The Olympus Project

Gaia #1

by Zoë Routh

They are the best. The brightest. The hope of humanity.

And they might destroy us all...

The future. Climate change has rendered much of the world desolate. Crops are failing. Rising seas have flooded coastal communities. The earth is dying, and humanity careens toward extinction.

Enter the Olympus Project-a plan to colonise the moon, building on the fledgling Artemis base, led by three of humankind's best and brightest: Troy Bruin, Xavier Consus, and Xanthe Waters.

But even the best and brightest can fall prey to humanity's failing. Soon Xavier, Troy, and Xanthe are at war-with the arduous process of creating a new home on a hostile moon, with meddling corporations jockeying for control, with the new recruits battling for open positions on their team...and with themselves.

The future looks grim-and it's about to get worse. Because even as the crew searches for a way to reconcile their differences and work together, a secret organisation is planning to destroy what they've accomplished, and finish off what Mother Nature has begun.

The Earth is dying. The end draws near. Only the Olympus Project can save us-if they can just figure out how to save themselves...

Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopia, Climate Change

434 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2022

About the author

Zoë Routh is a leadership futurist, podcaster, and multiple award-winning author. She works with leaders and teams to to explore what's coming and what it means for leadership of the future.

She has worked with individuals and teams internationally and in Australia since 1987. From wild Canadian rivers to the Australian Outback, and the Boardroom jungles, Zoë is an adventurist! She facilitates strategy and culture for the future with audacious teams.

Zoë's fourth leadership book, People Stuff - Beyond Personality Problems: An advanced handbook for leadership, won the Book of the Year at the Australian Business Book Awards in 2020. Her fifth book is a leadership futurist science fiction dystopian novel, The Olympus Project.

Zoë is the producer of the Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast, dedicated to asking “What if…?” and sharing big ideas on the Future of Leadership.

Zoë is an outdoor adventurist and enjoys telemark skiing, has run 6 marathons, is a one-time belly-dancer, has survived cancer, and loves hiking in the high country. She is married to a gorgeous Aussie and is a self-confessed dark chocolate addict.

https://www.zoerouth.com
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Reviews

[Paul (Life In The Slow Lane) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh!

All these Ra Ra Leadership books couched as Fiction (especially when they have a cast of hundreds) just don't do anything for me. So boring. Abandoned at 20%.

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sci-fi dystopian book is less about the climate ravaged earth than it is a character exploration about the people who are working towards creating a base on the moon to try and save humanity.

This story told in multiple POV’s follows a group of people competing to be the ones to go to the moon and establish a base. What you get is some amazing character development, they are all so well fleshed out, you feel as if you understand most of them. The challenges they face, their fears, the things they do to save their friends and family are all written out so well, and you can completely empathize with most of them for the choices they make.

Despite being mostly character driven, you do get a good sense of the climate change that ravaged the world and why they are going though this exercise. It’s scary to think that we could be there in our lifetimes.

Highly enjoyable and entertaining, I would recommend this book to any sci fi, or climate change enthusiasts. It’s a great read, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

[Dan Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Olympus Project, partly because it described a not so outlandish future, but also because of the diversity of the characters. Often times, outside of multi-book series, character development is limited to one of two central characters, but I enjoyed feeling more connected to so many of the characters in this book. It also prompted me to consider, "What if we don't get the solution to the climate crisis right?" A possibility that seems more and more likely. Highly recommended.

[Leith Boully]

The best book I have read this year and I read a lot. Couldn’t put it down. Well written, great plot and food for thought. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I recieved this as an Advanced Reader Copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

I enjoyed this a lot! This was a pleasant surprise actually, because I went in with fairly neutral expectations (mostly because I'm iffy when it comes to novels dealing with space). This wasn't exactly that though, and I'm happy about that.
The characters are well developed and interesting, even the ones that I didn't find "likeable" (I'm talking about you, Claire).
There's some really interesting discussions in the novel about some thought-provoking themes, from an ethical and moral point of view, such as how far or "monstrous" people can become if pushed against a wall. Interesting discussion as well re. atonement. I don't entirely agree on the message the books seems to be pressing about prisons, but that's just my opinion and not a fault of the book.
There are a few typographical errors, but I realize this is an ARC copy.
All in all, I recommend! I was engaged throughout and enjoyed some of the "twists", if you will.

