Stain of Life by Scott Overton

When a virus ravages the Earth, humanity flees to the stars. Three hundred years later, survey ships have been sent to determine if anyone is still alive. When pilot Aran Poole’s ship becomes damaged, he crash-lands on the planet with no way home. Fearing he will become contaminated and die, he has to explore his new environment. When he meets a Medicine woman and is absorbed into the tribe, he realizes that the remnants of man have devolved to hunters. But when he discovers he has contracted the virus and his skin begins to turn green, he must flee to follow a mysterious person called the Seeker, who might hold the key to a cure.

What follows is a journey for knowledge fraught with danger, wonder, and love. Overton’s world building is exceptionally strong as the changes in both man and his environment by the virus have altered how we look at our planet and interaction with it.

Suspense, action, and wonders fill this story to the brim. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel.