The Rise of Io
Ella Patel – thief, con-artist and smuggler – is in the wrong place at the wrong time. One night, on the border of a demilitarized zone run by the body-swapping alien invaders, she happens upon a man and woman being chased by a group of assailants. The man freezes, leaving the woman to fight off five attackers at once, before succumbing. As she dies, to both Ella and the man’s surprise, the sparkling light that rises from the woman enters Ella, instead of the man. She soon realizes she’s been inhabited by Io, a low-ranking Quasing who was involved in some of the worst decisions in history. Now Ella must now help the alien presence to complete her mission and investigate a rash of murders in the border states that maintain the frail peace.
With the Prophus assigned to help her seemingly wanting to stab her in the back, and the enemy Genjix hunting her, Ella must also deal with Io’s annoying inferiority complex. To top it all off, Ella thinks the damn alien voice in her head is trying to get her killed. And if you can’t trust the voices in your head, who can you trust?
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Wesley Chu
Wesley Chu is a writer who blends high-octane adventure with sharp humor and deep, relatable characters. Born and raised in Chicago, he grew up with a love for both comic books and science fiction, worlds that have heavily influenced his writing style today. His novels are fast-paced and thrilling, with a sense of humor that keeps readers on their toes while exploring complex themes like identity, destiny, and the weight of responsibility.
Best known for his Tao series, Wesley’s debut novel, The Lives of Tao, caught the attention of readers and critics alike with its clever premise of a human-turned-super-agent caught in the middle of a secret war between ancient factions. This series, blending espionage with sci-fi and martial arts, quickly became a fan favorite, demonstrating Wesley’s knack for world-building and character-driven storytelling.
Io Series
Io Series consists of two books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

