Welcome to Valeria
On the brink of extinction, humanity entrusted its future to machines... But at what cost? By 2123, an all-encompassing artificial intelligence has rebuilt a world devastated by natural disasters - and, more profoundly, by human hubris. A dazzling technological utopia has emerged... but beneath its perfect surface, something far more sinister lurks. What if perfection were nothing more than a meticulously crafted illusion? Nestled between two mountain valleys, the forgotten city of Valeria harbors secrets that even progress couldn't erase. When a wave of unexplained disappearances shakes the isolated community, Elara Tempus, a newly appointed sheriff with a haunted past, is drawn into a mystery that extends far beyond the valley's edge. As she digs deeper, Elara awakens more than just buried memories. She triggers a chain reaction powerful enough to tear the fabric of reality itself. Hidden abilities begin to stir within her - bending her perception of time and revealing cracks in the very laws of physics, where the impossible becomes disturbingly real. In a world governed by artificial intelligence, every choice holds the power to reprogram humanity's destiny. But by crossing the boundaries of reality, Elara may save the world... at the cost of her own. Welcome to Valeria. This debut novel is a gripping journey through a high-tech utopia where AI rules the future - and buries dark secrets in the past. Inspired by theories of time travel and the many-worlds interpretation, the story delves into memory, identity, and the fine line between destiny and illusion.
Hera
Hera by Mohammed Forghani is a book about a middle-aged man who collides with the electric car of a young woman fleeing her own wedding. A doctor, infatuated with the young woman, performs a groundbreaking experiment, merging the brains and bodies of the two accident victims to create a single new individual.This newly formed person must grapple with the complexities of living dual lives within a single body. The intricate relationships that unfold from the heart of the story, weaving together themes of identity, love, and self-discovery. Alongside these emotional and relational challenges, the narrative introduces readers to existential philosophy in an accessible and thought-provoking way. This story is for anyone who feels there is more to life than simply existing-an invitation to explore the profound questions that lie beneath the surface of the everyday.Join us, friend. The road is long, and patience is short.
First in the Field
When Maddox nearly gets a stranger killed in a bar fight, he has to rescue her.Then take on her mission of revenge, against all the pirates, gamblers, thieves, and spies that they find.But they will face any challenge, because they are the A'Zedi Survey Corps.Always First In The Field.The A'Zedi Survey Corps, an exciting new series in the Marrakesh universe (Trial By Leviathan, et al), where the ship and crew will sail into harm's way whenever needed.
Knight Errant
When Knight Maddox Nevin takes a transfer from Marrakesh to Survey Corps, he inherits a crew one step from being broken up and forgotten.Maddox must bring them together and take them out on patrol. However, a simple mission of exploration suddenly turns into so much more when pirates arrive.Do they have what it takes? Can they overcome their past to face a compelling future?The A'Zedi Survey Corps, an exciting new series in the Marrakesh universe (Trial By Leviathan, et al), where the ship and crew will sail into harm's way whenever needed.Because A'Zedi Survey Corps is always First In The Field.
Versus
What happens when a celestial object is trying to orbit two different planets? It might swing around wildly at strange angles, tugged in multiple directions by twin gravitational fields. The orbit might look stable for a while, when one planet's gravity is stronger, but as it swings close to the other, things are sure to get strange.Moon Castillo has been wobbling on her axis. Her work as a talented young engineer is suffering. She's having impulses that don't belong, remembering moments that could never have happened. At least, not on Mechanon-the only home she's ever known. And what about this woman? She keeps recollecting her presence before knowing her name. Suddenly, her life on Mechanon and even her own identity, feels almost unreal.Up becomes down, and Moon takes action to change her course forever. But which gravity pulling at her will win out in the end?
Dancing with Destruction
A relentless alien pursues a beleaguered squad of soldiers through time and reality, while the Elderwatch monitors their fates, unraveling the intertwining stories of survival and annihilation. When does the hunter become the hunted? How does a single image change the story to something... else? In Dancing with Destruction, we get to find out. Nine stories from some of the top authors in military science fiction will tell the tale of the poor, hapless soldiers and an apex predator in hot pursuit. Featuring stories from David Weber & Marisa Wolf, Nick Cole & Jason Anspach, Kacey Ezell, Jacob Holo & Edie Skye, Rick Partlow, Joelle Presby, Blaine Pardoe, Nick Steverson & Melissa Olthoff, and Jason Cordova. In the end, it's not about who is the hunted or the hunter, but who is willing to dance...
