the same time.

If you’re into sci-fi horror with soul, Europa is 100% for you. Think Interstellar’s emotional gut-punches meets The Last of Us’s raw survival stakes, all wrapped up in a story that’s as beautiful as it is terrifying. I loved every second of it.

Huge thank you to D. L. Houpt for the free ARC in return for an honest review!

[Viola Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC read: 5.0 🌟

This book was suggested for fans of Interstellar and The Last of Us, and I cannot think of a better way to describe it!

Told in alternating POVs, Keller's story on Earth has that very grounded, every-moment-could-be-our-last, always on high alert, "zombie" feel that has been so popular the last decade or so. However, Houpt injects her own twist on the genre that keeps the story from feeling derivative or predictable. The creatures themselves are descriptively horrifying, and the transformation people go through is gruesome---I say that in the highest of regards. It's exactly what you want from this kind of book and it does not disappoint!

Meanwhile, Lena's half of the story in the outer reaches of space echoes the feelings of vastness, isolation, desperation, and longing for what was left behind that made Interstellar such a captivating movie. Yet, once again, Houpt captures the tone and feel of this genre while crafting a uniquely original story. Nothing is as it seems, but with each reveal or twist, everything clicked into place and fell perfectly in line with the knowledge the readers already know. It is remarkable storytelling!

While it may seem like these two vastly different concepts would struggle to intermingle, in reality, they come together flawlessly. It never felt like two different books mashed together, but instead, one fully cohesive story that was a pleasure to read.

This is a story that begs for a reread as soon as you are finished, and I plan to do just that!

[Priscilla Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

“In this new world, only the cold-hearted remain. But is that anything new? If our past is evidence enough, we’ve always been that way. Kill or be killed.”

For 125 pages, this novella landed a solid hit with me. I’m a sucker for a post-apocalyptic story, and when sci-fi elements are added, you know I’m buckled in for the ride.

Anyhow, this little novella is a heart-pumping read that I was wanting more of in the end. It’s packed with action that will make you crave the next chapter as soon as one finishes. The story is told by Lena and Keller, one from the unknown space and the other on the dying Earth. The eeriness of both POVs adds a lot of soul to the book, which is very hard to come by, especially in novellas. The chapters are quick but straight to the point; the minor characters are surprisingly complimentary and give depth to the story.

This is heavily inspired by The Last of Us, though I can see some nods to The Walking Dead as well. However, I don’t see any influence from Interstellar except for the space exploration. Europa didn’t really mention any deep space, so I won’t really compare it to that.

If I were to nitpick, I just wished the “inspo” from TLoU wasn’t so blatantly obvious (the infected person in the wall). Besides that, this is a really good read and a perfect palate cleanser if you’re reading multiple genres at a time!

[Renate Natalie N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much, D.L. Houpt for letting me read this ARC! 🫶

publishing date: June 3rd, 2025 💫

What did I just read?!?
OMG!! 125 pages, but I wished it was longer. It was amazing, and for those who know me, I'm an astronomy nerd. Love all astronomy related things and books!

This book is a little mix of Interstellar and The Last of Us vibe, and I love it 🤩
The suspense, the thrill... You won't have much time reading it relaxed, I tell you that. Constantly sitting on the edge of my chair. WOW!!

NASA, Jupiter's moon, Europa. Astronauts Lena, Franklin, and Johannes start the book by entering Europa. To find a cure and save humanity, they believe.
While on Earth, they hide during the night behind electric fences and huge metal doors... underground.

It will stick to me this book. I'm lost in great enough words to talk and review this book as it deserves. This is the first book I read from D.L. Houpt, but I have her previous one in my Kindle. On my tbr. And omg, I need to read it sooner rather than later. But now I can't stop thinking of this marvellous book, Europa. I deeply hope she'll write more of this. I need this.

I believe you all understand that I absolutely recommend this to all!!!

[Cee Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for me but good reads wont let us do halfsies. I received an ARC copy in exchange for a review. This review is voluntary & I receive no compensation.

