Note: Rise of the Syndicate is set in the same universe as Drew Avera's Dead Planet series.

Synopsis: Five-hundred years after colonizing Mars, a new challenge arises, the largest global terraforming project in history. As the World Council seeks financing to invest in technology that could replace the Archean colony's giant dome habitat with an artificial atmosphere, some members stand in opposition. Unfortunately, those resisting the coming change do so at their own detriment. Following the murder of his wife, Halem Scrimpshire is on a path for vengeance. Framed for her death, Halem believes Marada's prominent opponent, Councilman Tetrim Rine conspired against her, leading to her untimely death. But the clock is ticking for him to prove his theory before justice falls on him. If Halem's wrong, he goes down for murder. If he's right, he may discover a sinister plot that will alter his future, and that of the Martian colonies as well.