The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal
From the globally bestselling author of the Chronicles of St Mary's series, a not-so-ladylike aristocrat meets the world's most unlikely butler, and together they bring a whole new meaning to partners-in-crime... 'Clever, funny and made my heart hurt in the best way' Stephanie Butland, bestselling author of Found in a Bookshop Meet Lady Amelia Smallhope, for whom there is no problem that can't be solved by a drink and a think. And Pennyroyal, for whom there is no problem. Ever. Everyone's favourite time-travelling bounty hunters. Sorry - 'recovery agents'. No bad guy they can't handle. No expense account too flexible. No rule they cannot break. As long as they're together, the world is their oyster. And they'll always have each other's backs, right? Fasten your seatbelts. The timeline doesn't know what's hit it. Readers can't get enough of Smallhope and Pennyroyal... 'I love this book! Love, love, love it' ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ 'Absolutely brilliant. Could not put it down. It literally ticks every box' ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ 'I laughed, I cried and sighed in pure contentment' ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ 'Funny and gut-wrenching at times... the ending had me on the edge of my seat' ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ 'Teasers that are just waiting to be unravelled, wicked villains, and an unexpected hookup' ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ 'A must read - especially if you want to learn to make a great margarita' ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ 'Amazing characters, fantastic plot' ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ 'Jodi Taylor had given me so much joy, tears, drama and adventure in my life when I read her work that sometimes it's a disappointment to be in the real world' ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐
Retrievers
From award-winning author J.M. Holmes: a collection of four popular tales of Holmes' resourceful adventurers, Jerry and Kat.Beginning with the story that first introduced the duo, this anthology follows along as the couple travels the galaxy and matches wits with dangerous kidnappers, murderous smugglers, double-crossing partners and ruthless competitors.This volume features Jerry and Kat in four of their most popular adventures, starting with their sudden meeting while fighting for their livesPraised for their inventive plots and exciting episodes, these stories blend action and suspense with playful banter between the two heroes as their blossoming romance develops. It's a collection that will keep you turning pages far past your bedtime as you thrill to these adventures of two of the most likeable science fiction characters to emerge in many years.
Minurva
Minurva is the second book of the Brannigan Trilogy. It continues the tale of Earth's discovery of new alien races; however, they are now at war with the Kammorrigans, who they encountered in SESG EXPLORER. Earth has established a colony on the desert world they had discovered that is rich in rare earth minerals and energy crystals. But they are under constant pirate attacks. To counter the pirate threat, they send SAG LIBERATOR, a task force of Guardians and Galactic Marines to combat them. They reestablish their authority over an alien space station which they found in deep space and send Strike Group RETRIBUTION to find a dangerous species which enslaves others to neutralize them.Humans do not like to fight alone, so Ambassador Mike O'Shea is sent out onboard the USS Diplomat to find alien races willing to join Earth in a coalition to fight the Kammorrigans.Meanwhile, Admiral Brannigan, the new Commander of Space Force Operations is working with Admiral Nabum, Chief of Space Force, to build a fleet of battle carriers to find and destroy the Kammorrigans. All the while, the Admirals are finding ways to defend Earth should the Kammorrigans find them. It is a race against time.
Digital Dreams
Mercue is on the run, hiding on the Moon with enemies closing in fast. As a hacker determined to break free from a corrupt system, he's only a step away from launching his ultimate mission. But danger looms at every turn - police forces and powerful administrators are hunting him down.With the help of his sharp-witted ally, Mark, and the mysterious Alicia, who holds secrets of her own, Mercue must stay ahead of his pursuers. The special forces are closing in, and time is running out. Can he outsmart the system before they catch him, or will everything he's fought for come crashing down?"Digital Dreams" by Povey Balkanski is a pulse-pounding sci-fi thriller where trust, betrayal, and high-tech intrigue collide. Mercue's next move could change everything - but only if he survives long enough to make it.
