Science fiction: space exploration

Book SynopsisA world of peaceful aliens conquered by bloodthirsty yumens, their existence is irrevocably altered. Forced into servitude, the Athsheans find themselves at the mercy of their brutal masters. Desperation causes the Athsheans to retaliate against their captors, abandoning their strictures against violence. In defending their lives, they endanger the very foundations of their society. Every blow against the invaders is a blow to the core of Athsheans'' culture. And once the killing starts, there is no turning back.Winner of the 1973 Hugo award for Best Novella, and nominated for many others, The Word for World is Forest is part of Le Guin''s ''Hainish Cycle''. It explores a future history of Earth and pacifistic ideals in its depictions of violence, colonialism and resistance.''A simple story that, like most things Le Guin wrote, packs a powerful emotional and critical punch''- Tordotcom''Deeply moving and shocking by tTrade ReviewThe slender book is fairly simplistic, but it's still compelling and thought-provoking. * SFX *It's a compact tale, a masterclass by a powerful writer who fashions a lean narrative where others might have produced a much larger, bloated tome, and yet for all the brevity Le Guin delivers not just a narrative but a believable alien world and society in short yet compelling scenes. * FORBIDDEN PLANET *

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE HUGO AWARD FOR BEST ALL-TIME SERIESThe Foundation series is Isaac Asimov's iconic masterpiece. Unfolding against the backdrop of a crumbling Galactic Empire, the story of Hari Seldon's two Foundations is a lasting testament to an extraordinary imagination, one that shaped science fiction as we know it today.The Galactic Empire has prospered for twelve thousand years. Nobody suspects that the heart of the thriving Empire is rotten, until psychohistorian Hari Seldon uses his new science to foresee its terrible fate.Exiled to the desolate planet Terminus, Seldon establishes a colony of the greatest minds in the Empire, a Foundation which holds the key to changing the fate of the galaxy.However, the death throes of the Empire breed hostile new enemies, and the young Foundation's fate will be threatened first.Trade Review‘One of the most staggering achievements in modern SF’The Times ‘Isaac Asimov was one of the great explainers of the age…It will never be known how many practicing scientists today, in how many countries, owe their initial inspiration to a book, article, or short story by Isaac Asimov’Carl Sagan ‘Asimov displayed one of the most dynamic imaginations in science fiction’Daily Telegraph ‘Asimov’s career was one of the most formidable in science fiction’The Times

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE HUGO AWARD FOR BEST ALL-TIME SERIESThe Foundation series is Isaac Asimov's iconic masterpiece. Unfolding against the backdrop of a crumbling Galactic Empire, the story of Hari Seldon's two Foundations is a lasting testament to an extraordinary imagination, one that shaped science fiction as we know it today.The First Foundation has been defeated, crushed by the formidable mental powers of the Mule. But whispers of the mysterious Second Foundation, the only hope of defeating the Mule, are beginning to spreadSurviving members of the First Foundation also fear the secret powers of the Second Foundation, vowing to find and destroy it. However, the location of the Second Foundation remains shrouded in mystery. Finding it will lead the Foundation to the opposite end of the Galaxy, where the fate of Seldon's two Foundations awaits.Trade Review‘One of the most staggering achievements in modern SF’The Times ‘Isaac Asimov was one of the great explainers of the age…It will never be known how many practicing scientists today, in how many countries, owe their initial inspiration to a book, article, or short story by Isaac Asimov’Carl Sagan ‘Asimov displayed one of the most dynamic imaginations in science fiction’Daily Telegraph ‘Asimov’s career was one of the most formidable in science fiction’The Times

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Book SynopsisWhen the inhabitants of a peaceful world are conquered by the bloodthirsty yumens, their existence is irrevocably altered. Forced into servitude, the Athsheans find themselves at the mercy of their brutal masters.Desperation causes the Athsheans, led by Selver, to retaliate against their captors, abandoning their strictures against violence. But in defending their lives, they have endangered the very foundations of their society. For every blow against the invaders is a blow to the humanity of the Athsheans. And once the killing starts, there is no turning back.Trade ReviewThe slender book is fairly simplistic, but it's still compelling and thought-provoking. * SFX *It's a compact tale, a masterclass by a powerful writer who fashions a lean narrative where others might have produced a much larger, bloated tome, and yet for all the brevity Le Guin delivers not just a narrative but a believable alien world and society in short yet compelling scenes. * FORBIDDEN PLANET *

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Book SynopsisThe Collapsing Empire is an exciting space opera from John Scalzi, the first in the award-winning Interdependency series.Does the biggest threat lie within?In the far future, humanity has left Earth to create a glorious empire. Now this interstellar network of worlds faces disaster – but can three individuals save their people?The empire's outposts are utterly dependent on each other for resources, a safeguard against war, and a way its rulers can exert control. This relies on extra-dimensional pathways between the stars, connecting worlds. But 'The Flow' is changing course, which could plunge every colony into fatal isolation.A scientist will risk his life to inform the empire's ruler. A scion of a Merchant House stumbles upon conspirators seeking power. And the new Empress of the Interdependency must battle lies, rebellion and treason. Yet as they work to save a civilization on the brink of collapse, others have very different plans . . .Continue the space adventure trilogy with The Consuming Fire.'Rousing storytelling and satisfying intrigue . . . an engaging, well-crafted sci-fi drama.' - SFXTrade ReviewScalzi continues to be almost insufferably good at his brand of fun but think-y sci-fi adventure -- KirkusRousing storytelling and satisfying intrigue . . . an engaging, well-crafted sci-fi drama -- SFXScalzi has constructed a thrilling novel . . . he balances humor with action throughout the book, and always keeps the plot twists coming -- Entertainment WeeklyAs delightful and easy to read as Scalzi at his best, with characters who are going to stay with you whenever you have to put the book down . . . which you aren't going to want to do. -- Wil Wheaton

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Book SynopsisPandora's Star is the first part of Peter F. Hamilton's epic Commonwealth Saga duology – a fantastic galaxy-spanning novel from the master of space opera. For fans of Iain M. Banks and Alastair Reynolds.At the edge of the galaxy something awakens – and it's coming for us . . .Earth AD 2329: Humanity has colonized over four hundred planets, all interlinked by wormholes. For the first time in mankind's history there is peace. Then a star over a thousand light years away suddenly vanishes, imprisoned inside a force field of immense size. Yet who – or what – has that sort of technology? And what could this mean for us? Only a faster-than-light starship, captained by ex-NASA astronaut Wilson Kime, can reach that distance to investigate.For Wilson, getting inside the force field could be easy. It may be harder to stop something else from getting out.What if there was a very good reason to seal off an entire star system?The Commonwealth Saga duology concludes with Judas Unchained.'The best book Hamilton has written in years' - Guardian'Anyone who begins this won’t be able to put it down' - Publishers WeeklyTrade ReviewThe best book Hamilton has written in years -- GuardianAnyone who begins this won’t be able to put it down -- Publishers WeeklyCompelling -- SFXAn immersive, grand-scale space opera -- SFSignalSF's go-to guy for adventure on a truly interstellar scale . . . Hamilton's storytelling is both staggering and poetic -- SFReviews

