Science Fiction Sci-Fi Books

Book SynopsisPanoply is a small, efficient police force, dedicated to maintaining the rule of democracy among the ten thousand disparate city states orbiting the planet Yellowstone.Ingvar Tench was one of Panoply''s most experienced operatives. So why did she walk alone and virtually unarmed into a habitat with a vicious grudge against her organisation?As his colleagues pick up the pieces, Dreyfus must face his conscience. Four years ago, when an investigation linked to one of his most dangerous adversaries got a little too personal, Dreyfus arranged for Tench to continue the enquiry by proxy.In using her - even though he had his reasons - did Dreyfus also put her in the line of fire?And what does Tench''s misadventure tell him about an enemy he had hoped was dormant?Praise for Alastair Reynolds:''A leading light of the new British space opera'' Los Angeles Review of Books on Alastair Reynolds''One of the giants of the new British space opera'' io9 on Alastair Reynolds''[Reynolds is] a mastersinger of the space opera'' The Times (UK) on Blue Remembered Earth''[Reynolds] is the most gifted hard SF writers working today'' Publishers Weekly on Beyond the Aquila Rift

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Book SynopsisFor decades we've known what Ellen Ripley found when she returned to the planet where the original alien was discovered - where the child known as Newt was the only survivor. This book tells the full story of that colony.

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Book SynopsisA gargantuan, horseshoe-shaped ship appears over the mining planet Shanmen, unleashing a black rain of death that creates Xenomorph-like monsters worse than the darkest of nightmares. As war rages among the colonies, a huge ship appears over the UPP mining planet Shanmen, unleashing a black rain of death that yields hideous transformations. Monstrous creatures swarm the colony, and rescue is too far away to arrive in time. The survivors are forced to seek shelter in the labyrinth of tunnels deep beneath the surface. Already the grave to so many, these shafts may become the final resting place for all who remain. Hope appears in the form of the vessel Righteous Fury. It carries the Jackals-an elite mix of Colonial Marines led by Zula Hendricks. Faced with a horde of grotesque mutations, the Jackals seek to rescue the few survivors from the depths of the planet. But have they arrived too late? BONUS FEATURE: An exclusive new game scenario based on the massively popular, award-winning Alien RPG from Free League Publishing!Trade ReviewPraise for the Book of the Order Novels by Philippa Ballantine:“I really enjoy this author's work! She's pretty much on my must-buy list...” —Felicia Day“With each new work, she surpasses herself and in the process proves that she is the real deal. Her new book, Spectyr, the second in The Order series, is a fine example of genre mixing done right.” —Geek Life“The characters are solid and the moments of the book that deal with their interactions are where this book truly shines.” —Blogcritics.com“She weaves this amazing story like gossamer where we see this richly complex world that has all of these opposing forces battling against the characters, keeping them from each other in many ways while they really yearn to be together as they struggle through storm after storm, of whatever is coming.” —Snarky Mamma“Ms. Ballantine delivers. Again. Her writing grabs you in a way that is visceral. It hits early. It hits repetitively. It hits hard. No cheap shots are taken. None are needed. You see, Ms. Ballantine knows how to write characters that make you care.”—View from Valhalla“[A] richly detailed world and wonderfully realized characters.” —New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh“Absolutely not to be missed.”—National bestselling author Barb Hendee“A fantastic fantasy.”—Genre Go Round Reviews“[A] unique, character-driven fantasy that delivers on all levels.”—Smexy Books

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Book Synopsis''As we saw it first it was the wildest and most desolate of scenes. We were in an enormous amphitheatre, a vast circular plain, the floor of the giant crater. Its cliff-like wall closed us in on every side''Thanks to the discovery of an anti-gravity metal, Cavorite, two Victorian Englishman decide to tackle the most prestigious goal - space travel. They construct a sphere that will ultimately take them to the moon. On landing, they encounter what seems like an utterly barren landscape but they soon find signs that the planet was once very much alive. Then they hear curious hammering sounds from beneath the surface, and come face to face with the Selenites, a race of insect-like aliens living in a rigidly organised hive society.Trade ReviewWells's scientific romances were works of art with unique relevance for our timesA classic study of scientific hubris brought to destruction - THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SCIENCE FICTIONThe Prospero of all the brave new worlds of the mind, and the Shakespeare of science fiction

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Book Synopsis Discover the new Doctor Who classics. When the entire universe is at stake, three different Doctors will unite to save it. The Tenth Doctor is hunting shape-shifting Zygons in Elizabethan England. The Eleventh is investigating a rift in space-time in the present day. And one other – the man they used to be but never speak of – is fighting the Daleks in the darkest days of the Time War. Driven by demons and despair, this battle-scarred Doctor is set to take a devastating decision that will threaten the survival of the entire universe… a decision that not even a Time Lord can take alone. On this day, the Doctor’s different incarnations will come together to save the Earth… to save the universe… and to save his soul.

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Book SynopsisThis fifth omnibus collection of the science-fiction classic, The Rise and Fall of the Trigan Empire, reprints all the stories originally published in Look & Learn from 1975 through to 1977, and contains Don Lawrence's final flawlessly painted Trigan Empire pages.The Emperor Trigo, his nephew Janno, and the trusted scientist Peric all band together to face off against the threats to the stability of the Trigan Empire - be they frozen superior life forms from an earlier age, or the machinations of Trigo’s own courtiers who are determined to seize control of the government - in these fast-paced yet beautifully painted comic stories which enthralled readers on original publication.Trade Review“The Rise and Fall of the Trigan Empire is a stand-out strip on the UK comics’ landscape” - Tripwire“We can still marvel at the extraordinary visual flair and detail of Don Lawrence’s stunning artwork. 9/10” - Starburst"Vastly influential. Stunning. Dominated the genre of Science-Fiction epics." The Independent"Lawrence [is] celebrated for his richly coloured, highly detailed visions of fantastic worlds." The New York Times

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Book SynopsisPolity Agent is the fourth novel in Neal Asher's popular Agent Cormac series.There's danger without and within.Refugees arrive in the Polity from eight hundred years in Agent Cormac’s future. And once they are through, the gate they use is dumped into the sun, as something dangerous and non-human is in pursuit. Cormac soon learns that the Maker civilization they have come from has been destroyed – by alien Jain technology.Orlandine, an augmented human, is studying this lethal tech in Cormac’s timeline. She may manage to harness its power, or it might destroy her. Meanwhile, Cormac is desperate to stamp down on this same technology, but someone or something is spreading it. And just outside humanity’s Polity worlds, something very nasty indeed might just be pulling their strings.Polity Agent is followed by Line War in the action-packed Agent Cormac seriesTrade ReviewOne of the best yet . . . destructive high Space Opera spectacle * Starburst *He’s got a fantastic eye for monsters, writes turbo-charged battle sequences, and can describe cosmic events and alien landscapes with an edge of evocative beauty * SFX *

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Book SynopsisEdward Prendick is shipwrecked and finds himself stranded on an island in the Pacific. Here he meets the sinister Dr Moreau, a vivisectionst driven out of Britain in disgrace. And soon strange events cause Prendick to uncover the full horror of Dr Moreau''s activities on the island.THE ISLAND OF DR MOREAU mixes discussion on the divide between humans and the animal kingdom and chilling macabre horror in an unrivalled fashion. Its question on how far science should go is one that rings true today as it did when it was first published.Trade ReviewThe Prospero of all the brave new worlds of the mind, and the Shakespeare of science fiction - Brian W. AldissWells' scientific romances were . . . works of art with unique relevance for our times - Arthur C. Clarke

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Book SynopsisThe Last Emperox is the explosive conclusion to John Scalzi’s Interdependency series.Can they escape the end of an empire?Entire star systems, and billions of people, are about to be stranded. The pathways that link the stars are collapsing faster than anyone expected, accelerating the fall of civilization. But though the evidence is insurmountable, many are in denial. And some even attempt to profit from the final days of this golden age.Emperox Grayland II has wrested control of the empire from her enemies. But even as she works to save her people, others seek power. And they will make a final, desperate push to topple her from her throne. Grayland and her depleted allies must use every tool at their disposal to save themselves and humanity – yet it still may not be enough.Will Grayland become the saviour of her civilization . . . or the last emperox to wear the crown?Trade ReviewProvocative and unexpected -- Wall Street Journal on The Consuming FireRousing storytelling and satisfying intrigue . . . An engaging, well-crafted sci-fi drama -- SFX on The Collapsing EmpirePolitical plotting, plenty of snark, puzzle-solving and a healthy dose of action . . . Scalzi continues to be almost insufferably good at his brand of fun but think-y sci-fi adventure -- Kirkus Reviews on The Collapsing EmpireA thrilling novel so in tune with the flow of politics that it would feel relevant at almost any time . . . Balances humour with action throughout the book, and always keeps the plot twists coming -- Entertainment Weekly on The Collapsing Empire