Universal Maintenance
When Dean Nydecker is asked to become a Universal Agent and help save humanity across the Multiverse, he jumps at the chance -- and instantly finds himself over his head and out of his depth, inundated in more outrageous action, otherworldly adventure, and inter-dimensional intrigue than he could shake a Tech Level 30 plasma rifle at! Genetically optimized and mentally inducted with dozens of useful skills, Dean should easily be equal to his first assignment-a seemingly simple mission to recover the ka-pod of a deceased fellow agent. But nothing is what it seems, either on the seemingly backwards Earth Dean is dispatched to, or within the ranks of Universal Maintenance itself. It will take everything Dean has, all his new abilities combined with his own native wits and courage, to emerge alive from the baffling and lethal labyrinth that is Universal Maintenance style office politics.
The Winds of Fate
Artorius and his team must race against time to thwart a looming clash between two ancient powers, navigating a treacherous landscape where their actions could rewrite history and spark a catastrophic conflict. In a world where history can be rewritten at will, the threads of destiny intertwine in ways no one could have foreseen. Years after their groundbreaking journey into the past, Artorius and his team stumble upon a devastating revelation: the Chinese government has dispatched five time-travelers and a trove of advanced technology back to 165 CE, during the waning days of the Han dynasty. The team believed they were guiding Rome toward a new era of modernization and unity, but the emergence of Chinese influence threatens to unravel everything they have fought for. As whispers of innovation ripple through the ancient world, Artorius and his companions realize they are in a race against time--not just to protect their vision for a united future, but to prevent a catastrophic clash that could bring about nuclear war centuries sooner than they ever imagined. With their own presence now at risk of exposure, they must navigate the treacherous waters of politics, technology, and culture in a world caught between two colossal powers. As the balance of history teeters on a knife's edge, loyalties will be tested, alliances forged, and the very fabric of fate will hang in the balance.
Quantum Cage
A group of physicists achieve something remarkable - a communication link to aliens that possess a groundbreaking enigma with the potential to transform life on Earth. A team of scientists working on a secret NASA-funded project involving quantum theory bring in accountant Darren Costa to deal with some complex federal paperwork. But when the group reveal that they have accidentally established a communication link across space and time to four aliens, Darren suddenly finds himself becoming far more involved in their work than he expected. In the scientists' glass cage, Darren connects to the aliens and their planet through a series of dream-like visions. Is it possible that an incomplete mathematical formula shared by the aliens is the key to unlocking secrets that could prevent Earth's future extinction and ensure humanity's survival? One thing's for certain, with both humans and aliens facing enemies determined to stop them at any cost, solving the puzzle is now a matter of life and death . . . A race against time to solve an enigma that could alter the course of humanity's existence with a thrilling alien twist, perfect for fans of Quantum Radio by A. G. Riddle and any epic science fiction from Adrian Tchaikovsky.
R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots)
Karel Čapek's R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots) is the seminal science fiction drama that gave the world the very word "robot." First performed in 1921, this visionary play confronts the paradox of technological progress and the moral dilemmas it creates. In an age of artificial intelligence, automation, and existential crisis, R.U.R. remains uncannily prescient-both a theatrical marvel and a chilling prophecy.Set in a futuristic factory that mass-produces artificial beings designed to serve humanity, the play follows Helena Glory, an idealistic humanitarian, and Harry Domin, the ambitious director of Rossum's factory. Their conversations expose the ethical blindness of industrial advancement: the robots-emotionless, efficient, soulless-are tools of convenience that soon become a threat to their creators.This edition restores the original English translation, featuring newly annotated footnotes, an introduction situating Čapek's work within both Czech modernism and global techno-philosophy, and a suite of archival illustrations. The text is presented with full respect to its original theatrical cadence, making it suitable for both academic study and performance.At once a parable and a political statement, R.U.R. is not simply about robots-it is about what we lose when we outsource humanity itself. This definitive edition invites a new generation of readers to rediscover the origin of one of science fiction's greatest ideas.