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE HUGO AWARD FOR BEST ALL-TIME SERIESThe Foundation series is Isaac Asimov's iconic masterpiece. Unfolding against the backdrop of a crumbling Galactic Empire, the story of Hari Seldon's two Foundations is a lasting testament to an extraordinary imagination, one that shaped science fiction as we know it today.In a time before the Foundations, psychohistory's creator Hari Seldon is made to stand before the Emperor of the crumbling Galactic Empire to present how his scientific theory of predicting the future might be applied to the real world.However, Hari refuses to deploy his theory for political gain, setting off instead with reporter Chetter Hummin in quest of a place to safely apply his theory: Earth, the original home of humanity.All records of Earth have been lost to time. Hari will therefore have to look back into the past, in order to seal the future of humanity for ever.Trade Review‘One of the most staggering achievements in modern SF’The Times ‘Isaac Asimov was one of the great explainers of the age…It will never be known how many practicing scientists today, in how many countries, owe their initial inspiration to a book, article, or short story by Isaac Asimov’Carl Sagan ‘Asimov displayed one of the most dynamic imaginations in science fiction’Daily Telegraph ‘Asimov’s career was one of the most formidable in science fiction’The Times

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of the thrilling science-fiction epic Children of Time, which won the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award. Eyes of the Void is the second high-octane instalment in Adrian Tchaikovsky's Final Architecture space opera trilogy.‘One of the most interesting and accomplished writers in speculative fiction’ – Christopher PaoliniWhat waits in the shadows as we fight our greatest foe?After one great battle, the Architects disappeared. Yet humanity’s fragile peace is brief. For, forty years later, the galaxy’s greatest alien enemy has returned. This time, the artefacts that preserved entire worlds from destruction are ineffective. And no planet is safe.The Human Colony worlds are in turmoil as they face extinction. Some believe alliances with other species can save them. Others insist humanity must fight alone. But no one has the firepower or technology to ensure victory, as the Architects loom ever closer.Idris spent decades running from the last war’s horrors. Yet as an Intermediary, altered to navigate deep space, he’s one of humanity’s only weapons. He’s therefore forced back into action. With a handful of allies, Idris must find something – anything – to stop the Architects’ pitiless advance. But to do so, he must return to the nightmare of unspace, where his mind was broken and remade. What he discovers there will change everything.Praise for Adrian Tchaikovsky:‘[Adrian] writes incredibly enjoyable sci-fi, full of life and ideas’ – Patrick Ness, author of The Knife of Never Letting Go‘Brilliant science fiction’ – James McAvoy on Children of Time‘Full of sparkling, speculative invention’ – Stephen Baxter, author of the Xeelee Sequence on The Doors of EdenTrade ReviewA thoughtful, sweeping space adventure -- SFX Magazine on Shards of EarthA rip-roaring space opera featuring starship battles, genetically enhanced superhumans and multiple weird and wonderful aliens . . . I can't wait to read the next one -- New Scientist on Shards of EarthBreathtaking scope and vision. Adrian Tchaikovsky is one of our finest writers -- Gareth L. Powell on Children of Ruin

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Book SynopsisFrom the award-winning master of sci-fi Adrian Tchaikovsky, Children of Memory is the unmissable follow-up space opera to the highly acclaimed Children of Time and Children of Ruin.They dreamed of a new home.They woke to a nightmare.On Imir, Captain Holt founded a new colony on an empty world. In the process, he created hope and a new future for humanity. But, generations later, his descendants are struggling to survive. As harvests worsen and equipment fails, strangers appear in a town where everyone knows their neighbour. Now the inexplicable lurks in the woods and the community fears that it's being observed – that they’re not alone.They’d be right, as explorers from the stars have arrived in secret to help this lost outpost. Confident of their superior technology, and overseen by the all-knowing construct of Doctor Avrana Kern, they begin to study their long-lost cousins from Earth.Yet the planet hides deeper mysteries. It seems the visitors aren’t the only watchers. And when the starfarers discover the scale of their mistake, it will be far too late to escape.Children of Memory by Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author Adrian Tchaikovsky is a far-reaching space opera spanning generations, species and galaxies.Trade ReviewOne of the most interesting and accomplished writers in speculative fiction -- Christopher Paolini, author of To Sleep in a Sea of StarsBrilliant science fiction and far-out world-building -- James McAvoy on Children of TimeBreathtaking scope and vision. Adrian Tchaikovsky is one of our finest writers -- Gareth L. Powell, author of Embers of War, on Children of RuinIf Homer had written space opera . . . Enthralling, epic, immersive and hugely intelligent -- Stephen Baxter, author of Time, on Shards of Earth

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Book SynopsisIsaac Asimov's Robot series from the iconic collection I, Robot to four classic novels contains some of the most influential works in the history of science fiction. Establishing and testing the Three Laws of Robotics, they continue to shape the understanding and design of artificial intelligence to this day.On the planet of Solaria, Spacers live in almost complete isolation, tended by robot servants and disgusted by the thought of human contact. And yet, one of their number has been beaten to death.Incapable of solving the crime, the authorities of the Outer Worlds seek help from Earth from renowned detective Elijah Baley.Partnered once again with the robot Daneel Olivaw, Baley travels to this strange new world and uncovers a plot that could change the relationship between humans and robots for ever.Trade Review‘One of the classic presentations of the womb-city, metropolis as mother, which has haunted imaginations ever since… The Caves of Steel and The Naked Sun are the best books Isaac Asimov ever wrote’The Guardian ‘Isaac Asimov was one of the great explainers of the age…It will never be known how many practicing scientists today, in how many countries, owe their initial inspiration to a book, article, or short story by Isaac Asimov’Carl Sagan ‘Asimov displayed one of the most dynamic imaginations in science fiction’Daily Telegraph ‘Asimov’s career was one of the most formidable in science fiction’The Times