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Book SynopsisThe 2000 AD adaptation of Harry Harrison''s classic science-fiction novels by Kelvin Gosnell and Carlos Ezquerra returns in a new full color omnibus! James Bolivar DiGriz aka ''The Stainless Steel Rat'' is many things - a con man, a thief, and a member of an elite law-enforcement agency known as the Special Corps. After escaping the corps, DiGriz crosses paths with the beautiful but deadly Angelina who, like Jim DiGriz, is also a master criminal, albeit a lot more ruthless. They must travel through time to stop a master criminal meddling with the past, and help to overthrow an evil President by having The Rat become a candidate for the job himself! A classic from 2000 AD''s first ''golden age'', Stainless Steel Rat is a must-read for fans of Harrison or old school sci-fi action with bold characters and a wry twist of humour, complemented by Ezquerra''s dynamic and inimitable artwork.

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Book SynopsisThe Locust War has ended with an energy weapon that pulsed across the land, destroying Locust and Lambent alike. The world is in shambles and the few survivors are isolated from one another. Humanity must begin anew. This novel reveals the canonical, never-before-seen events set in the time immediately following the game Gears of War 3. With most of Sera's civilization destroyed, Sergeant Marcus Fenix and Lieutenant Anya Stroud must somehow rebuild on the ruins. For Marcus, his purpose is impossible to grasp. With no clear enemy to fight, there may be no place left for him in this postwar world. Some call him hero, others view him with resentment. As Anya struggles to create alliances to re-form the Coalition of Ordered Governments, she quickly discovers how impossible it is to tell friend from foe. Then whispers of Locust still stalking the land begin to spread. Fearing the worst, Marcus forms a team to assess the potential threat. As he and the other Gears search for Locust survivors, however, they quickly discover that the new enemy may be all-too-human, and utterly ruthless.Trade Review"Highly recommended for readers of military science fiction and the Gears of War universe. A surprisingly different but fascinating look at the Gears characters" - Borg.com"While the chainsaws, machismo and bro-dudeness of the franchise takecentre stage there’s still an interesting world and lore behind it all, and a cast of likeable people. Novels are a perfect opportunity to explore that world... Ephyra Rising is a solid read." - Wolf's Gaming Blog"Fans of Gears of War who, like myself, love the characters and the world and want to see more of it and learn about the gaps between the games are definitely going to enjoy this book... As much a character piece as an action story, this was an absolute delight from start to finish."Trans-Scribe reviewPRAISE FOR GEARS OF WAR 3:"Gears of War 3 represents state-of-the-art design and gameplay where you become the king badass among a gory world of bad-asses."IGN"A masterpiece of exciting gameplay and emotional storytelling that stands head and shoulders above its predecessors. Even if you don't remember where you were on Emergence Day, this is one adventure you won't soon forget."GameSpot"This isn't a game you'll be bored with in a month, and it will last many fans years…"Wired "Gears of War 3 is awesome. The campaign is epic, with action sequences that are more intense, weapons that are more powerful, enemies that are more formidable and heroes that are more relatable than ever before."Games RadarPRAISE FOR GEARS 5:"Gears 5 is one of the most visually stunning games ever crafted."Sam Bryford, The Verge"The Coalition has simply knocked it out of the park with Gears 5."Elton Jones, Heavy "Amazing. No matter which mode you approach it from, Gears 5 is an incredibly fun and polished game."Ryan McCaffrey, IGN "Opening the door to more creative and meaningful artistic direction helps titles restore energy to games. Gears 5 feels like one of the most fast-paced, exciting titles in the series"EsquirePRAISE FOR AUTHOR MICHAEL A. STACKPOLE:"Mike Stackpole… can draw readily on considerable experience. When he wants to be tough, or whimsical, or demented, it is not the chore it might be for many another. He has it all there, ready."Roger Zelazny, author of the Chronicles of Amber"I think that Michael A. Stackpole is incapable of writing a book that isn’t imaginative, intelligent and sympathetic"Stephen R. Donaldson, author of the Thomas Covenant seriesPRAISE FOR FORTRESS DRACONIS BY MICHAEL A. STACKPOLE:"A compelling and engaging escape."Publishers Weekly"A powerful epic fantasy that is wholly grounded in the gritty realism of battlefields and sacrifices." Romantic Times

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Book SynopsisIt has been six years since the end of the Covenant War ...and yet on the planet Carrow, a world on the edge of the Joint Occupation Zone, a decisive new battle suddenly erupts. Human colonists and the alien Sangheili have already been living a tension-filled coexistence in this place, with Unified Earth Government envoy Melody Azikiwe attempting to broker a lasting peace between their two species. But as civil war now engulfs the Sangheili, Melody must act on an additional covert assignment courtesy of the Office of Naval Intelligence: free the Spartan-IIs known as Gray Team, held in stasis since the end of the war by a cunning Elite fleetmaster consumed with vengeance. And none can anticipate the ongoing violence leading to the discovery of an even greater, unstoppable threat-one hidden for eons below the surface of the planet...

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Book Synopsis''ENTHRALLING . . . A JOURNEY AS PERILOUS AS IT IS ENLIGHTENING'' Guardian on The Book of KoliThe journey through M. R. Carey''s ''immersive, impeccably rendered world'' (Kirkus) continues in The Trials of Koli - the second book of the Rampart trilogy.Koli has been cast from his village and into the strange and deadly forest beyond. But he heard a story, once. A story about lost London, and the mysterious tech of the old times that was there. And if Koli can find it, there may be a way for him to redeem himself - by saving what''s left of humanity.Praise for The Trials of Koli:''This series just gets better and better. Clever, compassionate and genuinely immersive'' Joanne Harris ''A broken world that is both marvellously expansive and claustrophobically menacing'' Publisher''s Weekly ''If you loved M.R. Carey''s The Book of Koli, you will love The Trials oTrade ReviewThis series just gets better and better. Clever, compassionate and genuinely immersive: I can't wait for the next one . . . -- Joanne Harris on THE TRIALS OF KOLIA broken world that is both marvellously expansive and claustrophobically menacing -- PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY on THE TRIALS OF KOLIThis is a bold, unique world - be prepared to be engrossed -- SCIFINOW on THE TRIALS OF KOLIIf you loved M.R. Carey's The Book of Koli, you will love The Trials of Koli just as much, if not more . . . Absorbing, stunning, and emotionally rich -- LOCUS on THE TRIALS OF KOLIGripping, engaging, and absolutely worth the time it takes to burrow yourself into its reality. I can't recommend it highly enough -- Seanan McGuire on THE BOOK OF KOLIKoli embarks on a journey as perilous as it is enlightening . . . Enthralling -- GUARDIAN on THE BOOK OF KOLINarrator Koli's inquisitive mind and kind heart make him the perfect guide to Carey's immersive, impeccably rendered world . . . A captivating start to what promises to be an epic post-apocalyptic fable * KIRKUS *Carey writes with compassion and fire - strange and surprising and humane -- Lauren BeukesAn ingenious, dizzily provocative novel . . . Carey invents a fantastic far-future world, finding humanity in unlikely places, Helen Marshall, World Fantasy Award-winning author -- Helen Marshall, World Fantasy Award-winning author on THE BOOK OF KOLIThis novel should please Carey's existing fans as well as fans of the post-apocalyptic subgenre in general * BOOKLIST on THE TRIALS OF KOLI *Narrator Koli's inquisitive mind and kind heart make him the perfect guide to Carey's immersive, impeccably rendered world . . . Readers will be thrilled to know the next two books will be published in short order. A captivating start to what promises to be an epic post-apocalyptic fable -- KIRKUS on THE BOOK OF KOLI