Beyond Earth
Beyond Earth: First Contact by Tom Missimer takes you on an epic journey through time and space. Over 100 million years ago, a mysterious spaceship appeared between Mars and Jupiter, sending a small craft to explore Earth and its neighbors. They left behind hidden technology to observe it. The alien race returns to Earth to find a genetically compatible and willing volunteer to accompany them to the galaxy to save the doomed race of another planet. While the Earth man agrees to the mission, it is discovered that the leadership of the planet had purposely caused massive loss of life and now decides that the Earthling and his consort must die. After a daring escape from the alien planet, the man returns to Earth to a changed life, where he must face a President that wants to make him disappear. Dive into this thrilling tale of human survival and cosmic mystery.
Krevax
Where dreams come at a price, and every step is a fight for freedom.In the heart of Krevax, a subterranean metropolis steeped in corruption and despair, Vice Detective Charlie Blackwell navigates the murky depths of a city that thrives on deception and decay. In a world where community and family are distant memories, and advertisements cling to every surface, Blackwell is a mere cog in a soulless machine.But when a powerful politician extends an unexpected lifeline, Blackwell seizes the chance to escape the suffocating grip of Krevax. Tasked with infiltrating the criminal underbelly to uncover the source of a mysterious and potent drug known as nostaliem, Blackwell embarks on a perilous journey. This elusive substance promises a life in a dream, but its connection to a string of high-profile deaths poses a dark and dangerous puzzle.Teaming up with Tinik, a resilient member of the Zorax gang with her own motives, Blackwell finds himself entangled with a motley crew of companions. Each harbors secrets and suspicions, as they delve into the shadows of Krevax's history and its omnipotent rulers.As Blackwell and Tinik close in on the truth behind nostaliem, they unravel the city's sinister past, exposing a web of power and manipulation. Together, they confront the oppressive system that has kept the citizens of Krevax in perpetual darkness. In this gripping tale of intrigue, betrayal, and redemption, Blackwell must navigate a treacherous path to not only survive but to uncover the secrets that could reshape the destiny of the last remaining city on Earth.
The Blue Germ
"The Blue Germ" is a gripping medical thriller that plunges readers into a world teetering on the brink of a catastrophic pandemic. When a mysterious and highly contagious disease emerges, baffling doctors and scientists, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. As the illness spreads rapidly, turning cities into quarantine zones, a dedicated team of medical professionals races against time to unravel the secrets of the blue germ. Facing daunting challenges, ethical dilemmas, and political interference, they must confront their own fears and prejudices to find a cure before it's too late. Filled with suspense, cutting-edge science, and complex characters, "The Blue Germ" explores the potential consequences of unchecked scientific ambition and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. A timely and thought-provoking tale, it resonates with contemporary anxieties about global health and the fragility of modern society.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Sea of Lies
Sea of Lies: A Science Fiction ThrillerFive hundred years from today, the planet Gliese is humanity's last bastion, but its utopian facade hides a sinister truth. Bard Lao, a poet struggling against the Soul AI's control of his work, uncovers a set of manipulations that threatens to unravel everything. Presidium's eugenic society, governed by the Soul, is sending Lao, his botanist husband Stephron, and a reluctant crew on a perilous mission to savage Earth aboard the Free Sky-a ship powered by a magnon-driven FTL Vault drive that risks hallucinations or annihilation. As Lao digs deeper, he discovers the mission is a pretext for colonialism with devastating invasion tactics, supported by propaganda. An asteroid strike traps Lao and assistant Tay, forcing them to confront the lies, while Stephron's betrayal shatters their love. With time running out, can Lao expose the truth before Earth falls?Sea of Lies is a gripping sci-fi thriller-drama blending interstellar adventure, ethical dilemmas, and heart-wrenching drama. Perfect for fans of "The Expanse" and "Dune", this tale of love, deceit, and survival under crimson skies and in deep space will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Doctor Ox’s Experiment
In Jules Verne璽€(TM)s humorous novella, "Doctor Ox's Experiment," the quiet Flemish town of Quiquendone is turned upside down by the arrival of the eccentric Doctor Ox and his assistant, Yg癡ne. Ox proposes an experiment to illuminate the town, but his true intentions are far more ambitious: to introduce his new gas, "Vitalazine," into the town's air supply, which he believes will stimulate the inhabitants' energy and ambition. As the experiment progresses, the once-placid townspeople become increasingly agitated and impulsive, leading to chaos and comical situations. A long-standing feud escalates into absurd conflict, and the town's slow, deliberate pace is replaced by frenetic activity. "Doctor Ox's Experiment" is a witty satire on scientific hubris and the delicate balance of human nature, showcasing Verne璽€(TM)s imaginative storytelling and keen observations of society.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Slingshot