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Book Synopsis''Hilarious SF satire. Douglas Adams said it was the only thing like The Hitchhiker''s Guide to the Galaxy, although written ten years earlier. It''s wonderful'' Neil GaimanThis madcap cosmic farce relates the adventures of the hapless human Carmody, as he attempts to make his way home to Earth after winning the grand prize in the Intergalactic Sweepstake, encountering parallel worlds, incompetent bureaucrats and talking dinosaurs on the way.''The greatest entertainer ever produced by science fiction ... a feast of wit and intelligence'' J. G. BallardTrade ReviewRobert Sheckley's hilarious SF satire. Douglas Adams said it was the only thing like Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, written ten years earlier. It's a wonderful thing -- Neil GaimanRobert Sheckley is one of the great funny writers -- Douglas AdamsRobert Sheckley is the greatest entertainer ever produced by modern science fiction . . . what a feast of wit and intelligence he lays out -- J.G BallardA sort of intergalactic Alice in Wonderland . . . quite remarkably funny * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisSpensa''s life as a Defiant Defense Force pilot has been far from ordinary.She proved herself one of the best starfighters in the human enclave of Detritus and she saved her people from extermination at the hands of the Krell - the enigmatic alien species that has been holding them captive for decades. What''s more, she travelled light-years from home as a spy to infiltrate the Superiority, where she learned of the galaxy beyond her small, desolate planet home. Now, the Superiority - the governing galactic alliance bent on dominating all human life - has started a galaxy-wide war. And Spensa has seen the weapons they plan to use to end it: the Delvers. Ancient, mysterious alien forces that can wipe out entire planetary systems in an instant.Spensa knows that no matter how many pilots the DDF has, there is no defeating this predator.Except that Spensa is Cytonic. She faced down a Delver and saw something eerily familiar about it. And maybe, if she''s able to fTrade Reviewanother brisk YA fantasy from Sanderson - inventive, action-stuffed and surprising until the end * SFX *Secrets intensify this ripping yarn, which is crammed with peril, thrills and snappy dialogue * Daily Mail *Brandon Sanderson is the most immersive fantasy writer I've ever encountered * Ben Aaronovitch *Skyward is an adventure and a half that you won't want to miss. Even hardcore Cosmere fans will enjoy the special mix of fantasy and sci-fi that unfolds as you watch Spensa learn what it means to be truly brave. * TOR.COM *Steelheart is the literature equivalent of a blockbuster; episodic and fast-paced with surprises around every turn. * SCI FI NOW *Full of action * THE SUN *All the main characteristics of a Sanderson novel from a writer at the top of his game. * FANTASY BOOK REVIEW *With this action-packed trilogy opener, Sanderson offers up a resourceful, fearless heroine and a memorable cast-including a strangely humorous, mushroom-obsessed robot-set against the backdrop of a desperate conflict. As the pulse-pounding story intensifies and reveals its secrets, a cliffhanger ending sets things up for the next instalment. * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY *as always, Brandon Sanderson creates a unique and interesting universe we get to explore alongside the protagonist...a fun, action packed ride for those of us who remain a child at heart. * Best Fantasy Books *The world of The Reckoners is suddenly presented in all its glory. It's an incredibly vibrant setting that showcases the entire breadth of Sanderson's talent. Expect to finish this one in single sitting. * Upcoming 4 Me *The stories are complex, fascinating, and filled to the brim with three-dimensional characters * Fantasy Book Review *Firefight is a visual, almost cinematic novel * Buzzy Mag *Firefight is a rollercoaster ride of action, entertainment, and humour * Smash Dragons *Firefight is filled with a spine-tingling adventure and heart-racing action that promises to satisfy fans both new and old * Fantasy Book Critic *Steelheart is the literature equivalent of a blockbuster; episodic and fast-paced with surprises around every turn. * SCI FI NOW *A terrifically tall tale, packaging the superhero action into compelling, punchy chapters that keep you reading. It's a fast, feisty read with characters that are skillfully drawn, assassinations, gunfights, physics bending motorcycle chases and a world you can't wait to hear more about. * SFX *Full of action * THE SUN *

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of the thrilling science-fiction epic Children of Time, winner of the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award. Shards of Earth is the first high-octane, far-future space adventure in Adrian Tchaikovsky's Final Architecture trilogy.'One of the most interesting and accomplished writers in speculative fiction' – Christopher PaoliniThe war is over. Its heroes forgotten. Until one chance discovery . . .Idris has neither aged nor slept since they remade his mind in the war. And one of humanity’s heroes now scrapes by on a freelance salvage vessel, to avoid the attention of greater powers.Eighty years ago, Earth was destroyed by an alien enemy. Many escaped, but millions more died. So mankind created enhanced humans ­such as Idris - who could communicate mind-to-mind with our aggressors. Then these ‘Architects’ simply disappeared and Idris and his kind became obsolete.Now, Idris and his crew have something strange, abandoned in space. It’s clearly the work of the Architects – but are they really returning? And if so, why? Hunted by gangsters, cults and governments, Idris and his crew race across the galaxy as they search for answers. For they now possess something of incalculable value, and many would kill to obtain it.Praise for Adrian Tchaikovsky:'Enthralling, epic, immersive and hugely intelligent' – Stephen Baxter on Shards of Earth'He writes incredibly enjoyable sci-fi, full of life and ideas' – Patrick Ness‘Brilliant science fiction’ – James McAvoy on Children of TimeTrade ReviewIf Homer had written space opera . . . Enthralling, epic, immersive and hugely intelligent. This might be Tchaikovsky's best so far, and that's saying something -- Stephen BaxterAdrian Tchaikovsky: king of the spiders, master worldbuilder, and asker of intriguing questions. His books are packed with thought-provoking ideas (as well as lots of spiders; did I mention the spiders?). One of the most interesting and accomplished writers in speculative fiction -- Christopher PaoliniHe writes incredibly enjoyable sci-fi, full of life and ideas -- Patrick NessA modern classic of the genre. Imaginative, kinetic, and wire tense. Highly recommended -- Gareth L. PowellA thoughtful, sweeping space adventure -- SFX MagazineA rip-roaring space opera featuring starship battles, genetically enhanced superhumans and multiple weird and wonderful aliens . . . I can't wait to read the next one -- New ScientistFull of sparking, speculative invention . . . The Doors of Eden is a terrific time-slip/lost world romp in the grand tradition of Turtledove, Hoyle, even Conan Doyle. If you liked Primeval, read this book -- Stephen Baxter on The Doors of EdenThe Doors of Eden shows a combination of tight, evocative prose combined with erudition. In a story whose scope is the broad canvas of the history of all life in the universe, Tchaikovsky manages to zoom in on human moments without breaking a sweat. Inventive, funny and engrossing, this book lingers long after you close it -- Tade Thompson on The Doors of EdenBrilliant science fiction and far-out world-building -- James McAvoy on Children of TimeI cannot recommend it enough. It's a helluva first contact story, and that's only like its 5th most interesting feature! -- Ezra Klein, New York Times columnist, on Children of Time

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Book SynopsisThe thrilling follow-up to Mickey7, soon to be a major motion picture by Academy Award-winning director Bong Joon-Ho. Summer has come to Niflheim. The lichens are growing, the six-winged bat-things are chirping, and much to his own surprise, Mickey Barnes is still alive—that last part thanks almost entirely to the fact that Commander Marshall believes that the colony’s creeper neighbors are holding an antimatter bomb, and that Mickey is the only one who’s keeping them from using it. Mickey’s just another colonist now. Instead of cleaning out the reactor core, he spends his time these days cleaning out the rabbit hutches. It’s not a bad life. It’s not going to last. It may be sunny now, but winter is coming. The antimatter that fuels the colony is running low, and Marshall wants his bomb back. If Mickey agrees to retrieve it, he’ll be giving up the only thing that’s kept his head off of the chopping block. If he refuses, he might doom the entire colony. Meanwhile, the creepers have their own worries, and they’re not going to surrender the bomb without getting something in return. Once again, Mickey finds the fate of two species resting in his hands. If something goes wrong this time, though, he won’t be coming back.Trade Review“Excellent” -- The FT"Intelligent, heartfelt and very funny" -- SciFiNow"Leaves the audience gasping" -- The Times"Fun, thoughtful, and immensely personable, Mickey7 is a brisk, spirited sci-fi romp with alien intelligences, extra lives, and a little romance, too. Hugely enjoyable." -- Max Barry, author of Providence"Mickey 7 is a unique blend of thought-provoking sci-fi concepts, farcical relationship drama and exotic body horror." -- David Wong, New York Times bestselling author“Mickey 7 is a mind-bending and powerful exploration of identity.” -- Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of RAGE and INK "I loved Mickey 7—a smart, breezy SF novel that doubles as a pitch-black comedy of errors." -- Dexter Palmer, critically acclaimed author of Version Control"Andy Weir, watch out!" -- Stephen Baxter

