In this science fiction novel, humanity is faced with a new frontier when a mysterious alien artifact known as the Ring appears near the edge of the solar system. Various factions, including Earth's government, Martian military, and the Outer Planets Alliance, converge on the Ring, each with their own agendas. As tensions rise, a ragtag crew aboard a salvaged warship is thrust into the center of potential conflict. With the artifact acting as a gateway to unknown parts of the universe, the crew must navigate political intrigue, personal vendettas, and the very real possibility of first contact with an alien intelligence, all while trying to prevent an interstellar war that could end humanity's future before it has a chance to begin.

The 10094th greatest book of all time