Travel to space for the price of a train ticket-to the Moon for a little bit more. Slingshot is a love story-about a man, a woman, another man, another woman, some gender bending...and a machine, the largest ever built. Slingshot is a mystery-about a missing aviatrix, a conspiracy, a true-believer. Slingshot is an adventure-about following a dream, the ocean-deep, outer space. Slingshot is about constructing the first space launch-loop stretching 2,600 km between Baker and Jarvis Islands in the Equatorial Pacific. It's about high finance, intrigue, unlimited ambition, heroism, fanaticism, betrayal...and about opening space to the common person. The setting is the day-after-tomorrow. Technology has advanced, the web is more pervasive than ever, but human ambition and greed remain unchanged. In Slingshot, Alex Regent, Margo Jackson, and Klaus Blumenfeld reach for the stars as they blend their skills to create the world's first space launch-loop, backed by major software money. Environmental fanatic Lars Watson with his team of young eco-terrorists are funded by opposing financial interests, who will go to any length to halt the project. Reporter Lori Kutcher indiscriminately applies her own personal skills to ensure it is she who reports the unfolding events to a watching world. With a cast of 69, Slingshot takes you from Seattle's world financial district, to the ocean bottom at 5,000 feet off Baker Island, to the edge of space 80 km above. You play with dolphins and battle sharks. You fly and sail and dive, you work and play and love across the vast panorama of an Equatorial Pacific being put to leash to serve humanity's surge into outer space. While its accurate science and precise engineering will appeal to hard science-fiction buffs, Slingshot's major focus is the grand journey, the opening of outer space to the common person by men and women who loom larger than life as they work, play, and love.
Doctor Ox’s Experiment
In Jules Verne璽€(TM)s humorous novella, "Doctor Ox's Experiment," the quiet Flemish town of Quiquendone is turned upside down by the arrival of the eccentric Doctor Ox and his assistant, Yg癡ne. Ox proposes an experiment to illuminate the town, but his true intentions are far more ambitious: to introduce his new gas, "Vitalazine," into the town's air supply, which he believes will stimulate the inhabitants' energy and ambition. As the experiment progresses, the once-placid townspeople become increasingly agitated and impulsive, leading to chaos and comical situations. A long-standing feud escalates into absurd conflict, and the town's slow, deliberate pace is replaced by frenetic activity. "Doctor Ox's Experiment" is a witty satire on scientific hubris and the delicate balance of human nature, showcasing Verne璽€(TM)s imaginative storytelling and keen observations of society.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
The Blue Germ
"The Blue Germ" is a gripping medical thriller that plunges readers into a world teetering on the brink of a catastrophic pandemic. When a mysterious and highly contagious disease emerges, baffling doctors and scientists, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. As the illness spreads rapidly, turning cities into quarantine zones, a dedicated team of medical professionals races against time to unravel the secrets of the blue germ. Facing daunting challenges, ethical dilemmas, and political interference, they must confront their own fears and prejudices to find a cure before it's too late. Filled with suspense, cutting-edge science, and complex characters, "The Blue Germ" explores the potential consequences of unchecked scientific ambition and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. A timely and thought-provoking tale, it resonates with contemporary anxieties about global health and the fragility of modern society.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Dark Circuitry
In the wake of a devastating global pandemic, sixty-million people take refuge in fortified bunkers across the Quarantine Zone. While their physical bodies lie frozen in cryostasis, their virtual avatars populate a sprawling cyber-colony known as the Hive; but this "New Reality" is no utopia. Rival gangs wage war on the streets. Religious zealots manipulate the masses. A corrupt ruling class pulls the strings behind the scenes. Veteran cop Luke Duncan-Epsilon sends money to the daughter he left back in Reality Prime. His name is well-known throughout the Gaming Sector where he spends his nights trying to win enough to reunite his family once and for all. That is until a wanted cyberterrorist who calls herself "the Prophet" infiltrates the Hive, forcing him to confront the dark secrets of his past-and the uncertain future of humanity.
