O’Connor, ACT, Australia, 22nd Oct 2024, -
Words of the Earth reveals that Olympus Bound by Zoe Routh has been honoured with the Book of the Earth Award. This accolade celebrates literary works that masterfully weave together the themes of the natural world, environmental challenges, and the endless possibilities of human imagination.
In Olympus Bound, Zoe Routh explores the complexities of leadership in extreme environments, transporting readers to a Moonbase where survival depends not just on physical resilience, but on the strength of human connection and leadership. Through the eyes of Commander Xanthe Waters, Routh deftly illustrates the tension between humanity's ambition to conquer new frontiers and the desperate need to preserve Earth's dwindling resources.
The novel centres on Xanthe and her diverse crew as they navigate life on a Moonbase under constant threat—from scarce resources and meteor showers to fragile political alliances. More than just a tale of survival, Olympus Bound is an exploration of humanity's quest to create sustainable environments even beyond our planet, mirroring the urgent environmental issues we face on Earth.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is how it juxtaposes life on the Moon with the fragility of Earth. The base's greenhouse, a microcosm of Earth's ecosystems, serves as a powerful symbol of humanity's dependency on delicate, interconnected systems. Xanthe’s poignant reflections on her home planet, particularly her memories of a once-thriving Australia, draw attention to the irreversible damage done to Earth and the critical importance of sustainability, whether on the Moon or on our home planet.
Olympus Bound received high praise from the Book of the Earth review, which stated: “Figuratively speaking, Olympus Bound reads like a tightly wound thread, unspooling through space to remind us that no matter how far humanity ventures, our survival is always tethered to the delicate balance we must maintain with nature. Zoe Routh's vivid storytelling not only brings to life the physical and psychological challenges of space exploration, but also highlights the enduring connection between our species and the ecosystems we depend on.”
About the Author
Zoe Routh is an award-winning leadership futurist, podcaster, and author. With over 30 years of experience working with leaders and teams worldwide, Zoe is known for her expertise in exploring future leadership challenges. She is the author of multiple award-winning books, including People Stuff, which won Book of the Year at the Australian Business Book Awards in 2020. Zoe's passion for adventure has taken her from wild Canadian rivers to the Australian Outback. She is also the producer of The Future of Leadership (formerly called Zoe Routh Leadership Podcast), where she shares big ideas on the future of leadership.
About the Book of the Earth Award
The Book of the Earth Award celebrates fiction and nonfiction works that explore the intricate connection between literature, the natural world, and the vast realms of human thought. From classic environmental writing to speculative fiction, these works inspire thoughtful reflection on our relationship with Earth and our place in the cosmos. The award honours narratives that highlight the beauty, complexity, and challenges of our planet, and envision futures that inspire hope, change, and innovation.
For more information about Olympus Bound, Zoe Routh, and the Book of the Earth Award, please visit the Words of the Earth website.
To know more about the book and to arrange interviews with Zoe Routh, please contact her directly via zoe@zoerouth.com or visit the book’s page on zoerouth.com.