[Valerie Zepeda · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Olympus Project’ had everything I was hoping for in a sci-fi thriller, from a compelling, futuristic plot to great descriptions of innovative technology. The one thing I really loved was how the author featured the concept of ‘worldbuilding’. I have always been fascinated by the idea that perhaps at some point in the future, human beings will be able to create an entire world to fulfil particular purposes or intentions. Of course, I had to pick this book up the moment I read the blurb!

The book vividly describes various worlds designed by different characters and organizations, such as Terra Verdi, Human Habs, Sea Rover, and Terra Blanca. Each of these worlds are designed with a different purpose, and each of them serve as the stage on which different themes and characters play out. I especially loved the discussions of power related to Terra Blanca, and the vividness of Sea Rover. 

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't read any books by Zoë Routh before, so I was excited to read this book as it seemed interesting. I'm glad I did because it was what I was hoping for in a scifi genre. The characters were great and it did what I was hoping for. I thought Zoë Routh has a great writing style and look forward to read more from them.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ian Burnside · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and I’m happy to say it did not disappoint. The character development is amazing and pulls the reader in from the very beginning. You see the depths and limits of how people react act to close quarters, a huge project, and immense pressures of the salvation of humanity on their heads. Each character’s life is broken down beautifully and allows for a plot I can’t wait to see develop even more in the second book

[Alyx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The story was fun and entertaining. Getting to know all of the characters was daunting at first, but getting to watch them grow and come together was so good.
I am excited for the continuation.

[Zoë Routh · Rating 5 out of 5]

in my completely biased opinion, this is an awesome read!

I had a lot of fun writing The Olympus Project. It’s an exploration of how we might live and work in a climate ravaged future, through personal and leadership lenses.

[Arely Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a bit daunted by the length of this book, but once I started reading it, there was no going back - I finished it on a long weekend without a single break! It’s a really gripping premise, and the plot and characters are so complex and realistic, they won’t let your attention flag for a second. The twists and turns and the unpretentious language made this one an easy read - but the ethical and moral questions the book raises about sustainability, space colonization, and the human impact on the environment will stay with you long after you close the book. A truly relevant story in today’s times. Can’t wait to get my hands on the next part of the series!

[Paul Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun read. I felt like I was right beside the different characters on their journey, from applying for the project to finally getting into SimHub - knowing their struggles and their aspirations in life, and seeing them develop and come together in the end to work for the greater good was so fulfilling and fascinating. I especially loved Madison’s internal conflict and guilt, as well as her ultimate development. Xanthe’s inner conflict, and her relationship with Simon also stuck with me. And the tension between the two protagonists added yet another element of suspense to the plot! Really realistic characters and an action-packed story - totally worth the read!

[Ruth Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Olympus Project by Zoë Routh is a compelling start to the Gaia series, presenting a gritty future shaped by environmental neglect. The plot centers around a daring moon colonization plan as humanity's last hope, driven by protagonists Troy, Xavier, and Xanthe. Routh masterfully blends suspense with a stark dystopian setting, making it a must-read for sci-fi enthusiasts. The character dynamics add depth, showcasing a riveting blend of intelligence and determination against a backdrop of high stakes. Highly recommended for its vivid storytelling and thought-provoking premise.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and can’t wait to pick up the sequel now that I finished reading this one! The sci-fi element combined with the psychology of interpersonal relationships and how people react when their backs are against a wall made for an amazing read. I highly recommend this novel!

