Moonchild Rising by B. Ward Powers and Marti Ward is a compilation of five novellas that follow Irene, a moon-born orphan who is determined to carve out a life in a universe that questions her worth. In Testing, Irene takes a job on Earth, only to be falsely accused of wrongdoing, until her unique lunar abilities expose the truth. Venus Interlude shifts the stage to the harsh Venusian environment, where Irene faces life-threatening encounters with native creatures. In History in the Making, Irene’s search for a missing colleague spirals into a political conspiracy involving identity cover-ups and a dangerous infection. Moon Power returns her to Moonbase, where she fights to contain a deadly illness amid catastrophic events. Finally, Everything Under Control sees Irene at the forefront of a Venusian epidemic, racing against time to stop a mysterious virus wreaking havoc on the colony.

Authors B. Ward Powers and Marti Ward have created an incredible world where our protagonist, Irene, struggles to survive. The narrative masterfully blends science fiction with coming-of-age drama that had me hooked right from the beginning. I loved Irene’s introduction in Testing, where we meet her for the first time and experience her growth right from there. I loved how the narrative showcased Irene's resilience as she navigates a universe filled with prejudice and danger. The authors skillfully integrate Irene's unique "lunar abilities" into the various plots, making her struggles and triumphs all the more engaging. The authors balance technical detail with fast-paced storytelling. I loved Irene, I loved the stories, and I loved how I could read them cover-to-cover in one sitting.

Moonchild Rising by B. Ward Powers and Marti Ward is the complete series of all five Moonchild books. Testing introduced moon-born orphan Irene. A job on Earth leads to false accusations, but a unique lunar skill helps uncover the real culprit. In Venus Interlude, when funding ends for the low-gravity project, Irene works on Venus, where hostile native life threatens her safety and survival. History in the Making sees Irene searching for Roger Slade, uncovering an MOIO infection cover-up, altering records and identities to protect the Confederation Conference. Moon Power has Irene investigating a contagious illness on Moonbase, against clashes, fights to save patients, and a meteorite strike. In Everything Under Control, Irene leads the Venus colony team investigating a deadly “Venus virus” causing mysterious infections, deaths, and pain, while struggling to find its origin and stop its spread.

Moonchild Rising by B. Ward Powers and Marti Ward is a brilliant all-in-one compilation that delivers outstanding writing and spectacular world-building. I love the native creatures, the standouts being sandrats and flying lobsters, which are all truly original and add an extra spark to the alien landscapes. Irene is subjected to horrible and almost consistent losses throughout, but she puts everything that is happening in her personal life aside for the sake of the colonists. This is probably what makes her feel the most human. A particularly surprising twist that hits in the last part of the series expertly ties a key figure from the beginning into its finale, providing a better understanding and offering some closure for a past wrong.. Every page is driven by focused storytelling and inventive details that bring the environment and its challenges to life. This is a richly imagined work with a strong sense of place and purpose, and the authors balance momentum and atmosphere in a way that sustains readers' interest across the entire saga. Very highly recommended.