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Book SynopsisCaught up in an experiment gone wrong, Joseph Schwartz is transported forward in time from post-war Chicago to the heyday of the first Galactic Empire.Earth, he soon learns, is a backwater, despised by the other two hundred million planets of the Empire because its people dare to claim it as the original home of man.And Earth is poor, with great areas of radioactivity ruining much of its soil so poor that everyone is sentenced to death at the age of sixty.And Joseph Schwartz is sixty-two.Asimov's Galactic Empire novels are among the earliest stories by one of the twentieth century's greatest visionaries. Filled with ideas and wonders, they are classic adventures from science fiction's Golden Age.Trade Review‘Isaac Asimov was one of the great explainers of the age…It will never be known how many practicing scientists today, in how many countries, owe their initial inspiration to a book, article, or short story by Isaac Asimov’Carl Sagan ‘Asimov displayed one of the most dynamic imaginations in science fiction’Daily Telegraph ‘Asimov’s career was one of the most formidable in science fiction’The Times

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Book SynopsisSoon to be a major motion picture by Academy Award-winning director Bong Joon-Ho.Dying isn’t any fun…but at least it’s a living.Mickey7 is an Expendable: a disposable employee on a human expedition sent to colonize the ice world Niflheim. Whenever there’s a mission that’s too dangerous—even suicidal— the crew turns to Mickey. After one iteration dies, a new body is regenerated with most of his memories intact. Mickey signed on to escape from both bad debts and boredom on Midgard. After six deaths, Mickey7 understands the terms of his deal…and why it was the only colonial position unfilled when he took it. When he goes missing and is presumed dead at the hands of deadly indigenous creatures, Mickey8 reports for duty, and their troubles really begin. Trade Review“Excellent” -- The FT"Intelligent, heartfelt and very funny" -- SciFiNow"Leaves the audience gasping" -- The Times

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Book SynopsisA collection of award-winning fiction from one of SFF's greatest writers

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Book SynopsisA Financial Times Book of the Year From the author of The Three-Body Problem, a collection of award-winning short stories – a breath-taking selection of diamond-hard science fiction. In Hold Up the Sky, Cixin Liu takes us across time and space, from a rural mountain community where elementary students must use physics to prevent an alien invasion; to coal mines in northern China where new technology will either save lives of unleash a fire that will burn for centuries; to a time very much like our own, when superstring computers predict our every move; to 10,000 years in the future, when humanity is finally able to begin anew; to the very collapse of the universe itself. Written between 1999 and 2017 and never before published in English, these stories came into being during decades of major change in China and will take you across time and space through the eyes of one of science fiction's most visionary writers. Experience the limitless and pure joy of Cixin Liu's writing and imagination in this stunning collection. Praise for Cixin Liu: 'Cixin's trilogy is SF in the grand style, a galaxy-spanning, ideas-rich narrative of invasion and war' GUARDIAN 'Wildly imaginative, really interesting... The scope of it was immense' BARACK OBAMA, 44th President of the United States 'A unique blend of scientific and philosophical speculation, politics and history, conspiracy theory and cosmology' GEORGE R.R. MARTIN 'China's answer to Arthur C. Clarke' NEW YORKERTrade ReviewMixes deep questions of physics and philosophy with realistic characters and touching relationships. Quirky bits of humour glimmer here and there and an overall sense of optimism prevails. It's another fine collection that I'm grateful to be able to now read in English * SF Crowsnest *A perfect example of a theme that continues throughout the collection and Liu's writing as a whole: the relationship between the smallest moments of everyday life and the unimaginably vast and cosmic... [Liu's] work perfectly marries the magic and the mundanity of existence' * SFX *Cixin Liu's first story collection in English continues to provide the same pleasures found in his award-winning novels: the simultaneous honoring and detournement of classic SF tropes, as filtered through a distinctly non-Western worldview and a quirky set of personal sensibilities. He is at once a radical and a conservative, an optimist and a pessimist, a member of the Old Guard and of the New Wave simultaneously. It's a bracing mélange * Locus Magazine *Liu clings determinedly to the idea that the genre can say something useful about the present day. So there is much refreshment to be had in these tales that place ordinary, unaccommodated people up against the genre's favourite concepts: galactic empires! Faustian physics! Timescales long enough to warp the heavens! Most daunting of all the possibility of personal immortality! * The Times *The science may be high-flown and sometimes hard to grasp, but with the cosmic grounded in the commonplace these tales never fail to engage * Financial Times *It affirms Liu as the nerdish, physic-, cosmology- and engineering- obsessed writer who has won many fans among those fond of the 'hard SF' genre * ArtReview *The esteemed Chinese author's second short-story collection grounds high-flying SF speculation in mundane settings and warmly parochial characters. The ideas are big (time travel, first contact with aliens, the end of the universe) but the focus is always on the human element * Financial Times *These are stories of imagination, stories that take you to places you would not have thought of, stories of true science fiction.They are stories worth reading * Concatenation *Table of Contents1. The Village Teacher. 2. The Time Migration. 3. 2018-04-01. 4. Fire in the Earth. 5. Contraction. 6. Mirror. 7. Ode to Joy. 8. Full Spectrum Barrage Jamming. 9. Sea of Dreams. 10. Cloud of Poems. 11. The Thinker.

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Book SynopsisLieutenant Amanda Bostick is ordered to investigate why scientists on a distant outpost on the planet of Lorian are being murdered with no alarm raised. In the past ninety days, sixteen colonists have been murdered, and nobody thought to report it until now?When a number of scientists are mysteriously killed on an insignificant scientific outpost on the planet of Loria and no alarm is raised, Commander Rickets of the Galactic Space Arm (GSA) is angered that no one can explain why. Rickets orders Lieutenant Amanda Bostick along with two armed Guardians, Sergeant Hamoud and Corporal Nasim, to investigate.All three have faced setbacks in their careers and time is against them: the GSA is demanding answers within ten days. But they have no idea what to expect as there are few reports on the planet. Why are the scientists being killed? Is there more to the mission than first appears? Are the sentient Lorians who inhabit the planet mor

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Book SynopsisWealth ... or death. Those were the choices Gateway offered. Humans had discovered this artificial spaceport, full of working interstellar ships left behind by the mysterious, vanished Heechee. Their destinations are preprogrammed. They are easy to operate, but impossible to control. Some came back with discoveries which made their intrepid pilots rich; others returned with their remains barely identifiable. It was the ultimate game of Russian roulette, but in this resource-starved future there was no shortage of desperate volunteers.Winner of the Hugo, Locus, Nebula and John W. Campbell awards, Gateway begins Pohl''s space operatic Heechee saga. He was hugely influential in SF as an author but also an agent and editor, and his career spanned decades.''A masterpiece of the genre'' - Tordotcom''Gateway deserves its reputation as a classic'' - Gareth L. Powell''One of the best Hugo winners I have read'' - Guardia

