On Anjiin, humans have developed a civilization somewhat less advanced than ours, but with some strange technology based on the very different life native to Anjiin -- biochemically incompatible with Earth-based life, giving their scientists some unusual advantages over most from other worlds. This becomes important when an alien force swiftly conquers all of Anjiin and abducts the biochemists to carry out special research for the invaders. Working under extremely difficult conditions, the scientists make some discoveries and begin to plan their escape. I never got into the Expanse series past the first book, but I think this will be a better series. The first installment is excellent.