The Soldier (Rise of the Jain, Band 1)

Her mission is vital
Her failure is unthinkable

A corner of space swarms with lethal technology, created by a long-dead race called the Jain. It's guarded by Orlandine, tasked with keeping it contained, or it could destroy entire civilizations. Dragon, an alien intelligence, shares her vigil, but she doesn't share everything with it . . . Orlandine plots to obliterate this swarm, for some will do anything to exploit it - including activating a Jain super-soldier. This could breach even Orlandine's defences.

Meanwhile, humanity and the alien prador empire also watch this sector of space, each blocking the other from claiming its power. However, things are about to change. The Jain might not be as dead as they seemed and interstellar war looms closer than ever.

'Post-humans scheme and struggle. Then Asher turns it up to eleven . . .'
Peter F. Hamilton

'Unimaginable stakes - I couldn't put The Soldier down'
Yoon Ha Lee

'Neal Asher's books are like an adrenaline shot'
John Scalzi