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Book SynopsisBrimming with alternative universes, futuristic landscapes and gleeful metaphysics... Yu's spirit of invention is infectious. - Sunday TimesHighly inventive and hilarious - The Times_______________________________________________________________________________________With only TAMMY - a slightly tearful computer with self-esteem issues - a software boss called Phil - Microsoft Middle Manager 3.0 - and an imaginary dog called Ed for company, fixing time machines is a lonely business and Charles Yu is stuck in a rut. He's spent the better part of a decade navel-gazing, spying on 39 different versions of himself in alternate universes (and discovered that 35 of them are total jerks). And he's kind of fallen in love with TAMMY, which is bad because she doesn't have a module for that. With all that's on his mind, perhaps it's no surprise that when he meets his future self, he shoots him in the stomach. And that's a beginner's mistake for a time machine repairman. Now he's stuck in a time loop, going in circles forever. All he has, wrapped in brown paper, is the book his future self was trying to press into his hands. It's called How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe. And he's the author. And somewhere inside it is the information that could save him.Trade ReviewA complex, brainy, genre-hopping joyride of a story * New York Times *Brimming with alternative universes, futuristic landscapes and gleeful metaphysics... Yu's spirit of invention is infectious. * Sunday Times *A man with a time machine shoots a future version of himself... The old time-travel paradox becomes a witty and plangent enquiry into the nature of memory. It's SF - but not as we know it. * Financial Times *If sci-fi is the literature of ideas, Charles Yu is already a master of the form: there are more fascinating, bizarre and clever concepts per page than most writers manage in an entire novel. * Time Out *A fantastic time travel story, one that blends fiction and reality, a sharp style of storytelling that blew my mind... this is one of the most important books of the genre to be published this year * SF Signal *Highly inventive and hilarious * The Times *pretty superb: involving, clever, perky, properly science fictional and above all funny... a most excellent debut * The Guardian *A complex, brainy, genre-hopping joyride of a story, far more than the sum of its part, and smart and tragic enough to engage all regions of the brain and body * International Herald Tribune *Buzzes with ideas, takes stylistic risks successfully, and is tightly focussed on the emotional impact of the story... Yu's enthralling debut makes me yearn for his next one * Scotland on Sunday *'A small wonder of a novel.' * Time Magazine, ‘Top 10 Books of the Year 2010’ *

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Book SynopsisA sinister toyshop. The Earth erupting in violence. Shockwaves travelling through history. With old friends powerless to help, the Doctor is drawn into a deadly duel against an old nemesis who can bend reality to his will – and change the Doctor’s future for ever…Based on a script by Russell T Davies, this thrilling third adventure for Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary features David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor and Catherine Tate as Donna Noble, as well as introducing Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor.

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Book Synopsis"Look, man. I only need to know one thing: where they are." PFC Jenette Vasquez on LV-426 Even before the doomed mission to Hadley's Hope, Jenette Vasquez had to fight to survive. Born to an immigrant family with a long military tradition she looked up to the stars, but life pulled her back down to Earth-first into a street gang, then prison. The Colonial Marines proved to be Vasquez's way out-a way that forced her to give up her twin children. Raised by Jenette's sister Roseanna, those children-Leticia and Ramon-have been forced to discover their own ways to survive. Leticia by following her mother's path into the military, Ramon by embracing the corporate hierarchy of Weyland-Yutani. Their paths converge on an unnamed world, which some see as a potential utopia, while others would use it for highly secretive research. Regardless of what humans might have planned for it, however, Xenomorphs will turn the planet into a living hell. Sarcastic, sexy, and action-packed, Vasquez brings generational heritage into the Alien universe in an explosive way.Trade ReviewPraise for Aliens: Vasquez "Castro uses the world and creatures to tell an intense, kickass story from a new point of view."-Cemetery Dance "Aliens: Vasquez is a fantastic piece of literature."-The Boss Rush Network Praise for V. Castro and The Queen of the Cicadas: "In the age of phony fiction, V. Castro is the voice of authenticity; una voz que lucha por la igualdad. Dark, atmospheric, sexy, and dangerous, her fiction brings readers her unfiltered Latinx essence and a unique pulpy flavor. Her work matters. Read it."-Gabino Iglesias, author of Coyote Songs "In The Queen of the Cicadas, there's a thin, bloody veil between worlds, the past isn't past at all, and you can feel your heart beating in the pages, the words pulsing with life. Touch them if you dare, and don't be surprised if they quiver into flight all around you."-Stephen Graham Jones, NYT bestselling author of The Only Good Indians "V. Castro writes like her blood is in the ink. Queen of the Cicadas is the best urban legend story since Candyman, layered and dark and hideously beautiful. It will get way under your skin. If Castro's not already on your radar, she should be."-Christopher Golden, NYT bestselling author of Alien: River of Pain "Writing in breathtaking, atmospheric prose, Castro merges brutal realism and supernatural terror to create a fierce, memorable tale of Mexican folklore and horror."-Publishers Weekly starred review "Castro's novel shifts seamlessly from deliciously gory horror narrative to family saga to a tale of righteous vengeance, all while maintaining its unflinching condemnation of colonialism on both sides of the Mexican-American border."-Kirkus starred review "A riveting #ownvoices novel exploring Mexican folk tales and legends mingled with the history of Texas... Castro does not pull any punches."-Booklist starred review "Castro's expert storytelling upends classic horror tropes to make 'The Queen of the Cicadas' an exhilarating and frightening literary ride."-Los Angeles Review of Books "A deliciously sinister story"-Harper's Bazaar "A truly original and surprising work of fiction... Castro weaves several familiar tropes from the slasher and ghost story sub-genres into a blood-drenched (literally) story of both personal and cultural reclamation."-Toronto Star "A keenly written work of suspense that also reflects upon humanity's capacity for good and evil, The Queen of the Cicadas is a compelling page-turner for connoisseurs of the genre. Highly recommended."-Midwest Book Review

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Book SynopsisThe United States Colonial Marines. Ultimate troubleshooters equipped with state-of-the-art firepower, capable of power projection across the vast expanse of deep space. They can sharpshoot a man at a thousand meters or obliterate an entire world from the safety of orbit. They reckon they are unbeatable.But on a dirtball colony planet known only as LV-426 the unthinkable happens. The Marines lose. The Aliens - Colonial Marines Technical Manual is your official guide to the equipment and organisation of the United States Colonial Marine Corps. Packed with diagrams, technical schematics and plans, the manual takes a detailed look at the guns, vehicles and ships of the USCMC, and the men and women who use them. A must-have book for any Aliens fan, the Aliens - Colonial Marines Technical Manual examines the technology of the movie''s futuristic nightmare in every detail.

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of Annihilation, now a major motion picture on Netflix Dreams and nightmares entwine as three fellow travellers strive to achieve their deepest desires.Nicholas seeks to escape his demons in the city of Veniss’ shadowy underground. But in so doing, he makes a deal with the devil himself. His twin sister, Nicola, embarks on a feverish search for him. And while discovering the city’s hidden secrets, she’ll spin her own hypnotic tale.Nicola’s lover Shadrach is haunted by her mysterious disappearance. In the grip of despair, he decides to embark on a mythic journey. Shadrach must steel himself to visit the nightmarish levels deep beneath the surface of the city to bring his love back to the light. For these depths hold perils that are both complex and chilling. There, he will find wonders beyond imagining . . . and horrors greater than the heart can bear.Literary alchemist Jeff VanderMeer has produced a triumph of the imagination, revealing the mysterious city of Veniss through three intertwined voices. Veniss Underground is an unforgettable journey exploring the limits of love, memory and obsession. This edition includes the novella Balzac's War.Trade ReviewA Dantesque journey . . . a nightmare vision that shows off VanderMeer's many virtues * Guardian *An outstanding first novel brimming with startling ideas * The Scotsman *Masterful . . . Not for the faint of heart, the story packs a strong emotional wallop * Publishers Weekly *The denouement is as powerful as any I have read * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisComplete integrated indices of History of Middle-earth volumes to complement new series.For the first time every index from each of the twelve volumes of The History Of Middle-earth has been published together in a single volume to create a supreme index charting the writing of Tolkien's masterpieces The Lord of The Rings and The Silmarillion.This stunning work of reference complements the fascinating History of Middle-earth series, now repackaged to complement the distinctive and classic style of the black cover' A-format paperbacks of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales.