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Book Synopsis''Unquestionably one of the brightest-burning talents in the constellation of science fiction'' The New York TimesWritten under the pseudonym James Tiptree Jr., the pioneering and outlandish tales of Alice B. Sheldon are some of the greatest science fiction short stories of the twentieth century, telling of dystopian chases, alien sex and the loneliness of the universe.''What her work brought to the genre was a blend of lyricism and inventiveness, as if some poet had rewritten a number of clever SF standards and then passed them on to a psychoanalyst'' Brian Aldiss''Feminist dystopian fiction owes just as much to this woman - who wrote as a man - as Margaret Atwood'' Vox

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Book SynopsisMankind has conquered space and moved toward the starry heart of the galaxy. Earth is a planet of no importance, riddled with radioactivity by long-forgotten wars.When assassins target his rooms and news arrives that, many light-years away, his father has been murdered, student Biron Farrill flees for his life.Stunned, grief-stricken, and outraged, Biron is determined to uncover the reasons behind his father''s death, and finds himself entangled in a web of deep-space rebellion, espionage, and political intrigue.Asimov's Galactic Empire novels are among the earliest stories by one of the twentieth century's greatest visionaries. Filled with ideas and wonders, they are classic adventures from science fiction's Golden Age.Trade Review‘Isaac Asimov was one of the great explainers of the age…It will never be known how many practicing scientists today, in how many countries, owe their initial inspiration to a book, article, or short story by Isaac Asimov’Carl Sagan ‘Asimov displayed one of the most dynamic imaginations in science fiction’Daily Telegraph ‘Asimov’s career was one of the most formidable in science fiction’The Times

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Book SynopsisThey could find a bright future . . . or the end of everything. From Peter F. Hamilton, The Evolutionary Void is the startling conclusion to the Void trilogy, set in the world of the Commonwealth Saga.Millions of Leaving Dream pilgrims have boarded ships, and are speeding towards the Void at the centre of the galaxy. They are chasing their dream ­– and expect to find paradise. Yet breaching the Void will trigger its expansion, destroying everything in its path.Paula Myo is desperate to find Void’s latest prophet – Second Dreamer Araminta. As without her, the ships can’t enter the Void. But when Araminta finally chooses her path, it will change things in ways no one could have imagined. And within the Void, Edeard realizes the price of peace may be too high. However, what will this mean for the pilgrims – and the galaxy beyond?'A huge achievement in science fiction' – SciFiNowTrade ReviewHamilton handles massive ideas with enviable ease, manipulates plots and characters to spring constant surprises, and brings the trilogy to a climax with a cannonade of fire-cracker finales -- GuardianHamilton is now in the midst of his imperial phase, when he's simply the best at doing what he does . . . It's a terrific achievement -- SFXA huge achievement in science fiction -- SciFiNowIntricately plotted and you'd be hard pressed to find another author who can pull off such a vision. For grand scale, epic space opera on a huge canvas it doesn't get much better than this. Highly, highly recommended -- WalkerofWorlds

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Book SynopsisThe thrilling follow-up to Mickey7, soon to be a major motion picture by Academy Award-winning director Bong Joon-Ho.Summer has come to Niflheim. The lichens are growing, the six-winged bat-things are chirping, and much to his own surprise, Mickey Barnes is still alive—that last part thanks almost entirely to the fact that Commander Marshall believes that the colony’s creeper neighbors are holding an antimatter bomb, and that Mickey is the only one who’s keeping them from using it. Mickey’s just another colonist now. Instead of cleaning out the reactor core, he spends his time these days cleaning out the rabbit hutches. It’s not a bad life.It’s not going to last.It may be sunny now, but winter is coming. The antimatter that fuels the colony is running low, and Marshall wants his bomb back. If Mickey agrees to retrieve it, he’ll be giving up the only thing that’s kept his head off of the chopping block. If he refuses, he might doom the entire colony. Meanwhile, the creepers have their own worries, and they’re not going to surrender the bomb without getting something in return. Once again, Mickey finds the fate of two species resting in his hands. If something goes wrong this time, though, he won’t be coming back.Trade Review“Excellent” -- The FT"Intelligent, heartfelt and very funny" -- SciFiNow"Leaves the audience gasping" -- The Times

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Book SynopsisThe solar system''s greatest thief is wanted for murder. To prove his innocence, he needs to pull off a heist even he thought was impossible . . .The Quantum Thief is a dazzling hard SF novel set in the solar system of the far future - a heist novel peopled by bizarre post-humans but powered by very human motives of betrayal, revenge and jealousy. It is a stunning debut.Jean le Flambeur is a post-human criminal, mind burglar, confidence artist and trickster. His origins are shrouded in mystery, but his exploits are known throughout the Heterarchy - from breaking into the vast Zeusbrains of the Inner System to steal their thoughts, to stealing rare Earth antiques from the aristocrats of the Moving Cities of Mars. Except that Jean made one mistake. Now he is condemned to play endless variations of a game-theoretic riddle in the vast virtual jail of the Axelrod Archons - the Dilemma Prison - against countless copies of himself. Jean''s routine of Trade ReviewThis is a sci-fi book to read; the world is pieced together masterfully and you get a detective/adventure story all in one. -- Linda Bloduedd * BOOK GIRL OF MUR-Y-CASTELL Blog *

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Book Synopsis2026: Something is growing in the Pacific Ocean.The Slick appears to be a strange, fungus-like organism, but its DNA is unlike anything else on the planet. Rumours start to fly. Was life discovered deep beneath the Martian icecaps on a recent Chinese space mission? If it was, no-one is confirming it, but could that same life now be spreading through the ocean and threatening Earth''s entire food chain?Brilliant scientist Dr. Mariella Anders is recruited to join an urgent NASA mission to Mars to see if she can uncover the truth of this organism, but this is no straightforward investigation. Corporate powers are committed to exploiting the secrets of the Slick for profit; radical eco-terrorists strike out against rampant genetic engineering; and a second Chinese mission to Mars at the same time has its goals shrouded in mystery.The secret of life on Earth and Mars might be found on the red planet, but who can Mariella trust with the truth once it''s fou