[Teresa Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was good! I loved most of the characters (with the exception of 1), and can't wait for the continuation. The storyline flowed very well, with just enough suspense to make you want to keep on reading well past bedtime.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leadership development and sci fi? Yes, please! 😀

[Kora Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Routh's first book of his new sci-fi series, we follow a mixed bag of six almost strangers as they tackle the adventure of setting up the first human colony on the moon.

Set in a future where Earth has been battered by climate disasters and a worldwide pandemic, a company named Gaia Enterprises steps up. They're known for creating communities that can withstand the worst of climates and finding innovative ways to heal cities that have been hit hard by natural disasters. When Gaia decides to take on the ambitious project of building a settlement on the moon, they open up applications to the world, searching for engineers, technicians to keep everyone alive, and pilots. While Troy Bruin and Xavier Consus, famous for their design work, are guaranteed a spot, the rest have to earn their place through a series of tests designed by Gaia's top brass. These tests aren't just about smarts or skills; they're about seeing if these folks can work together when they're cramped up in a tiny space for a long time. The book is split into three parts: "The Call Out", where we meet our hopefuls; "Selection", where they're put through the wringer; and "The SimHub", where the final team will have to prove their mettle.

The start of the book might feel a bit scattered as we hop from one candidate's story to another, making it tough to get attached to any one character. There's also a fair bit of talking where showing might've been better. But stick with it, because once the team starts facing challenges together, the story really takes off. You'll find yourself sucked into the drama of the training, curious about the behind-the-scenes scheming of Gaia's leaders, and cheering for your favorite candidates to make it to the SimHub, where they'll have to live out a simulated year on the moon.

Despite a slow start, the book really dives deep into what it means to lead and how people work together (or don't) when the pressure's on, all wrapped up in a sci-fi setting that keeps the pages turning.

[Bethanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Defiance is a secy thing... blah.
The blurb matches none of the actual story. The entire book is mission training for one team, cursing and railing against one another. No suspense. Slow, plodding, it depends entirely too much on dialogue, and frankly, it's boring and a terrible example of sci-fi. If you want soft sci-fi, try Andy Weir, don't buy this. This is like a soap opera on a training mission that reads like office gossip drama. It felt like I was at work in a Project Meeting throughout, and I've been an engineering project lead. Yawn. I won't base a purchase on a Goodreads rating ever again, I'll stick to the library. This is NOT science fiction.

[Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great science fiction read with a serious message about the importance of great leadership. Highly recommended.

[Beth Tuley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I’m not into space but this was super interesting and kept my attention the whole time.

[Jodi Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book and am so glad I did because I may have overlooked it. It's a good pairing of dystopia and science fiction, both genres that I enjoy reading. It took me a while to get into the book, but once I got to know the characters I was all in. I'm looking forward to the next boom in the series to be released because the ending left me wanting more. I'll definitely be checking out Zoë Routh's books going forward.

[Julienne Sayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gaia Enterprises takes on a huge task in Zoë Routh’s The Olympus Project - moving from creating communities on Earth to building the first human colony in space. This book reminds you a bit of Andy Weir’s ""The Martian"" because both are about surviving in space. But, Routh goes a different way, focusing not just on the technical side but also on the big questions: Is it right to leave Earth? What makes companies want to fund space projects? And what happens when a bunch of people have to live and work together in a tiny space for a long time?

Routh does a great job of making this world seem real and believable. The book’s setup is a bit tricky, though. It throws a lot of characters at you fast, and it's hard to keep up, especially when some of them don’t stick around for long. The first part of the book is all about picking the team, and the second part is about their moon survival experiment. It’s cool that there’s a bit of mystery about who makes the cut, but it's a lot of work to keep track of everyone at the start.

The second half of the book gets a bit off-track with side stories about company secrets and politics that don’t really add much to the main story about living on the moon. The book shines when it's about the team working through problems together in their small space home, less so when it wanders into other areas.