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Book SynopsisTerrifying serial killer thriller set in the gritty Glasgow of the near future, from the bestselling author of the Logan McRae series.There are worse things than the death penaltyThey call them halfheads: convicted criminals, surgically mutilated and lobotomized by the State, then sent out to do menial jobs in the community so everyone will know what happens when you break the law. There are no appeals, no reprieves, and no one ever comes back. Until now.Dr Fiona Westfield, one of the most prolific serial killers Glasgow has ever seen, is waking up. Surrounded by blood and death and darkness.William Hunter has risen through the ranks since putting Westfield away; now he's Assistant Network Director, in charge of police actions. But a routine murder investigation is about to embroil him in an appalling conspiracy.The vast connurb blocks on Glasgow's deprived south side are ready to explode. Eleven years ago the VR riots killed millions now someone wants to start them all over again. AnTrade Review‘Slick, gruesome and brutally intelligent, this is bare knucklesthriller-writing.’ Michael Marshall ‘Compelling’ SFX Praise for Stuart MacBride: ‘Riveting and gruesome’ Telegraph ‘Grim, gritty and great fun’ Daily Sport ‘Stuart MacBride goes straight for the jugular with a tight, thrilling novel’ Glasgow Herald ‘The action is fercious and the pace unrelenting’ Northern Echo

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Book SynopsisAn artist searches for God in Philip K. Dick's collaboration with Roger Zelazny.

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Book SynopsisRaymond Briggs'' world-famous graphic account of one ordinary couple''s attempt to stand firm in the face of nuclear annihilation remains as powerful today as it was when it was first published in 1982.Following Jim and Hilda Blogg in the days before and after a nuclear attack on Britain, When the Wind Blows is alternately funny, shocking, heartbreaking and devastating. Few can read it and not be deeply moved.Despite writing some of the most beloved and enduring children''s books of all time - The Snowman, Father Christmas and Fungus the Bogeyman - When the Wind Blows is very much a story for adults. Not only does it articulate the fears of the generations who grew up in the shadow of the Cold War, but it also speaks today of our own fears, living as we do in a nuclear age.Written and illustrated by Briggs, When the Wind Blows has never been out of print.

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Book SynopsisMelanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that takes over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.Wanderer, the invading ''soul'' who has been given Melanie''s body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn''t expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.Melanie fills Wanderer''s thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body''s desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she''s never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.Trade ReviewStephenie Meyer is an amazing phenomenon-out of the brightness of her mind and spirit comes the illuminated darkness of her stories. For no matter how much pain her characters suffer, Meyer infuses the tales with light and hope.' Orson Scott Card, author of The Ender Saga * 'A fascinating, passionate, and unique psychological thriller. In The Host, Stephenie Meyer gives a new and surprising meaning to the phrase ‘being of two minds!'' Katherine Neville, author of The Eight *

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Book SynopsisBeware the hands that heal.The Doctor and Peri land on the planet Necros to visit the funerary home Tranquil Repose – where the dead are interred and the near-dead placed in suspended animation until such time as their conditions can be cured. But the Great Healer of Tranquil Repose is far from benign. Under his command, Daleks guard the catacombs where sickening experiments are conducted on human bodies. The new life he offers the dying comes at a terrible cost – and the Doctor and Peri are being lured into a trap that will change them forever. At last, the only classic-era Doctor Who adventure never to be novelised is here, and by the author of the original script, Eric Saward.

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Book SynopsisThe Andromeda duology from renowned scientist Fred Hoyle and television producer John Elliot, published in one volumeTrade ReviewThe John Buchan of science fiction. His fantasies are not only firmly rooted in scientific possibilities but are told at gallopping pace and with an appealing no-nonsense authority - Sunday TimesFrighteningly believable - Sunday Times

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Book Synopsis‘The entire Dalek race, wiped out in one second. I watched it happen. I made it happen!’The Doctor and Rose arrive in an underground vault in Utah in the near future. The vault is filled with alien artefacts. Its billionaire owner, Henry van Statten, even has possession of a living alien creature, a mechanical monster in chains that he has named a Metaltron. Seeking to help the Metaltron, the Doctor is appalled to find it is in fact a Dalek – one that has survived the horrors of the Time War just as he has. And as the Dalek breaks loose, the Doctor is brought back to the brutality and desperation of his darkest hours spent fighting the creatures of Skaro… this time with the Earth as their battlefield.

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Book SynopsisLinguist and scoundrel Sean Wren is in trouble. Again. And this time, his sentence is to salvage the data of the Philosopher Stone experiments from an abandoned, long lost ship—before it explodes in a supernova.But this spaceship isn’t as abandoned as they thought. When Sean arrives with his crew, they discover the place is crawling with monsters, and some of its original residents still lurk in the shadows. Dark secrets are scrawled in languages only Sean can read. Worse, the Ministers, humanity’s greatest oppressors, are also stalking the ship’s empty corridors, seeking the same data.Trapped and with time running out, Sean will have to rely on his wits, his closest friend Benny, the monsters within, and the enemies around him to get out with the riches he was promised.Trade Review“A rollicking page-turner.” -- Publishers Weekly * Publishers Weekly *“A real hold-your-breath novel.” -- FanFiAddict * FanFiAddict *“Fun, fast-paced, cutting-edge, and full of epic twists” -- Library Journal, starred review * Library Journal *“An entertaining romp” -- The Times

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Book SynopsisTabula Ra$a is hosting its massive annual music festival in the desert, which every year precedes the massive annual drunken riot in the desert. This is all organized by Zoey's people, including the riot - as Will explains, the citizens need a little chaos now and then, their job is just to keep a lid on it. That will be a problem this year, with history's most ridiculous mayoral election playing out in the background. The city has divided into roughly two camps, supporting each of the major candidates: One is a stern, calculating activist out to restore traditional morality to the city at all costs, the other is Megaboss Alonzo, whose platform is that he will pay you ten dollars if you vote for him. When a horrific crime is broadcast live on the all-seeing social network Blink, the former seems poised to reap the benefits in the polls. The Suits suspect the nature and timing of the crime are a little too convenient and may be a carefully-staged hoax. But in a city in which lies are always served in layers, even that explanation will prove to be far too simple. As tensions ratchet tighter, Zoey comes to realize that this is really a battle of narratives: Every culture needs a collective story to believe in, so it's just a matter of coming up with one and then carefully sculpting reality to make it fit. How hard can that be? They have the whole weekend.

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Book Synopsis'The Mother Code is a dystopian tale for all, which is scarily relevant right now' Press AssociationWhat it means to be human-and a mother-is put to the test in Carole Stivers' debut novel set in a world that is more chilling and precarious than ever. Steven Spielberg's Amblin Partners has acquired the worldwide film rights for THE MOTHER CODE.It's 2049, and the survival of the human race is at risk. Earth's inhabitants must turn to their last resort: a plan to place genetically engineered children inside the cocoons of large-scale robots-to be incubated, birthed, and raised by machines. But there is yet one hope of preserving the human order-an intelligence programmed into these machines that renders each unique in its own right-the Mother Code.Kai is born in America's desert southwest, his only companion is his robot Mother, Rho-Z. Equipped with the knowledge and motivations of a human mother, Rho-Z raises Kai and teaches him how to survive. But as children like Kai come of age, their Mothers transform too-in ways that were never predicted. When government survivors decide that the Mothers must be destroyed, Kai must make a choice. Will he break the bond he shares with Rho-Z? Or will he fight to save the only parent he has ever known?In a future that could be our own, The Mother Code explores what truly makes us human-and the tenuous nature of the boundaries between us and the machines we create.Trade ReviewSome stories are so unique, yet so universal, that it is wonder they aren't a part of the human fable already. Carole Stivers's THE MOTHER CODE, is such a novel. Simply written but powerful, chock full of ideas and extrapolations about what it means to be a mother and all that such a word implies. Both apocalyptic, yet hopeful, treat yourself to this story. You'll be well rewarded. * James Rollins *Set against a post-pandemic apocalypse, biochemist Carole Stivers's The Mother Code offers it all: intriguingly flawed characters; compelling action; and, that most elusive of things, a fresh plot-children raised from birth by mother bots. The Mother Code asks us to reimagine the limitations of artificial intelligence and the costs of species survival, and in doing so, offers a profound meditation on motherhood and what it means to be human. Stivers is a brilliant storyteller! * Lori Ostlund *I could not put down The Mother Code! Part action adventure, part sci-fi, the novel is suspenseful and cinematic and such a pleasure to read. Carole Stivers is a masterful storyteller and she has combined science, technology and history to tell a beautiful story of humanity and love. * Devi S. Laskar *Carole Stivers is far from the first to wonder if motherhood can be scientifically replicated, but this is a thoughtful and thought-provoking addition to that meditation,. An end-of-times tale that focuses less on what has been lost and more on what and who might be saved (and how.) Stivers' wonderful story settles right on the line between human and machine, as blame and threat and rescue and love shift from character to character in surprising and powerful ways * Karen Joy Fowler *Biochemist Stivers's sweeping, cinematic debut raises probing questions about the nature of family and human connection... This dystopia is painful, provocative, and ultimately infused with hope * Publishers Weekly, starred review *The Mother Code is a dystopian tale for all, which is scarily relevant right now * Press Association review *The Mother Code is a dystopian tale for all * The Irish News (Belfast) *The Mother Code is a dystopian tale for all, which is scarily relevant right now * The Irish Examiner *Silicon Valley biochemist Stivers writes with a calm, technical authority * Financial Times *Stivers delivers a gripping techno-thriller that offers hope despite its bleak premise * The Guardian *An uneasy mix of techno-thriller and examination of the effects of new technology on human development * ParSec *