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Book SynopsisAn epic adrenaline-filled space opera, The Human is the final thrilling book in Neal Asher’s Rise of the Jain trilogy.Their enemy seems unbeatable. But humanity is indomitable . . .A Jain warship has risen from a prison five million years old, wielding a hoard of lethal technology. Its goal is to catch their old enemy, the Client, and it will destroy all who stand in its path.Humanity and the prador thought their mutual nemesis – the bane of so many races – was long extinct. But the Jain are back and Orlandine must prepare humanity’s defence. She needs the Client’s knowledge to counter this ancient threat. But is the enemy of your enemy a friend? Earth Central even looks to the prador for alliance. These old enemies must now learn to trust one another, or face utter annihilation. As the Jain warship crosses the galaxy, it seems unstoppable. Human and prador forces alike struggle to withstand its devastating weaponry ­­– far in advance of their own. And Orlandine’s life’s work has been to neutralize Jain technology, so if she can’t triumph, no one can. But could she become what she’s vowed to destroy?'Neal Asher's books are like an adrenaline shot targeted directly for the brain' - John Scalzi, author of the Old Man's War series'Magnificently awesome. Then Asher turns it up to eleven' - Peter F. Hamilton on the first in the trilogy, The SoldierTrade ReviewNeal Asher’s books are like an adrenaline shot targeted directly for the brain -- John ScalziIn this riveting sequel to The Soldier, Asher ramps up the pyrotechnics in the thunderous first salvoes of war . . . This is Asher at the top of his game -- Publishers Weekly starred review on The WarshipThe Soldier provides everything we demand from Asher: a beautifully complex universe where AIs, aliens and post-humans scheme and struggle – magnificently awesome. Then Asher turns it up to eleven -- Peter F. Hamilton on The SoldierA richly imagined, exotic world, nonstop action, and unimaginable stakes - I couldn't put The Soldier down -- Yoon Ha Lee on The SoldierNeal Asher's coruscating mix of epic space opera, weaponised Darwinism and high-stakes intrigue channels the primal flame of deep-core science fiction -- Paul McAuley on The SoldierWith mind-blowing complexity, characters, and combat, Asher’s work continues to combine the best of advanced cybertech and military SF -- Publishers Weekly on The SoldierSpace operatics and Jaco­bean revenge-melodramatics -- Locus Magazine on The SoldierJust when you thought the Polity couldn't get more interesting Neal Asher manages to weave the most awe-inspiring elements of his universe together into an amazing narrative . . . Like a true master Asher hits this one out of the galactic plane . . . a truly mind-blowing start to a new trilogy -- WorldsInInk on The Soldier

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Book SynopsisThe final novel in Kim Stanley Robinson's massively successful and lavishly praised Mars trilogy. The ultimate in future history' Daily MailMars has grown upIt is fully terraformed genetically engineered plants and animals live by newly built canals and young but stormy seas.It is politically independent. A brave and buzzing new world. Most of the First Hundred have died. Those that remain are like walking myths to Martian youth.Earth has grown too muchChronic overpopulation, bitter nationalism, scarce resources. For too many Terrans, Mars is a mocking utopia. A dream to live for, fight for perhaps even die for.Trade Review‘One of the finest working novelists in any genre’GUARDIAN 'If I had to choose one writer whose work will set the standard for science fiction in the future, it would be Kim Stanley Robinson’NEW YORK TIMES Praise for The Mars Trilogy: ‘One of the finest works of American SF’TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT ‘The ultimate in future history’DAILY MAIL ‘Absorbing, impressive, fascinating… Utterly plausible’FINANCIAL TIMES ‘A staggering book. The best novel on the colonization of Mars that has ever been written’Arthur C. Clarke ‘Red Mars may simply be the best novel ever written about Mars’INTERZONE

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Book Synopsis''Extraordinary'' Philip PullmanFollowing one man''s journey from earth to an alien landscape of ethereal beauty and existential terror, A Voyage to Arcturus is a profound questioning of the nature of evil. Dreamlike and philosophical, this landmark cult novel has influenced generations of writers.''That shattering, intolerable and irresistible work'' C. S. Lewis''A Nietzschean Pilgrim''s Progress ... Lindsay''s engrossing book, a mixture of metaphysics and surreal dream-quest, stands as one of the great originals'' GuardianTrade ReviewThe book I think is most underrated: David Lindsey, A Voyage To Arcturus. -- Philip PullmanThat shattering, intolerable, and irresistible work -- C. S. LewisLindsay's engrossing book, a mixture of metaphysics and surreal dream-quest, stands as one of the great originals. * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisIn Sunreach, after a planet-destroying Delver suddenly appears in the sky of Detritus and vanishes just as suddenly, FM knows that the last free human society got lucky. Her Skyward Flight companion Spensa figured out how to draw this Delver away, but it won''t be so easy next time. Humanity has to be prepared . . . In ReDawn, Alanik has recovered from the shock of answering a distress call and finding a planet of humans making a stand against the Superiority, only to be dismayed to discover they''re considering a peace overture from their enemy. Worse, when she returns to her home planet of ReDawn, she find her own people falling into exactly the same trap. With her mentor captured, she turns to her new friends to help: can Alanik, FM, Jorgen and Rig coax an ancient technology into life in time to save both their planets from disaster?And in Evershore, the government of Detritus is still in disarray following Superiority treachery, and no word

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Book SynopsisDing Dong!The TARDIS is invaded. A plea for help delivered by robot summons the Doctor and her friends Yaz, Graham and Ryan to Kerblam - the biggest retailer in the galaxy. Posing as new recruits among the thousands of human workers, the TARDIS crew uncover a deadly plot that threatens the life of every person in the warehouse - and beyond.Who has sent for the Doctor? What is the dark secret at the heart of Kerblam's operations? And who will escape the merciless Postmen...?

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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 SynopsisA high-octane sci-fi adventure, Jack Four is a standalone novel set in Neal Asher's acclaimed Polity Universe. Thrilling and fast-paced, it's perfect for fans of Alastair Reynolds and Stephen Baxter.Created to die – determined to live . . .Jack Four – one of twenty human clones – has been created to be sold. His purchasers are the alien prador want him for one thing: their experimentation program. But there is something different about Jack.The prador’s king has been mutated by the Spatterjay virus into a monstrous creature, along with his children. They were infected by the virus during the last humans-versus-prador war, now lapsed into an uneasy truce. But the prador are always looking for new weapons – and their experimentation program might give them the edge they seek.Suzeal trades human slaves out of the Stratogaster Space Station. She thinks the rewards are worth the risks, but all that is about to change. The Station was once a zoo, containing monsters from across known space. All the monsters now dwell on the planet below, but they aren’t as contained as they seem. And a vengeful clone may be the worst danger of all . . .‘Neal Asher’s books are like an adrenaline shot targeted directly for the brain’ – John Scalzi, author of the Old Man’s War series'Magnificently awesome. Then Asher turns it up to eleven' – Peter F. Hamilton, author of Salvation, on Asher's The Soldier Trade ReviewNeal Asher’s books are like an adrenaline shot targeted directly for the brain -- John Scalzi, author of The Kaiju Preservation SocietyMagnificently awesome. Then Asher turns it up to eleven -- Peter F. Hamilton, author of The Reality Dysfunction on The SoldierA richly imagined, exotic world, non-stop action and unimaginable stakes -- Yoon Ha Lee, author of Ninefox Gambit, on The Soldier

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Book SynopsisWhat if John F. Kennedy survived?President Nixon, with the help of former president JFK, has just green-lit NASA's first manned expedition to Mars.Aboard, Natalie York, a geologist who risks everything she loves for the chance to go to space; Phil Stone, former X-15 test pilot; and Ralph Gershon, a Vietnam War hero intent on being the first African American to reach another planet.Exploring mankind's presence in the extra-terrestrial expanse, VOYAGE chronicles the incredible story of what could have been.Trade Review‘The most important living science-fiction writer in the country’THE TIMES ‘The best SF writer in Britain’SFX Praise for The NASA Trilogy: ‘VOYAGE is, quite simply, a brilliant book . . . skilfully constructed and enthrallingly told’SFX ‘Baxter handles a complex and gripping plot with his customary aplomb… The ending will blow your mind. Buy TITAN, read it – and then go out and buy everything else that Baxter has ever written’NEW SCIENTIST ‘A plausible tale of America’s last gasp at interplanetary exploration… Stephen Baxter proves what a cosmic thinker he is’WASHINGTON POST

