Love, redemption, and survival across a dying galaxy
Awake from cryosleep, brilliant scientist Nivi must face the guilt of a failed sacrifice while a hostile force closes on a marooned Earth ship. She and Moose — a former slave turned robot who risks reclaiming a human body for the chance at belonging — must race to reactivate rescue technology and decide what survival will cost them both.
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Rescue, Redemption, and Rising Stakes
After a desperate attempt to avert war, Nivi wakes alone in a damaged outpost, haunted by a choice that failed to save lives. With a hostile enemy drawing near and a ship full of stranded humans depending on outdated systems, she forms an uneasy alliance with Moose — a sympathetic, battered robot whose memories carry the trauma of enslavement and the fierce longing to be human again.
Maestra Rising fuses sweeping space opera — interstellar rescues, military intrigue, and layered worldbuilding steeped in Urclock/Tangram mythology — with an intimate, character-driven romance about identity, guilt, and redemption. Fans of sci‑fi romance, AI/android stories, and series readers who love morally complex choices under a ticking clock will find a gripping, emotionally satisfying entry that also welcomes newcomers.
Can they reclaim humanity and love before the final systems fail?
A Love That Transcends Steel and Stars
A pulse-pounding sci-fi romance where redemption, identity, and survival collide on the edge of humanity.
Wake from cryosleep into danger, guilt, and an impossible choice. In Maestra Rising: Project Enterprise 8, Nivi, a brilliant scientist, returns to a world she tried to save — only to find a marooned Earth ship under threat and an enemy closing in. Driven by the guilt of a failed attempt to prevent war, Nivi must race to reactivate the technology that could mean rescue or ruin.
At her side is Moose, a former slave who once lived as a robot and now chooses to reclaim his humanity for a chance to stand with Nivi. Haunted by memories of subjugation and a battered sense of worth, Moose faces new challenges in flesh and bone while yearning for acceptance beyond the metal he once was. Together, they must set aside the spark of burgeoning love to confront a relentless foe and buy enough time for hope to return.
Perfect for readers who love emotional interstellar adventures, richly drawn characters, and high-stakes action, Maestra Rising weaves an unforgettable tale of sacrifice, identity, and the enduring power of connection. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or discovering this installment as a standalone, Pauline Baird Jones delivers a gripping story that will keep you turning pages until the last pulse-pounding moment.
Download Maestra Rising today — a heart-pounding rescue and a love that defies form, before time runs out.
Pauline Baird Jones writes lush, character-driven science fiction and romance that explores identity, resilience, and the bonds that hold us together across time and space. With an ear for emotional truth and an eye for intricate worldbuilding, she crafts stories that linger long after the final chapter.
More praise for Maestra Rising:
“Me, I was particularly taken by how the author dwelt on the possible consequences of humanizing our hero – I had not really considered what it would mean for someone to transition from being deprived of sensation to feeling physical sensation again and how that could affect the heart and the psyche. The author`s treatment of this was at once thought provoking and sweetly romantic – and I did not think that combination was possible.”
“Well, she did it again. She took a completely different turn in the story than I expected and made it work. At first I was a little disappointed – I wanted it to be about one of the characters I was already in love with – but I soon, very soon, came to love these characters and was rooting for them all the way. I always look for her new books. The only complaint I have for her stories is that it is so long in between them! Of course, that is probably why they are so good.”
“I loved it! This truly captivating story is full of excitement, suspense and adventure. Highly recommend!”
“Wow, what an incredible read! There’s a lot going on in this book and I, for one, loved every minute of it.” N.N.Light
“Why is this a five-star read? The action scenes are intricate in their detail yet captivating. While reading, I kept gripping my tablet to see what would happen next. The complex character arcs impressed me and the world building from previous books are spot-on. Continuity is a must in any series and Pauline Baird Jones nailed it. While this is a standalone, reading the whole series is recommended.” N.N. Light
“If you’re a big science fiction and/or science fiction romance fan, you’ve got to read this one! Highly recommend!” N.N.Light
“Okay this is one of the books that leaves you going wow such a creative story absolutely fantastic.”
“I like a good space opera and this one fit the bill nicely. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series.”