D.L. Houpt's Europa presents a gripping journey through a post-apocalyptic world, weaving together multiple perspectives to immerse the reader in a narrative that is as suspenseful as it is thought-provoking. Drawing inspiration from The Last of Us, Europa explores the fragility of humanity and survival in the wake of global catastrophe, but with its own unique twists.

This slow-burn storytelling style novella give us a multi POV of the 2 main characters allowing the reader to piece together details bit by bit.

What truly makes Europa stand out, however, is its ending. Without giving away too much, the conclusion does an incredible job of upending expectations.

Overall, Europa is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction, particularly those who enjoy complex, multi-layered narratives. Houpt's ability to blend suspense, emotional depth, and unexpected twists makes this book an engaging and memorable experience.

[Emily Casilli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an easy 5 star read for any fans of scifi and horror

Some of my favorite quotes

“The parasite invaded his body down to the molecular structure.
Johannes doesn't exist anymore, and that's perhaps the same as never having existed to begin with. In this new world of destruction, you live for a brief moment, then die. And nothing is left. Not even memory.”

“He's absorbed into the crust, becoming one with Europa itself.”

“The pigs squeal their way through their fenced in yard and down the shallow ramp to the subterranean level of the barn. A mother, trailed by her four piglets, watches as l offer a quick prayer and latch the thick door shut.”

“There in the dark is a child with glowing webbed veins and putrid, rotten flesh. Beside her is a stack of muddy children's books and a discarded, stuffed cow.” I feel like the stuff cow is an easter egg to the cover.

I found Keller’s POV increasingly detailed and grotesque evolving the damage and effects of the parasitic infection. Lena’s POV got more and more interesting as the mystery of Europa and the infection were revealed.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHOA - this book had me hooked from the start. Totally unique with familiar themes like the parasites from the Last of Us. I loved how on one end of the story it’s filled with this post-parasitic destroyed world and on the other end of the story it’s a space ship stranded in an ice world.

Getting to find out the connection between Lenna and Kellan made me fly through this so fast - bc as soon as you discover they might be able to find one another you NEED to have answers. I was cheering for them so bad but in a world like this it’s not realistic to have a happy ending. As soon as those last few pages hit where he recorded “Hey Lena” my heart BROKE. I wanted them to be able to talk one last time 😭😭.

The mystery element of Lena’s expedition gone wrong added to the suspense. Watching her discover the true meaning of her mission had me on the edge of my seat.

I literally need my friends to read this so I can share my emotional damage - book 3 out of neveermore book haul complete !!

🪐🦠🚀🍄‍🟫

[Rhiannon Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Europa - D. L. Houpt

I love when science fiction and horror come together. I think it’s always an interesting combination. And I really love zombies and reading how different authors write them and how the outbreaks occur. I think this author did a wonderful job with the atmosphere and the characters and feeling on edge while reading. This is definitely one of my favorite zombie type dystopian novels.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️

# of Pages 🌙 138 pages

Release Date 🌟 6/3/25

Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy

Series 🌙 Unknown/Not Applicable

Genre/Tropes ✨ zombies, science fiction, dystopian, space, survival, horror, cosmic horror

Favorite Character ☀️ Lena

Favorite Line 🌟 ‘Earth’s no more than a dying rock orbiting a dying star. Soon enough that yellow dwarf will run out of fuel, go supernova, collapse in on itself and obliterate all earthborn life. And we deserve that fiery fate.’

‘I’ve done all I can to save the future of our race, but I’ve failed you. We’ve all failed you. I’m sorry.’

“Those aren’t stars. They’re bodies.”

[Ryen Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look, I read Europa on a plane. A plane. Hurtling through the stratosphere in a glorified metal tube while reading about Lena, an exobiologist unraveling the parasitic zombie-like mystery that sent humanity back on earth into a CATASTROPHIC apocalypse while aboard a research vessel orbiting Jupiter’s moon. And let me tell you: it was a mistake. A deeply immersive, brilliantly written, emotionally damaging mistake.