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Book SynopsisIn 2145AD John Hackett''s adventure is just beginning.In Year 30, Mela''s story is coming to a close.Hackett, in his trusty ship the Perseus, is not just a space traveller - beginning his travels with an expedition to Neptune and back - but, thanks to the time-dilation effect, a time traveller as well. His new mission will take him to Andromeda, to get a close-up look at the constellation which will eventually crash into the Milky Way, and give humanity a heads-up about the challenges which are coming.A mission which will take him five million years to complete.Not only is Hackett exploring unknown space, but he will return to a vastly different time.Mela''s world is coming to an end. Erosion is eating away at the edges of every landmass - first at a rate of ten metres a year, but fast accelerating, displacing people and animals as the rising Tide destroys everything in its path. Putting more and more pressure on the people - and resour

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Book SynopsisTesla Crane, a brilliant inventor and an heiress, is on her honeymoon on an interplanetary space liner, cruising between the Moon and Mars. She's travelling incognito and is reveling in her anonymity. Then someone is murdered and the festering chowderheads who run security have the audacity to arrest her spouse.Armed with banter, martinis and her small service dog, Tesla is determined to solve the crime so that the newlyweds can get back to canoodling and keep the real killer from striking again.Trade Review“A vibrant space mystery” – Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisThe second novel in Lewis's science fiction trilogy tells of Dr Ransom's voyage to the planet of Perelandra (Venus).In the second novel in C.S. Lewis''s classic science fiction trilogy, Dr Ransom is called to the paradise planet of Perelandra, or Venus, which turns out to be a beautiful Eden-like world. He is horrified to find that his old enemy, Dr Weston, has also arrived and is putting him in grave peril once more. As the mad Weston''s body is taken over by the forces of evil, Ransom engages in a desperate struggle to save the innocence of PerelandraTrade Review‘Thrilling.’ Sir Hugh Walpole ‘Remarkable … a rare power of inventive imagination.’ Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisAcross seven original tales from master of science fiction Peter F. Hamilton, Manhattan in Reverse offers captivating glimpses into incredible worlds – with characters old and new.'Each short story has enough ideas for a whole novel' – Ken Follett, author of The Pillars of the EarthFollowing the events of Judas Unchained, Paula Myo returns. In the title story Manhattan in Reverse, the detective is on the case of a species believed to be without sentience – until it attacks the human colonisers. And, in The Demon Trap, Paula is dispatched to investigate a terrorist attack – and a motive that will be hard to unravel. Elsewhere, Watching Trees Grow tells of a murder in an alternative 1800s Oxford, and The Forever Kitten raises questions of eternal youth – and the sacrifices required to pursue it.With all his usual brilliantly conceived storytelling, Peter F. Hamilton’s talents are on full display in Manhattan in Reverse.Trade ReviewA rare collection from one of sci-fi’s more engaging storytellers -- Sunday TelegraphHamilton is often associated with space operas unusual even in that genre for both scale and mass; one of the best stories here, “Watching Trees Grow”, depicts the human race’s expansion out from its home world as the background to an immortal Javert’s inexorable solution to a whodunit. He also usefully reminds us that it is possible for people of somewhat conservative views to be humane; the title story is an effective puzzle concluding in a moral point that does not only apply to alien planets -- TLSThe collection’s highpoint is the excelled novella “Watching Tress Grow”, set in an alternate reality in which Rome never fell and most citizens are immortal -- GuardianIf you’re looking for a collection of truly well-written and engaging short science fiction stories, then Manhattan in Reverse is a great read -- SciFiNowWith all his usual imagination for futuristic technology, complexity of character and brilliantly conceived storytelling Peter F. Hamilton shows through this collection of work what it is that makes him Britain's number one science fiction writer . . . Peter F. Hamilton is at the top of his game and this short story collection just reinforces that fact. If you are a fan you will absolutely love this collection, but newcomers will find this an excellent introduction to his work without having to commit to a full-length novel. Highly recommended -- WordsinInkThe stories here show many of Peter’s strengths, highlighting key human themes in a variety of different settings in an entertaining way. There are those great ideas, still: super-technology, evolution, planets connected by wormholes, alien biology and habits. However, here the typical widescreen baroque of those larger epic narratives have been replaced by something a little more focused and intimate, but these are still engaging and fun -- SFFWorld

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Book SynopsisFrom New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune, In the Lives of Puppets is a queer retelling of the Pinocchio tale, inviting you deep into the heart of a peculiar forest and on the extraordinary journey of a family assembled from spare parts.‘A deeply stirring journey through a world of extraordinary robots’ – Chuck Tingle, Hugo-shortlisted author of Camp Damascus*A New York Times, Sunday Times and Indie Bestseller**Winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for Science Fiction*In a small home, built into the branches of a tree, live a human named Victor and three robots. These are a pleasantly sadistic nurse machine, a small vacuum desperate for love and attention, and a fatherly inventor-android named Giovanni Lawson. Together they’re a family, hidden and safe.Then Vic salvages an unfamiliar android labelled ‘HAP’. He learns that Hap and Gio share a dark past, where they hunted humans. And Hap unwittingly gives away Gio’s location. Before they know it, robots from Gio’s former life arrive – to capture and return the android to his old laboratory in the City of Electric Dreams.The rest of the unconventional family must travel across an unforgiving and otherworldly country to rescue Gio from decommissioning. Or worse, reprogramming. Along the way, Vic must decide if he can handle his feelings for Hap – even if they come with strings attached.Inspired by Carlo Collodi’s The Adventures of Pinocchio, In the Lives of Puppets is a masterful standalone fantasy adventure from the author who brought you The House in the Cerulean Sea and Under the Whispering Door.Trade ReviewGlorious, a thoroughly entertaining and deeply stirring journey through a world of extraordinary robots. The characters here are so vibrant, and the story proves that love stretches well beyond the world of humans -- Chuck Tingle, author of Camp DamascusTJ Klune has created an enchanting tale of Pinocchio in the end times, offering up hard truths alongside humor, kindness, love and, most important, hope -- P. Djèlí Clark, author of A Master of DjinnI dare say I am yet to read more humane robots than I’ve encountered in In the Lives of Puppets . . . One can’t help but fall in love with this book -- T. L. Huchu, author of The Library of the DeadReaders who loved Klune’s previous works will find plenty of the author’s trademark charm, heart, and bittersweet -- Library Journal, Starred ReviewA wholly charming post-robot-apocalypse retelling of Pinocchio. Speculative fiction readers will fall in love with this whimsical, bittersweet fable -- Shelf Awareness, Starred ReviewI loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect -- V. E. Schwab, author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue on The House in the Cerulean SeaThe House in the Cerulean Sea is a modern fairy tale about learning your true nature and what you love and will protect. It’s a beautiful book -- Charlaine Harris, author of Dead Until Dark on The House in the Cerulean Sea

