Life on Ampelus is author Grant Winston's second novel following his debut work, The Lost Petal of the White Rose. Life on Ampelus is a cross-genre work of light science fiction and political intrigue and suspense with some humor, suitable for adults and young adults.

The tale is of the challenges human scientists face to terraform and colonize the faraway planet of Ampelus. Life there is varied and enchanting, but not always benign as scientists Cydippe O'Toole and Naoko Kimura discover. Adding to the dangers they face as they work to preserve native species while transforming Ampelus into a place that can accommodate more pioneers is a colonial governor who is dramatically unsuited for his job; an egomaniacal, narcissistic, temperamental man who values only his own wants and needs. While O'Toole and Kimura fight to enhance life on Ampelus, they gradually become aware that Governor Cramp means to stop at nothing— including murder— to frustrate their efforts and promote himself by exploiting his office and the planet he is supposed to govern.