Step into the electrifying world of Cas Russell, where a math-genius mercenary dodges bullets, outsmarts crime lords, and unravels her mysterious past with razor-sharp calculations! S.L. Huang’s Cas Russell series is a near-future sci-fi thriller that blends high-octane action with brainy twists, delivering a superhero saga that’s as clever as it is thrilling.
Centered on Cas Russell, a young woman with superhuman mathematical abilities, this series redefines the action hero. With vector calculus blazing through her mind, Cas navigates a gritty world of conspiracies, telepaths, and moral dilemmas. It’s a wild ride that hooks readers with its relentless pace and sharp wit, perfect for fans of John Scalzi or Jessica Jones.
How Cas Russell Began
S.L. Huang, an MIT-educated mathematician, stuntwoman, and firearms expert, created Cas Russell out of frustration that her math skills didn’t make her a better softball player. Initially self-published as the Russell’s Attic series, the books caught the eye of Tor Books, which re-released them with edits, starting with Zero Sum Game in 2018. Huang’s Hollywood experience and love for math infuse the series with cinematic action and logical precision, making Cas a unique protagonist in speculative fiction.
The Heart of Cas Russell
The series kicks off with Zero Sum Game, where Cas, a retrieval specialist, uses her math prowess to dodge bullets and take down enemies while uncovering a shadowy conspiracy involving telepaths. Null Set sees her fighting crime in a chaotic Los Angeles, grappling with fragmented memories that threaten her sanity. Critical Point, a brand-new addition, dives deeper into her erased past as she races to save a friend from a demolitions expert. Two short stories, “Rio Adopts a Puppy” and “Ladies’ Day Out,” offer fun side adventures.
Themes of identity, morality, and autonomy weave through the series’ fast-paced narrative. Cas’s logical mind clashes with her murky past, raising questions about free will and the cost of power. The near-future setting, laced with cyber-warfare and paranormal elements, feels both futuristic and grounded. Huang’s snarky dialogue and vivid action scenes—think blockbuster movie meets math puzzle—keep readers glued to the page.
What sets the series apart is its focus on found family and platonic friendships, especially Cas’s bonds with characters like Arthur and Checker. These relationships ground the superhero spectacle, adding heart to the chaos. The series’ blend of math-driven action and existential struggles makes it a standout in sci-fi thrillers.
Why Cas Russell Resonates
The Cas Russell series has carved a niche among sci-fi and thriller fans for its fresh take on the superhero archetype. Cas’s blend of brains and brawn, paired with Huang’s knack for weaving math into action, has earned praise from outlets like Library Journal and Publishers Weekly. Its exploration of identity and societal control resonates in an era of digital personas and ethical debates, making it more than just a popcorn read.
Fans on Goodreads rave about the cinematic pacing and Cas’s flawed, relatable heroism, with many calling it “ridiculously fun” and perfect for escaping real-world stress. As Huang continues to expand the series, its growing cult following suggests Cas Russell is here to stay, redefining what it means to be a sci-fi hero.
- Publication Years: 2018–2020 (Tor editions)
- Books: Zero Sum Game, Null Set, Critical Point
- Short Stories: “Rio Adopts a Puppy,” “Ladies’ Day Out”
- Awards: Hugo Award winner (Huang’s broader work)
Grab Zero Sum Game and dive into Cas Russell’s thrilling sci-fi world, where math is the ultimate superpower and every page crackles with adventure!