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Book Synopsis'Fun, action-packed and wildly original' CULTUREFLY 'Five Stars, Would Recommend' GRADY HENDRIX'Lord of the Flies crashes headfirst into The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' BENJAMIN STEVENSON> Passport> Suncream> Apocalypse???What happens when you're on holiday and the sun explodes? Professional underachiever Dan Foster is finally taking a break. Sure, his life has been average at best and, yes, he has never has quite lived up to his potential. But after a few Bud Lights in paradise with his girlfriend Mara, things are starting to look up. Then the sun explodes. With the island suddenly plunged into darkness, the ultra-rich guests hijack the remaining supplies and declare themselves the new ruling class. Led by a fitness influencer turned ruthless dictator, martial law is declared and the hoi pol

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Book SynopsisThe year is 2110. Humankind is entering a new golden age.But when an amateur astronomer points his telescope at just the right corner of the night sky, he sees disaster hurtling toward Earth: a chunk of rock that could annihilate civilization. While a few fanatics welcome the apocalyptic destruction as a sign from God, the greatest scientific minds of Earth desperately search for a way to avoid the inevitable. On board the starship Goliath, Captain Robert Singh and his crew must race against time to redirect the meteor from its deadly collision course. Suddenly they find themselves on the most important mission in human history - a mission whose success may require the ultimate sacrifice.

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Book SynopsisIn The War of the Worlds H. G. Wells invented the myth of invasion from outer space. Martians land near London, conquering all before them, and ruin the metropolis; the fate of civilization and even of the human race remains in doubt until the very last.Trade ReviewAn interesting and informative foreword and notes by Darryl Jones... I highly recommend these OWC editions -- I find the forewords, without being overly long, pack in a lot of information and add a huge amount to my appreciation of the books.Table of ContentsIntroduction Note on the Text Select Bibliography A Chronology of H. G. Wells THE WAR OF THE WORLDS Explanatory Notes

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Book SynopsisJohn Scalzi's Head On, is a chilling near-future SF with the thrills of a gritty cop procedural. Head On brings Scalzi's trademark snappy dialogue and technological speculation to the future world of sports.To some left with nothing, winning becomes everything . . . In a post-virus world, a daring sport is taking the US by storm. It’s frenetic, violent and involves teams attacking one another with swords and hammers. The aim: to obtain your opponent’s head and carry it through the goalposts. Impossible? Not if the players have Haden’s Syndrome. Unable to move, Haden’s sufferers use robot bodies, which they operate mentally. So in this sport anything goes, no one gets hurt – and crowds and competitors love it. Until a star athlete drops dead on the playing field. But is it an accident? FBI agents Chris Shane and Leslie Vann are determined to find out. In this game, fortunes can be made – or lost. And both players and owners will do whatever it takes to win, on and off the field.Trade ReviewScalzi takes his work to an entirely new level -- Cory DoctorowVery clever, wonderfully satisfying fun * Kirkus *A fun, breezy thriller, one that showcases a world that carries with it some extremely astute commentary on some of the real problems that we face in our own * The Verge *Scalzi expands his complex future with master strokes, balancing buddy-cop wryness with thought-provoking social and political commentary. This taut mystery, filled with memorable characters in a well-constructed world, will keep readers on the edges of their seats * Publishers Weekly, starred review *

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Book Synopsis'Addictive' - THE TIMES 'Marvellously twisty, with the clockwork ingenuity of Agatha Christie' - FINANCIAL TIMES SHARING A BODY CAN BE MURDER Alex, Kate, Mike, Sierra and Ben have spent twenty-five years trapped together. And there's no escape. They share one body, part of humanity's answer to its dangerously spiralling population. After more than two decades of bickering and petty vendettas, the one thing they can agree on is that they need a better host, and so they travel to a Death Park where they can win enough to get them the upgrades that will make the next twenty-five years bearable. But things go very wrong when Kate accepts a dangerous offer, and one of them disappears. Someone is trying to kill off members of the commune. But why? Is one of them responsible? Or is an outsider playing a deadly game? It's hard enough to catch a murderer. It's almost impossible when you might be sharing a body with them... 'Gripping and intriguing on every level' - SARAH PEARSE, author of THE SANATORIUM 'A dazzling, thrilling rollercoaster ride' - ALEX PAVESI, author of EIGHT DETECTIVESTrade ReviewThis thriller is science fiction wrapped in a murder mystery that scrambles and blows your mind... It is an addictive read that will remain with you long after you emerge blinking from the rabbit hole * The Times *My mind is officially blown! This clever, twisty debut really delivers. Gripping, well-written and intriguing on every level -- Sarah Pearse, bestselling author of THE SANATORIUMA marvellously twisty whodunnit [with] the brutal, clockwork ingenuity of an Agatha Christie mystery * Financial Times *A dazzling, thrilling rollercoaster ride: five strangers forced to share a body in a resource-depleted future find themselves caught up in a murder mystery. Full of ideas and excitement, it's a gripping fast-paced read -- Alex Pavesi, author of EIGHT DETECTIVESA pacy, exciting and most unusual crime story * Guardian *The ultimate whodunit conundrum, this amazing concept blew my mind from the start. A thrilling, intelligent read -- Janice Hallett, author of THE APPEALGripping, fast-paced and incredibly original. Five Minds is out of this world in the best possible way -- Allie Reynolds, author of SHIVERGuy Morpuss is set to become a powerhouse in speculative crime. Tense, dark, gritty and high-concept, it's a feast of a book -- Helen Fields, author of A PERFECT CRIMEFive Minds spearheads an exciting new trend in speculative fiction, with a mind-stretching and irresistible premise deftly spun into a twisty, page-turning action-thriller. Clever, cool and thoroughly entertaining -- Philippa East, author of LITTLE WHITE LIESConsider my single mind blown! An astonishing and original concept, deftly executed. This novel cries out for a screen adaptation -- David Jackson, bestselling author of CRY BABYA whip-smart, searing debut with a story which grinds into the mind like cursed clockwork. I really loved it -- Matt Wesolowski, author of SIX STORIESA brilliantly inventive, pacy debut with a great premise. A Maze Runner type world of complex death games and riddles that keep you guessing to the very end. If you liked The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, you'll love this -- Eve Smith, author of THE WAITING ROOMSFascinating and inventive. A brilliantly original concept, thrilling and surprising but also thoughtful and heartbreaking -- Catherine Cooper, author of THE CHALETPart Bladerunner part Agatha Christie, this mind-bending pacy debut gives a whole new meaning to the locked-room mystery. Five Minds deserves to be huge -- Imran Mahmood, author of YOU DON'T KNOW METhrilling dystopian sci-fi meets twisty murder mystery in this mind-bendingly original debut. Five Minds is nothing short of a cross-genre masterpiece -- Adam Christopher, author of EMPIRE STATEAmazingly addictive. A wicked, twisty blend of The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, Blade Runner and even a pinch of Rollerball -- Kate Griffin, author of KITTY PECK AND THE MUSIC HALL MURDERSI loved Five Minds - the worldbuilding of Gibson with the pace of The Running Man. A fantastic ride and a brilliant debut! -- Tim Glister, author of RED CORONAFive Minds literally blew my mind, with a stunning concept that takes you on a terrifying trip with five souls crammed into one body, every one of them a suspect. Devoured in 24 hours, and will take some dislodging from the top of my 'best reads of 2021' pile -- Robert Scragg, author of WHAT FALLS BETWEEN THE CRACKSExtraordinary. Mindblowing, original and fiendishly clever. I'll be thinking about this book for a very long time -- Victoria Selman, author of SNAKES AND LADDERSA gripping, clever and innovative story: this book sucked me into its dark, futuristic world where nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted. The ending left me reeling! A fantastic debut -- Louise Mumford, author of SLEEPLESSAfter a few pages I was hooked into a new world, manned by workers, andis, hedonists and communes. Imagine an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie, The Hunger Games, Sophie's Choice and a whodunit under one cover. I loved it and wouldn't be surprised if it gets optioned for a movie -- Jenny O'Brien, author of FALLEN ANGELI loved the brilliant, brain-grabbing Five Minds. An extraordinary concept with a spanking crime mystery at its heart -- Chris Lloyd, author of THE UNWANTED DEADThink The Seven Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle meets Running Man. So intelligent and yet so easy to read. Totally recommend -- S.E. Moorhead, author of WITNESS XInventive, innovative and imaginative. Five Minds was a trip that had me thrilled and terrified in equal measure. Utterly mind-bending -- J.M. Hewitt, author of THE NIGHT CALLERSmart world-building, fantastic near-future ideas, and an ingenious structure that kept the tension at a peak for chapter after chapter -- Dan Malakin, author of THE REGRETHigh stakes and the dark corners of the human psyche: Five Minds is a fascinating extrapolation of society and a claustrophobic, deft whodunit -- Patrick Edwards, author of RUIN'S WAKEA real feat of the imagination: wildly original and a thrilling read -- Louisa Scarr, author of LAST PLACE YOU LOOKFiendishly clever and dashed with humour. You're pulled into a world that is fully immersive. One of the most original books I've ever read -- Chris McDonald, author of A WASH OF BLACKThe perfect blend of speculative fiction and crime. I couldn't stop turning the pages -- Lia Middleton, author of WHEN THEY FIND HERClever, twisty, insightful. It reminded me of a cross between Michael Marshall Smith and Iain M. Banks, and that at its best sci-fi raises themes that shine a light back on contemporary world through a great story. Brilliant -- James Mylet, author of LEXImaginative, twisty and brilliantly fun. I loved each of the expertly-drawn characters and their journey through a world where time is everything. Guy Morpuss has crafted a deliciously devourable tale that will have you on the edge of your seat -- Lynsey James, author of JUST THE WAY YOU ARE