Adventure in Asteroid City
A priceless treasure, hidden in a mining settlement on an asteroid at the edge of the galaxy.Kat & Jerry (and their cat, Batman) are facing their toughest challenge yet, and working overtime to keep one step ahead of the murderous thugs trying to beat them to the prize.And even if the intrepid duo manages to find the treasure's hiding place, they'll have to break into the world's most secure vault to get it. If they're still alive by then, that is.
Prequels to The Regonia Chronicles
THE FIRST ABDUCTIONWhen a rogue asteroid destroys their space outpost, Jenna and Francois have only one choice to make. Drift through space or push off the debris to float near their dead friends where their bodies might later be found. With their work at terraforming cut short and the next ship of technicians and settlers still preparing to leave Earth, they expect only death.But they're not alone.And this is no rescue. THE LAST SETTLERSWhen she's chosen for resettlement on Termana, Kira doesn't hesitate, merely breathes a sigh of relief that her metal working skills earned her the chance. With no family and a rocky relationship, she's yet to find a place to belong. Maybe the newly terraformed planet, free of the dust choking Earth to death, will be better.With his dying father in hospice and the burden of farming barren soil to feed the masses resting on his shoulders, being selected brings only guilt for Jordan. But when his father bans him from visiting so he'll get off their dying rock of a planet, he has little choice.Willing or not, the trip to a new world carries its own challenges. Ripped from everything and everyone they knew, they're thrust into a new way of life. Can Kira and Jordan find a way to carry on and save humanity from extinction?
Child of Concord
"A captivating sci-fi story." - Goodreads review. "I was hooked! The atmosphere, suspense, and that final reveal really worked for me." - BBNYA2025 Panelist. "The writing is vivid, polished, and cinematic, with rich descriptions and strong atmosphere." - BBNYA2025 Panelist. She escaped eternal night only to find herself in an even darker universe. Six years have passed since Eve fled the smothering darkness of Concord Prime. At odds with a galaxy under the heel of the Coalition, she finds solace in building her robotic son, Spud, alongside various devices for her adoptive father and avid collector of relics from humanity's past, Vaughn. But when a being from an age long forgotten reveals itself to her, the fate of the universe is thrust into her palm. With the ghosts of her past haunting every shadow, the true colours of those she holds dear coming to light, and a piece of the Eternity being the key to it all, Eve is forced to make a choice. Will she sacrifice what little light she has left? Or will she let the universe die? With spectacular illustrations spread throughout, become immersed in this sci-fi/fantasy coming of age story set in the far future that will keep you hooked until the last page!
Star One
It is the year 2044 on Earth. At the Farside observatory complex on the Moon, a startling astronomical discovery has been made. A survey for pulsars has found an x-ray source in a region of space where none has been detected before. Upon further investigation, they find that this x-ray source is just outside of the Solar System. The astronomers are paralyzed by what they have found knowing what its disastrous ramifications might be.A neutron star is approaching the Solar System. It appeared out of a small dust cloud that was shielding its approach. Armageddon has arrived; the star is on a trajectory that will take it through the center of the Solar System. Life on Earth will not survive its passing.The only hope for survival will be on the massive Star One space station at the Earth-Moon Lagrange point or possibly in Tycho City deep beneath the Moon's surface. It will be a race against time to save a fraction of the Earth's frightened population. A power struggle will erupt on Earth over who is to survive. On Star One and at Tycho City they prepare for the worst, unfortunately, the threat from Earth might be just as dangerous as the approaching neutron star.
