James Alan Gardner

In James Alan Gardner's "Expendable," the first book of the League of Peoples series, Festina Ramos is assigned to escort an unstable admiral to the mysterious planet Melaquin. Known as the planet of no return, Melaquin has claimed all previous explorers. The High Council uses it as a disposal site for unwanted admirals, marking Ramos' mission as potentially her last. Considered expendable, Ramos is determined to survive against all odds. Her journey unveils the secrets of Melaquin and tests her resolve to live.