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Book SynopsisThis gripping thriller about a supernatural pandemic is one you will not want to put down. Sometimes you can only fight fire with fireNobody knew where the virus came from. FOX News said it had been set loose by ISIS, using spores that had been invented by the Russians in the 1980s. MSNBC said sources indicated it might''ve been created by engineers at Halliburton and stolen by culty Christian types fixated on the Book of Revelation. CNN reported both sides. And while every TV station debated the cause, the world burnt.Pregnant school nurse, HARPER GRAYSON, has seen lots of people burn on TV, but the first person she saw burn for real was in the playground behind her school. But when she realises she has become infected, she is determined to find a way to survive - at least long enough to see her child born. No matter what is left of the world for them to live in.With the epic scope of THE PASSAGE and the emotional impact of THETrade ReviewIf you haven't yet grabbed a copy of Joe Hill's THE FIREMAN, you need to. Original and gripping, a page-turner * George R.R.Martin *I devoured this book as if the pages themselves were on fire...an end of the worldtale with a blazing heart of hope at its core. A contender for book of the year * Sarah Pinborough, author of 13 MINUTES *Joe Hill really could set the world on fire with this book: cleverly imagined and a compulsive read * Katherine Cowdrey, The Bookseller *Joe Hill has always been good, but he's created something incandescent here, soaring and original. He's a master storyteller who writes with fire in his veins * Lauren Beukes, author of Broken Monsters *'Very well-drawn characters, some serious shocks, a great sense of humour and a willingness to break hearts as well as raise pulse rates.' * SciFiNow *I would put money on this being huge. Can't put it down * Sam Baker, The Pool *You'll be instantly hooked if you're obsessed with The Walking Dead. It's got the whole post-apocalyptic world nailed...there is a brilliant humour amid the darkness, and the action scenes feel like a movie * Cosmopolitan *Taps into fears we all have about the world coming to an end, as Donald Trump stokes the fires of racial hatred in America, wars continue across the planet and diseases such as Zika and Ebola spread with shocking speed. * The Mail on Sunday *Hill's writing has matured along with his ideas. He plays out the apocalypse so quickly and efficiently, through small-town witnesses and television broadcasts, that it feels absolutely devastating. And in the aftermath, he juggles a huge cast of characters with aplomb, giving each their time to shine, yet still managing to keep the tension high throughout * The Guardian *Original, compulsive and very frightening * Woman & Home *Clever - but The Fireman isn't just clever, it's also a book with real soul... the deeper truths of The Fireman lie in the way it explores how we slowly build connections with those closest to us...a brave, bold and big hearted take on the end of the world * SFX *Set to blaze through bestsellers lists....exhilarating * Stuff *Beautiful and aching and striking, a poignant exploration of human relationships and an ode to the simple things * Ars Technica *A Lord of the Flies for the Twitter generation. Clever, gripping and packs a hell of a punch * Joanne Harris *Ominously superb * Nick Harkaway *This book is incredible * Lev Grossman *Joe Hill (aka Stephen King Jnr) proves he's a chip off the old block with this epic post-apocalyptic adventure * The Sunday Mirror *The Fireman by Joe Hill is a thrilling, long-lingering, morally-striking book that set my heart and mind alight. A must read. * Delve into Dystopia *Breathless adventures, pulsing emotions, things that go bump in the night and so much more, with surprises lurking on the corner of every page * Lovereading.co.uk *This is a huge cauldron of a novel that pulses with life, hope and decency as well as extreme fear and constant devastation * BestChickLit.co.uk *The Fireman is a large book but you hardly notice the pages turning and you certainly wouldn't want to rush it. There are moments of extreme and violent action, fought by real people, there are other passages that are so evocative, memorable and beautifully written, with characters to match. There are also jawdropping moments. It's the most atmospheric read I've had in a long time. * For Winter's Nights *Even though The Fireman is primarily an Apocalyptica, the human issues of corrupt power, personal strength, family, friendship and forgiveness added a level that enhanced my ability to feel invested in the story.Forget The Walking Dead- a book where you actually care for the characters' survival, The Fireman is the next big thing in Dystopian Fiction. * The Book Addict *this is a book about engagement with the world, about love, and about the need to survive in the worst of circumstances. Hill has been well known in the genre community for a while now, but I'd love to see him break out with this one. It's a terrific book, one which deserves to be read. * The Afterword *In our opinion, this book is right up there with the likes of Swan Song, Blood Crazy and, yes, even The Stand. (Yup, we went there, it's that damn good.) * The Eloquent Page *The Fireman is an exceptional novel, it's moving and thoughtful, drawing you in and not letting you go right up to the superb ending. It's an engaging, emotional journey written by a master of their craft. * SF Book *Hill creates a fast paced thriller, with twists in every chapter * The Sunday Express *A Fantastically compelling read, Hill making the end of the world into a real and visceral thing with the deftest of touches. * OBSERVER *The book most likely to be spotted on sun loungers this Summer... a gripping end-of-the-world epic. * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING *A sprawling post-apocalyptic thriller * THE TELEGRAPH *A fast-paced thriller, with twists in every chapter. * i (PAPER) *Joe Hill has inherited many literary traits from his father Stephen King, including an easy-going authorial voice and a knack for creeping out readers. * THE FINANCIAL TIMES *This is a book that starts with a bang and then relentlessly builds. Joe managed to make my skin crawl in the first chapter, turning what should be a time for celebration into something decidedly creepy. At the mid-point of a lengthy book it became near un-putdownable, in that horrifying 'can't look away from a car crash' kind of way. Although the details are dark and even horrible, the narrative pull is relentless and unstoppable. -- Mark Yon * SFFWORLD.COM *Take the ideas, characters, and tone of Station Eleven (2014) and add a large helping of the action, villains, and unrelenting menace from Doctor Sleep (2013) and you have The Fireman, an excellent example of the very best that genre fiction has to offer readers today -- BooklistLike his father, Stephen King, Hill has a talent for depicting fascinating characters caught in terrible situations . . . With a full cast of characters and multiple story lines to keep the reader hooked, Hill's enthralling fourth thriller hits another home run -- Starred Library Journal ReviewJoe Hill has always been good, but he's created something incandescent here, soaring and original. He's a master storyteller who writes with fire in his veins * Lauren Beukes, author of Broken Monsters *Every decade must have a great story of how we fail, how our society comes apart. Joe Hill has just written ours - which makes us all refugees seeking a safe haven in the wreckage of a world made brutal and hostile. Ominously superb * Nick Harkaway *If you haven't yet grabbed a copy of Joe Hill's THE FIREMAN, you need to. Original and gripping, a page-turner * George R. R. Martin *