At just 120ish pages, this book packs more dread, heartbreak, and creeping cosmic horror into its length than most 400-page novels even attempt. It’s like The Last of Us and Interstellar had a baby, and that baby handed you a microscope, whispered “you were never meant to see this,” and then turned into a mind stealing, body snatching parasite (cryoblistera europae, soooooo cool and horrifying).

D.L. Houpt is a chaos-loving genius, gives you just enough science to feel grounded before yeeting you into the abyss of psychological terror. And Lena—oh Lena—she’s one of those protagonists who you want to hug and sedate in equal measure. I kept whispering “girl, no” and “girl, yes” in alternating intervals. The same thing with Keller. WHO DOESN'T LOVE A MAN ON A MISSION TO FIND HIS GIRL?!?!?!?

There are terrifying clicking zombie parasites. There are hallucinations. There are philosophical monologues about the nature of humanity that made me weep softly next to a man watching Fast & Furious 9. I had to pretend I had allergies. In the recirculating air.

But what really did me in was the ending. No spoilers, but let’s just say I closed the book, looked out the window at the clouds, and genuinely considered whether I was even real. And then the flight attendant asked if I wanted a ginger ale and I almost screamed, “DOES ANY OF THIS MATTER?”

Here’s the thing: Europa is stunning. It’s smart, scary, sad, and somehow intimate in the way only a book about parasites and space trauma can be. But I beg you—do not read it on a plane. Read it somewhere you can immediately go touch grass, hug a dog, or stand in the sun whispering “I’m safe. I’m warm. My walls aren’t breathing.”

Five out of five stars. Would read again. Will never emotionally recover.

P.S. If the author ever writes a sequel, I am preemptively booking therapy and making sure I'm somewhere outside where I can touch the earth.

[Kit · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of The Last of Us and Interstellar, I was instantly intrigued by Europa, and it absolutely delivered. This book blends dystopian sci-fi with a creeping, emotional intensity that had me hooked from the very start.

What really stood out was the way the story plays with timelines and perspective. You’re never quite sure when, or even where, each character is operating, you only know that they are connected somehow. Houpt feeds us little bits and pieces and we are left to try and puzzle it together (in a good way!) until the very end, and then the final reveal is incredibly satisfying. It pulled everything together in a way that made me immediately want to flip back and re-read certain passages with fresh eyes.

It’s also a fast read, perfect for anyone who loves their sci-fi with a dose of suspense, a haunting atmosphere, and a thread of hope buried deep beneath the devastation. If you are a fan of sci-fi with an apocolypse twist, Europa should have a spot on your TBR.

[TheBookMum13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Europa by @authordlhoupt
Releasing: 3rd June 2025

Thank you D.L for this ARC and trauma it came with 😂. I haven't read much Sci-fi/Horror type books but I Loved The Shadow of Polaris by her so was excited to see what else she could do...... rip out your damn heart is clearly what she does best. Sat and read this last night, thank god everyone was in bed...cause I was sat there with tears.... over a book!

Everyone's post saying What the heck did I just read... I was excited to see what they were talking about.... MY GOD! She hold no punches I should have known after Shadow of Polaris but lesson learned... the way this author grips you into a story fully investing.... then Bang complete 180 and jaws hitting deck.

I swear she just enjoys inflicting this on her readers 😂😂

The dual POV between Lena and Keller is just heart wrenching.... that ending...that freaking ending!!!

Highly recommend, massively recommend and now im scared for her next read 😂😂

[Rebecca Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! There was no way that much intensity filled that few pages. I went through many emotions reading this.

This was marketed as a cross between Interstellar and The Last Of Us, and that was incredibly accurate. There is tension throughout, at times I could taste the lump in my throat.

This book is a clever commentary on humanity and not losing what makes us human in moments that are bleak. It also spends time commenting on experimentation and other nefarious things happening in sciences, and honestly, I get it. As humans, our curiosity could be our undoing. This was well done though, and is quite emotional.

"Like slithering snakes, ivy creeps up their base and winds around each automated barrell. It's both sinister and somewhat beautiful, seeing nature take hold of such violent, destructive forces. Like Earth's repurposed our means of killing one another into supporting new life." - how stunning is this prose! A fantastic read.