Even with its ups and downs, it is a fun read that makes you think about where humanity is going. It mixes the challenges we're already facing with a peek at what the future could look like, all wrapped up in a story that feels like it could really happen one day.

[William Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Olympus Project"" is a captivating series that could effortlessly make the leap to a Netflix series, considering its rich narrative tapestry and multifaceted characters. From the onset, the series introduces us to a world teeming with innovation, environmental challenges, and the relentless human spirit to overcome and adapt. The portrayal of a future where humanity must find new ways to coexist with our planet, and possibly beyond, is both timely and timeless, making it ripe for adaptation into a visually stunning and thought-provoking series.

The series excels in its depiction of complex characters like Xanthe, who embodies the conflict between technological advancement and environmental stewardship, making her journey both personal and universally relatable. The diverse settings, from the reimagined Sydney to the innovative communities like Terra Verdi and the ambitious Olympus Project on the Moon, provide a rich visual canvas that could be beautifully realized on screen.

To elevate this adaptation, the series could delve deeper into the characters' backstories, perhaps through flashbacks, to add depth and empathy. Highly recommend!

[Cristina Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Earth's in trouble, and things are looking pretty grim for all of us living here. That's where the Olympus Project steps in - it's this big idea to get some of us living on the moon to escape all the bad stuff happening on Earth.

There's a bunch of teams all working together, trying to be the first to make it to the moon. But it's not smooth sailing. Someone's messing things up for everyone, and just when they fix one problem, another pops up.

The cool thing about the Olympus Project is we get to see it through different people's eyes. It's like getting a peek into what everyone's thinking and feeling, which I think makes the story way more interesting.

This book is super exciting and will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. Every twist and turn keeps you guessing, and you'll find yourself getting really attached to the characters and rooting for your favorite team to make it to the moon.

If you're into stories about what the future might look like, especially the kind where people have to overcome big challenges, you should definitely check out the Olympus Project. Trust me, once you start reading, you won't want to put it down.

[Ashley Tews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story unfolds around a small group who set up a mock lunar base in a desert, which is the central narrative. But what caught my attention was the underlying leadership philosophy steering the characters' choices. It echoed the vibes of engineering projects I've been part of before hanging up my boots for retirement, though thankfully, mine weren't nearly as hair-raising!

As the story progressed, it delved into the repercussions of the characters' decisions, providing a unique lens for character growth.

By the book's close, I found myself genuinely attached to the characters, eager to learn more about their journeys.

[Henry Jhon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading The Olympus Project. What caught my attention was not just the believable future it painted, but also how well-developed a wide array of characters were. It's rare to find a book outside of long series that lets you get close to so many different characters. The story also got me thinking about the very real chance that we might not figure out how to fix the climate crisis in time. I'd definitely recommend giving it a read.

[Arthur Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic work on highlighting the urgent need for environmental change. It's a deep dive into how things could turn out if we don't start making significant changes. The piece brilliantly incorporates new ways of thinking to shake up old habits, all in an effort to save humanity from the troubles we've caused. Really impressive stuff, and I'm eager to see what's next.

[David Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're into space opera, the pacing won't bother you. It's packed with characters, yet surprisingly, it wasn't hard to keep track of the story. What really caught my attention were the thought-provoking questions it posed about the future of humanity and who gets to make those decisions. It felt fresh and intriguing.

[Lang Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this book! The quotes at the start of each chapter might seem straightforward at first, but they really make you stop and think. Also, the way the story is woven together is just seamless. Every character is so well-developed, and the smooth flow of the plot just pulls you in. The writing is just gorgeous. I highly recommend giving this book a read!

[Lucas Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this first book; it's quite the page-turner! The way it brings a whole new world to life, aiming high for the moon, is just non-stop excitement. There's this big group of characters, and it's impressive how well they're all managed, almost like the author's been doing this for ages. Can't wait to see what comes next in the series. It was a fantastic read!





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