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Book SynopsisOne hundred classic stories from the celebrated author of Fahrenheit 451.In this, the first volume of Ray Bradbury''s short stories, some of the author''s finest works are published together, among them Homecoming', Veldt', A Sound of Thunder' and The Long Rain'.Join an ill-fated crew of astronauts pushed to the brink of insanity by the incessant and highly corrosive rain on Venus, a high-tech virtual reality playroom that comes to life with terrible consequences, and a safari company offering tours for the wealthy back in time to the prehistoric era to stalk and kill dinosaurs, resulting in the present they return to being irrevocably altered.This collection is a rare treasure trove of wonder; as apprehensive about technology and the fate of humanity as it is elegiaic of its irrepressible progress. Each story presents an enlightening and poetic facet of Bradbury's writing, every one as relevant now as when it was first written.Trade Review'Ray Bradbury has a powerful and mysterious imagination which would undoubtedly earn the respect of Edgar Allen Poe'Guardian 'As a science fiction writer, Ray Bradbury has long been streets ahead of anyone else' Daily Telegraph ‘Almost no one can imagine a time or place without the fiction of Ray Bradbury…’ The Washington Post

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Book SynopsisIn James Herbert's Portent it is the near future and signs of an impending global disaster are multiplying. Earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions sweep the earth. As the storms and tempests rage, a series of ominous events signal the emergence of a new and terrifying force. While scuba-diving on the Great Barrier Reef a diver watches fascinated as a tiny light floats past him towards the surface. Moments later he is torn to pieces as the reef erupts with colossal power. On the banks of the Ganges, a young boy pauses from his back-breaking labours, transfixed by the play of a mysterious light amidst the monsoon rains, before a towering geyser of boiling water bursts from beneath the streets, scalding him to death. In the Chinese city of Kashi travellers bring back reports of a strange light seen shining above the endless dunes of the Taklimakan Desert. And as the city's inhabitants watch for its return, the desert rises up to engulf

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Book SynopsisSet in a lethal waterworld where sudden death is a way of life, The Skinner is the first novel in the far-future Spatterjay series by Neal Asher.The savage ocean planet of Spatterjay draws visitors with very different agendas. Erlin is immortal and seeks a reason to keep living. Janer hosts a hive mind, which paid him to find this planet. And Keech is an agent of Earth who’s been dead for seven hundred years – but still hunts a notorious criminal.On Spatterjay’s vast waterscapes, only the Old Captains risk the native life forms and their voracious appetites. However, they are now barely human. And somewhere out there Keech’s target – the Skinner – runs wild. Keech pursues the Skinner for atrocities committed in a centuries-past war, fought with the alien Prador. But one of these Prador is fast approaching Spatterjay to exterminate witnesses to his own war crimes. And he won’t spare its visitors.Continue the science fiction adventure with The Voyage of Sable Keech and Orbus.Trade ReviewHis easy style and intriguing plot make for a great story that treats the reader as an adult -- The TimesCrammed full of inventive technology, organic and artificial intelligence, horrible monsters, and a thick mesh of story lines -- SFXAn exhilarating tour through one of the most ingeniously, elaborately deadly worlds since Harry Harrison invented Death World -- LocusHurtles along at a high-octane clip . . . In sum: a blast -- Kirkus

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Book SynopsisIn the drowsy tranquility of Little Belaire, the Truthful Speakers lead lives of peaceful self-sufficiency ignoring the depopulated wilderness beyond their narrow borders. It is a society untouched by pain or violence and the self-destroying ''Angels'' of the past are barely remembered. But when Rush That Speaks leaves his home on a pilgrimage of self-enlightenment, he finds a landscape haunted by myths and memories. The overgrown ruins reflect a world outside that is stranger than his people ever dreamed ...

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Book Synopsis Paul Kidby, Sir Terry Pratchett''s artist of choice, provided the illustrations for The Last Hero, designed the covers for the Discworld novels since 2002 and is the author of the bestseller The Art Of Discworld. Now, Paul Kidby has collected the very best of his Discworld illustrations in this definitive volume, including 40 pieces never before seen, 30 pieces that have only appeared in foreign editions, limited editions and BCA editions, and 17 book cover illustrations since 2004 that have never been seen without cover text.If Terry Pratchett''s pen gave his characters life, Paul Kidby''s brush allowed them to live it, and nowhere is that better illustrated than in this magnificent book.Trade ReviewA perfect addition to a Discworld fan's shelf. * STARBURST *Kidby deserves to be recognised as one of Britain's most talented illustrators. * SF CROWSNEST *

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Book Synopsis'An elusive and incomparable artist' Ursula K. Le Guin

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Book SynopsisWords are weapons, and one man is immune, in this dazzlingly original thriller from the author of Jennifer Government.Trade ReviewBrilliantly realised... strikingly relevant... a resounding success * SFX *Highly entertaining and engrossing... characters that are both complicated and likeable * SciFi Now *Gripping... a pitch-perfect thriller, a jetpack of a plot that rocketed me from page one to page 400 in a single afternoon -- Cory Doctorow * BoingBoing *Truly original... a crack-paced thriller... smart and tons of fun * Australian *Barry's smartest dystopia yet * io9.com *Sophisticated and laden with subtext... clearly reaffirms Barry's status as a gifted purveyor of suspense * Time Out New York *Best thing I've read in a long, long time... a masterpiece -- Hugh Howey, bestselling author of WoolWonderfully crafted, dark yet humourous, fast-paced and tragic in turn * National *An extraordinarily fast, funny, cerebral thriller -- Lev Grossman * Time *Delightfully high-concept...think Noam Chomsky meets Christopher Nolan * Vogue *Insanely good. Dark and twisted and sweet and humane all at once. -- Lauren Beukes, author of The Shining Girls and Zoo CityDazzling and spectacularly inventive. A novel that jams itself sideways into your brain and stays there. -- Mike Carey, author of The Devil You Know A spellbinding, intelligent read...a freewheeling plot intermeshed with linguistic theory and some genuinely creepy horror set-pieces * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisScott Sigler is the voice in modern horror - and the INFECTED trilogy is a terrifying, menacing series that will leave you sleepless.The alien intelligence that unleashed two horrific assaults on humanity has been destroyed. But before it was brought down in flames, it launched one last payload - a tiny soda-can-sized canister filled with germs engineered to wreak new forms of havoc on the human race. That harmless-looking canister has languished under thousands of feet of water for years, undisturbed and impotent . . . until now.Days after the new disease is unleashed, a quarter of the human race is infected. Entire countries have fallen. And our planet''s fate now rests on a small group of unlikely heroes, racing to find a cure before the enemies surrounding them can close in.

