From software engineer to a hugely successful writer, the success of The Martian scribe Andy Weir must have surpassed his wildest dreams. His debut novel generated huge interest after it was adapted for the big screen by Ridley Scott Fox has snapped up the rights to adapt his next novel Artemis.

The story follows a woman named Jazz, a directionless twenty-something constrained by her small town, the titular Artemis — the only city on Moon. With debts to pay and a salary that barely covers the rent, she can’t say no when a life-changing opportunity drops in her lap. But she then finds herself in the middle of a conspiracy for control of Artemis itself.

The announcement alongside the news that the book would be published by Crown publishing group on November 14th across North America; “I’m really excited about ‘Artemis,’” Weir said. “I got to do the science-dork stuff I love, but this time with a much more complex and character-driven plot. It’s a big stretch for me, but I think it came out well. Hopefully, the readers will agree.”

Artemis to be adapted by Fox

Although the book is six months away from being released, work on the big screen adaptation has already got underway with The Martian – directed by Ridley Scott who has his next Alien instalment out in cinemas this week – producers Simon Kinberg and Aditya Sood already signed up to produce this instalment.

The Martian, which starred Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain, saw Damon stranded on mars after his team assume him dead, and must rely on his ingenuity to find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Artemis, which is the greek goddess of the moon, will set Weir’s name in stone as the go to sci-fi writer if he can yet again pull off the success of The Martian.

Watch the video below of Weir talking about the new book