[Jeanette Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, OK, I get it. You see that the book is "only" 138 pages. Let me tell you, this is disturbingly good. The book felt longer, in a good way! 😁

The world is close to extinction. Survivors cling to dear life as they try to make it through another night. Because that is when the hosts hunt. No, my lovelies, we are no longer the predators anymore.

Already at this point, I am wondering if there is a chance of a happy ending to this story as we tiptoe our way through the book. All seem lost, yet there is hope.

Out in vast space, we have a team that is the last hope of humankind.

"I know what lurks under the surface."

The book has two POVs, Keller on earth and Lena in space. There is a brilliant way of switching seamlessly between the two for me.
I was captivated by the sheer hopelessness that seeped through the pages, right next to our hope of survival. Is this how it ends?

"Keep your eyes on the horizon, Keller!"

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mini Review - no spoilers
Sci-Fi • Dystopian • Horror

Short, sharp, and seriously chilling — Europa is a darkly atmospheric novella that packs a punch from page one.

Set against the eerie backdrop of one of Jupiter’s 95 moons, Europa, and Post-Apocalyptic Earth, this story explores what happens when a parasite sample becomes a weapon… and humanity is forced to reckon with the fallout. Think corruption, deceit, survival, and the darker corners of the human condition — all in under 200 pages.

🪐 Dual 1st Person POV
🪐 Claustrophobic sci-fi tension
🪐 Dystopia meets body horror
🪐 Gripping moral themes
🪐 A fast but unforgettable read

This is the kind of story that leaves you wishing for more — not because anything was missing, but because it was that good. If you're a fan of sci-fi with teeth, eerie tension, and short stories that linger long after the last page… don’t sleep on this one.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sci-fi read that combines my love for all things zombie related with the mystery of space…..sign me up. This book is like nothing I’ve ever read before and I have more questions than answers after finishing it.

Earth has been ravaged by a parasite originating from Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, that infects humans and turns them into zombie like hosts. The few remaining survivors are left to grapple with what it means to be human in a world where survival is the only thing that matters.

Europa follows Keller, an ex-military soldier who still holds out hope that his wife Lena is alive. She’s an exobiologist on a mission to Europa to search for a cure. Things are not what they seem though, and readers are taken on quite an emotional life and death journey told through these two characters pov.

If you’re looking for a unique read that keeps you guessing, but stays with you long after reading then this is for you.

[RosieRitesReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read 👏 this 👏 book 👏

Ugh. This was such a great Novella. Wow. Just- wow. If you’re into Sci-fi fantasy and are looking for a quick fix- this is it!

I loved every second of this book. In a nutshell, there is some sort of virus outbreak that uses the human body once the spores are introduced to the body.

Lena, an exo-biologist is on a mission to Europa as a last ditch effort to save humanity from a post apocalyptic Earth. Upon waking up from the space travel slumber- Lena finds that the mission is not the mission she thought it to be.

Keller, Lena’s husband, still on Earth embarks on a mission to hopefully reunite with his wife.

We really get to meet the characters and learn their backstory- which is fun going between pre/post Earth.

The ending was chef’s kiss and honestly left me wanting more!

*I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

[Lumie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to D.L. Houpt for the ARC.

Plot 4.25/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 4.25/5
Interest 4/5

Overall 4/5

-For such a short book, it’s still very solid. There’s a very unique take on how to bring readers in with direct action of a post apocalyptic world. It mixes outer space with a virus and tiny dash of romantic intrigue. It does this very well and in a very short amount of time that we don’t have time to be bored.

-The characters were good enough. For a short book i don’t expect them to be very developed so the way that they were, I’m happy with that. We immediately understood the relationship between the two main characters although I would have liked a little more backstory of how they came to be in their situation. But I enjoyed their story nonetheless.

-I really wasn’t sure how things could end with the small amount of pages we had but the last few pages before the last chapter really brought that intrigue right until the very end.