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Book SynopsisARTHUR C. CLARKE AWARD FINALIST 2022Drink down the brew and dream of a better Earth.Skyward Inn, within the high walls of the Western Protectorate, is a place of safety, where people come together to tell stories of the time before the war with Qita.But safety from what? Qita surrendered without complaint when Earth invaded; Innkeepers Jem and Isley, veterans from either side, have regrets but few scars.Their peace is disturbed when a visitor known to Isley comes to the Inn asking for help, bringing reminders of an unnerving past and triggering an uncertain future.Did humanity really win the war?This is Jamaica Inn by way of Jeff Vandermeer, Ursula Le Guin, Angela Carter and Michel Faber, a beautiful story of belonging, identity and regret.Trade Review“Its triumph lies in the way Whiteley uses the metaphor to examine the tortured process of love and attachment.” -- The Guardian * The Guardian *“A murky delirium of sinuous language and unnerving storytelling that will delight both experienced genre fanatics and literary fiction lovers alike.” * Kirkus *“Whiteley has a penchant for describing the disturbing… a surreal and disquieting post-apocalyptic consideration of the roles we place ourselves in.” -- The Barnes and Noble SF&F Blog * The Barnes and Noble SF&F Blog *"A story of the future that is an appeal to the present. The best kind of science fiction. A novel of its time, confronting current and terrible misjudgements with which humanity assures its own demise. All made startling by a typical Whiteley strangeness." -- Adam Nevill, author of The Reddening and Wyrd and Other Derelictions"Whiteley [is] one of the most original and provocative voices in contemporary science fiction." -- Nina Allen, author of The Rift“Visceral and unsettling - I loved it” -- G. V. Anderson, award-winning speculative fiction author"Intense and consuming writing, constantly challenging expectations." -- Adrian Tchaikovsky, Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author of Children of Time“The absolute best kind of philosophical SF, & indisputable inheritor of Le Guin. Aliya Whiteley forces us to confront difficult ideas, but they are important, and will become even more so. Exactly what SF should do.” -- Marion Womack, author of The Golden Key"Clever and touching: a book of cosmic scope but with real characters and a human heart." -- Chris Beckett, author of the award-winning Dark Eden series"A powerful and surprising examination of colonialism and its unintended consequences. Highly recommended." -- Helen Marshall, author of The Migration“Skyward Inn is an experience. Whiteley is a strong voice in speculative fiction and readers will be delighted and unsettled by her novels for years to come.” -- The Nerd Daily -- Kibby Robinson * The Nerd Daily *"Whiteley takes the reader on a cryptic journey of trust, identity and knowing your place in the world." -- Starburst Magazine -- Fred McNamara * Starburst Magazine *"A moving and thought provoking tale, completely unlike anything I’ve read before." -- The Bibliophile Chronicles * The Bibliophile Chronicles *"There are some books that are simply beautiful. And Skyward Inn by Aliya Whiteley is one of those." -- Libri Draconis * Libri Draconis *"Whiteley's trademark subtle surrealism shines." -- Publishers Weekly * Publishers Weekly *"A melancholy and compellingly weird tale of identity in crisis." -- SFX -- Will Salmon * SFX *“Skyward Inn feels like an instant classic of the genre.” -- The Guardian -- Lisa Tuttle * The Guardian *"A beautifully realised story, with achingly engaging prose." -- The British Fantasy Society * The British Fantasy Society *"Rarely has a writer who is not Philip K. Dick had so much fun building a world only to take it apart." -- LA Times -- Noah Berlatsky * LA Times *"A vital contribution to modern speculative fiction and a novel to be read and reread and pondered at length.” -- The Fantasy Hive -- Jonathan Thornton * The Fantasy Hive *"A unique work of literary and speculative excellence." -- SciFiNow -- Bert Peterson * SciFiNow *"When it comes to misdirection, Aliya Whiteley is the very devil." -- The Times -- Simon Ings * The Times *The Times SF Book of the Month * The Times *"Whiteley explores questions of identification, attachment and belonging, tying everything together in a wonderfully surreal and weirdly uplifting denouement." -- The FT -- James Lovegrove * The FT *"Skyward Inn is a quietly disarming and beautiful book that masterfully blends literary conventions with science fiction." -- Dark Matter Magazine -- Alexander Pyles * Dark Matter Magazine *"A book to take solace in." * Locus Magazine *

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Book SynopsisDying planets, dangerous conspiracies, and secret romance abound in the second book of the Devoured Worlds trilogy by rising space opera star Megan E. O''Keefe.Naira and Tarquin have escaped vicious counter-revolutionaries, misprinted monsters and the pull of a dying planet. Now, bound together to find the truth behind the blight that has been killing habitable planets, they need to hunt out the Mercator family secrets. But, when the head of Mercator disappears, taking the universe''s remaining supply of starship fuel with him, chaos breaks loose between the ruling families. Naira''s revolution must be put aside for the sake of humanity''s immediate survival.Praise for the series:''Character-driven science fiction at its best - a taut novel with human questions at its heart''E. J. Beaton, author of The Councillor''Smart, incisive and utterly gripping. Megan E. O''Keefe''s masterful storytelling will drTrade ReviewBrimming with unconventional gender dynamics and shifting identities, The Blighted Stars is character-driven science fiction at its best - a taut novel with human questions at its heart -- E. J. Beaton on THE BLIGHTED STARSAddictive space opera full of intrigue, visceral danger and deeply personal stakes -- J. S. Dewes on THE BLIGHTED STARDRiveting adventure at a rocketing pace, with engaging characters thrown in for good measure! -- Connie Willis on THE BLIGHTED STARSEmotional arcs and action sequences, vivid worldbuilding, and interesting explorations of body printing and corporate servitude provide an immersive story . . . O'Keefe's latest has the intrigue, surprises, and high stakes of her previous novels -- LIBRARY JOURNAL (starred review)

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE INAUGURAL ORWELL PRIZE FOR POLITICAL FICTIONIntense, beautifully crafted . . . Her talent is electric. Get ready for a shock' GuardianThis is a work of fiction. Keep telling yourself that.America has changed. For women, it has changed for the worse.Ro, a single high-school teacher, is desperate to become a mother. But with IVF now illegal along with abortion and other reproductive rights parenthood looks increasingly unlikely for her. Her best friend Susan is trapped in a failing marriage with two children, her star student Mattie is unwillingly pregnant and Gin, an outcast offering other women natural remedies, has become the centre of a modern-day witch-hunt.With warmth, wit and ferocious inventiveness, Red Clocks shows us an all-too plausible near-future: like The Handmaid's Tale, it is a call to arms, set to become a modern classic.Trade Review‘Intense, beautifully crafted…Her talent is electric. Get ready for a shock’ Guardian ‘Timing is everything – and the release of Red Clocks couldn’t be more apt’ Grazia ‘A fearless novel with a frightening premise that seems plausible. One for fans of Naomi Alderman’s The Power’ Stylist ‘Lyrical and beautifully observed … highly absorbing’ Naomi Alderman, author of The Power ‘Necessary and so of the moment … this is your go-to book in 2018’ Elle ‘Terrifyingly real’ The Pool ‘Vividly imagined’ Sunday Times ‘Sharp, bold, funny’ Esquire ‘Powerful, beautifully written (and, at times, wry and funny) … Red Clocks is set to become one of the essential reads for 2018’ Emerald Street ‘This provocative exploration of female longing, frustration and determination couldn’t be more timely, and yet there’s nothing fleeting about it … Zumas has written a novel that’s political without being doctrinaire, that expands the dimensions of our most pressing social debate’ Washington Post ‘The dystopian feminist novel for a new generation and a story that will rev you up to be part of the resistance’ Refinery29 ‘In bristling sentences that strike with stunning efficiency, Leni Zumas shows girls and women defying the excruciating restrictions imposed by both law and culture. This is not only timely but necessary fiction—uncannily prescient, unabashedly political, and fiercely humane. We so desperately need books like this’ Emily Fridlund, author of History of Wolves ‘Hilarious, terrifying, and masterful–this pitch-perfect, timely novel reflects the horror and absurdity of our political landscape with a brilliance that ensures the book's timelessness. It's as riotously fun as it is chilling. Zumas has produced a poignant, wickedly sharp classic’ Alissa Nutting, author of Tampa

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