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Book SynopsisA thrilling anthology of short stories from Star Trek Explorer magazine, collected for the first time! Featuring tales by Una McCormack, Gary Russell, Michael Carroll, John Peel, Chris Dows, Chris Cooper, and Greg Cox. This incredible collection features illustrated stories starring iconic characters such as Will Riker, Benjamin Sisko, Jonathan Archer, and Kate Pulaski, plus fan-favourite alien enemies including the Borg. Stories included are: Control by John Peel A take starring Jonathan Archer and his loyal dog, Porthos. The Guardian by Gary Russell A prelude to the classic episode “What are Little Girls Made Of?” The Disavowed by Christopher Cooper The crew of the Enterprise lose all memory of William Riker! Paghabi by Chris Dows Guinan is invaded by a sinister force. Pulaski 2.0 by Greg Cox Doctor Katherine Pulaski experiences life as an android. The Expert by Gary Russell A family is torn apart when the Borg strike. Scramble by Greg Cox A return to the noir world of Dixon Hill The Mission by James Swallow Espionage runs rife aboard Deep Space 9. Things Can Only Get Better by Una McCormack Kira Nerys and Garak discuss their opposing ideologies. Frontier Medicine by Michael Carroll Doctor Julian Bashir embarks on a career defining adventure. By Special Request… by John Peel Miles O’Brien and Julian Bashir enjoy some rest and recreation… with a difference! The Victim by John Peel Garak moves in for the kill, but can he pull the trigger? You Can’t Buy Fate by Keith R.A. Candido A first contact mission doesn’t go according to plan. Summer Days Can Last Forever by Michael Collins The dull 1950’s town of Patterson creek is livened up by some unusual visitors.

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Book Synopsis"Water is patient... water just waits. Water always wins!"November 21st 2059, and Bowie Base One - the first human colony on Mars - is destined for destruction in a nuclear explosion. This tragedy is a fixed point in history. The Laws of Time dictate that it cannot - must never - be changed.The Doctor arrives just as a viral life-form escapes from the Martian ice into the base's water supply. A single drop can transform a human into a terrifying monster with the power to infect others. History records that the threat is destroyed along with the base and every human in it. But as his darkest hour comes calling, the Doctor resolves to break the rules as he never has before...

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Book SynopsisWeaponized is a thrilling far-future space opera by acclaimed science fiction author Neal Asher, a standalone adventure set in the expansive Polity universe.A bright new future for humanity – or a dark and inescapable past.Ursula has lived twice the normal human lifespan, courtesy of the latest technology. But now she’s struggling to find excitement and purpose, so signs up to the Polity’s military. She excels in weapons development, and progresses rapidly up the ranks. But after botching a powerful new ammunition test, she’s dismissed from service.Hunting for a simpler, more meaningful existence, the ex-soldier heads for the stars. And after founding a colony on the hostile planet of Threpsis, Ursula finally feels alive. Then deadly raptors attack and the colonists are forced to adapt in unprecedented ways. The raptors also raise a deeply troubling question: how could the Polity have missed these apex predators? And alien ruins? Meanwhile, biophysicist Oren has formed his own survival plan – one he’ll pursue at any cost.As a desperate battle erupts to consume the planet, Ursula finds she must dig deep into her past to ensure humanity’s future.Trade ReviewGleeful but superbly controlled action-adventure -- The TimesNeal Asher’s books are like an adrenaline shot targeted directly for the brain -- John Scalzi, author of The Kaiju Preservation SocietyMagnificently awesome. Then Asher turns it up to eleven -- Peter F. Hamilton, author of the Salvation Sequence, on The SoldierA richly imagined, exotic world, non-stop action and unimaginable stakes -- Yoon Ha Lee, author of Ninefox Gambit, on The Soldier

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Book Synopsis''It was a desert. A vista of reddish rocks and drifted sand, arid and hot, extending to the limits of their view. A dreary waste upon which nothing moved or grew . . .''For British pilot Dale Curtance the Keuntz Prize - to be awarded to the first person to take a spaceship to another planet and back - is the ultimate challenge. Not only has he to build a ship to survive the journey, assemble a top-notch crew and choose a destination, he''s also got to beat the Russians and Americans.Soon the GLORIA MUNDI blasts off from Salisbury Plain, bound for Mars. There''s only one problem - a stowaway called Joan. Not only does her presence wreck calculations and threaten the mission, but her tale suggests that Mars may be a more dangerous destination than they ever expected. ''Perhaps the best writer of science fiction England has ever produced'' Stephen King

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Book SynopsisThe Third in the Hugo, Nebula and Locus Award-Winning SeriesTwo worlds. One humanity.It’s 1963, and riots and sabotage plague the space program. The climate change caused by the Meteor is becoming more and more clear, but tensions are rising, and the IAC’s goal of getting humanity off Earth is threatened.Astronaut Nicole Wargin lives two lives; one as a politican’s smiling wife on Earth, and the other as an astronaut on the newly-established Moon Base. But when sabotage strikes, she finds that her two worlds are colliding – with deadly consequences.‘The Lady Astronaut series might be set in an alternate past, but they’re cutting-edge SF novels that speak volumes about the present.’ -The Verge

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Book SynopsisI am Biroc. The shadow of my past... and your future.Warriors' GateIn this new-to-print, expanded novelisation of the classic 1981 adventure, the TARDIS is caught in a collapsing void between two different universes - and the 4th Doctor, Romana and Adric must enter into a dangerous alliance with the Tharils - a race of enslaved, time-sensitive aliens. The consequences are explored in two further short stories...The Kairos RingNow allies of the enslaved across all creation, Romana and the Tharil Laszlo ride the time winds in search of the sinister Sluagh - aliens who retool the dead as deadly warriors.The Little Book of FateSearching for the source of a scream across time, the Eighth Doctor investigates a most unusual carnival freak show in the north of England - where a figure from his past awaits him.Not one story but three, from one of classic Doctor Who's most original voices - Stephen Gallagher, author of the original screenplay for Warriors' Gate.

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Book SynopsisOne of the very best must-read SF novels of all timeWealth ... or death. Those were the choices Gateway offered. Humans had discovered this artificial spaceport, full of working interstellar ships left behind by the mysterious, vanished Heechee.Their destinations are preprogrammed. They are easy to operate, but impossible to control. Some came back with discoveries which made their intrepid pilots rich; others returned with their remains barely identifiable. It was the ultimate game of Russian roulette, but in this resource-starved future there was no shortage of desperate volunteers.Trade ReviewAll the elements for a great read: humour, drama, tragedy, great one-liners, a marvellously quirky central character and a great supporting character in the form of a robotic psychologist. - Garry Kilworth.A wonderfully satisfying SF premise. - New York Times Book Review.

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Book SynopsisColonists from the entire solar system converge on the mother planet for the 2276 celebrations.Among the influx of humanity is Duncan Makenzie, scientist-administrator from the underground colony of Titan, one of the outer moons of Saturn. Makenzie is not just on Earth for the celebrations, though; he has a delicate mission to perform - for his world, his family and himself . . .

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