Being the first teen on Mars hasn't been easy for Zed Marsh, and his attempts to fit in have led him to a mysterious cave that may leave him altered in more ways than one.

Signs of alien life were detected beneath the surface the day Zed arrived on the red planet. Bullied for his youth and desperate to contribute, Zed is given an opportunity to put his art skills and some advanced VR tech to good use in the hunt. When he encounters more than anyone bargained for, life in the colony turns deadly.

A hacked virtual world and an explosive disaster bring Zed's ever-shrinking circle of friends to the breaking point. To make matters worse, his only chance to regain control of his life lies within the same impossible cavern that started it all. What's inside will change not only Zed's future but also alter the course of humanity forever. At least it might, if the colony can survive the forces lurking in the shadows.

The Martian meets Treasure Island in this slow-burn, thrilling adventure. Pick up Sol's Ladder today and explore the depths of Mars in N. J. Glemboski's debut novel, the first in a story that spans the solar system.