The Invention Effect
This book isn't simply a chronological inventory of human achievements; it's an exploration of how inventions have fundamentally reshaped civilization's trajectory. Through carefully researched analysis, ""The Invention Effect"" examines the crucial innovations that have defined-and redefined-human potential throughout history.The narrative begins with primitive communication methods (like smoke signals and drums) and traces their evolution into our current digital ecosystem. Each chapter reveals the underlying patterns of discovery, highlighting not just what was invented but why these particular innovations triggered cascading changes across society. You'll understand how transportation technologies progressively compressed distance and time, fundamentally altering human mobility and connection. The book also investigates how innovations in information storage-from clay tablets to cloud computing-have exponentially expanded our collective memory and knowledge capabilities.By examining these transformative moments through multiple lenses-technological, social, economic, and cultural-readers gain a comprehensive understanding of how invention serves as both a mirror and catalyst for human progress. Rather than presenting innovation as inevitable, the book illuminates the complex interplay between human ingenuity, societal needs, and historical circumstances that together create the conditions for breakthrough discoveries.
The Star Cross
From USA Today Best Selling Author Raymond L. Weil comes the second book in the Star Cross series. Over fourteen months have passed since Fleet Admiral Kurt Vickers drove the Profiteers from Earth. Eighty million people died while the planet was being ransacked and its wealth stolen. Now a new and deadlier threat comes from intergalactic space. An enemy so alien and so ruthless the entire galaxy is at risk. The Destroyers of Worlds look upon all intelligent life as a source of food. Their ships are nearly indestructible, and they have come to the galaxy to begin their harvest. Even the Protector Worlds are powerless to stop the growing list of planets that are falling victim to the hungry Vorn. At Newton, Admiral Kurt Vickers learns of this new enemy as well as a growing threat from the Profiteers. High Profiteer Creed is gathering a powerful fleet in the Gothan Empire. He plans to take everything of value from Earth and then turn the planet into a nuclear wasteland. Admiral Vickers is once more forced to return to Kubitz. A black market world considered to be the worst hellhole in the galaxy. Only on Kubitz can Admiral Vickers find what he needs to save Earth.
Strange Highway
Time traveler and photojournalist Stacey Price, from year 2017, has gone AWOL from the Infinity Organization (an extraterrestrial FEMA) after learning that parts of her beloved country of Canada have been destroyed by a wave of meteors. Or is she hiding from Dr. Victor Hutchings, a time-traveling scientist from 1973 who believes she has viewed top-secret documents on the Roswell file, information that could help him locate his missing son? Stacey's gone back in time to 1975. Traveling along the coast of California, she picks up Hollywood actress Veronica Ronnie Rogers, whose boyfriend was murdered by a highway serial killer only moments ago. Mr. Thomas, friend to Stacey Price and a member of Infinity Organization, comes along as police protection. Stacey's forty-eight-hour vacation turns into a nightmare when Mr. Thomas announces that a time portal has opened up that can't be closed. Things take a turn for the worse with the appearance of the Mothman, who continues to follow them along the infinite timeline from 1975 to 2017 to 2058 and finally back to Roswell, New Mexico, 1947. Come live the adventure with Stacey Price as she time-travels to unknown dangers and finds herself involved in a love triangle with museum owner Jeffery Rose from 2058, Darius from the mystical Atlantis, and finally, an enlightening out-of-this-world connection with alien being Manacus Thomas.
Strange Highway
Time traveler and photojournalist Stacey Price, from year 2017, has gone AWOL from the Infinity Organization (an extraterrestrial FEMA) after learning that parts of her beloved country of Canada have been destroyed by a wave of meteors. Or is she hiding from Dr. Victor Hutchings, a time-traveling scientist from 1973 who believes she has viewed top-secret documents on the Roswell file, information that could help him locate his missing son? Stacey's gone back in time to 1975. Traveling along the coast of California, she picks up Hollywood actress Veronica Ronnie Rogers, whose boyfriend was murdered by a highway serial killer only moments ago. Mr. Thomas, friend to Stacey Price and a member of Infinity Organization, comes along as police protection. Stacey's forty-eight-hour vacation turns into a nightmare when Mr. Thomas announces that a time portal has opened up that can't be closed. Things take a turn for the worse with the appearance of the Mothman, who continues to follow them along the infinite timeline from 1975 to 2017 to 2058 and finally back to Roswell, New Mexico, 1947. Come live the adventure with Stacey Price as she time-travels to unknown dangers and finds herself involved in a love triangle with museum owner Jeffery Rose from 2058, Darius from the mystical Atlantis, and finally, an enlightening out-of-this-world connection with alien being Manacus Thomas.
Series Collide, Volume 5
Welcome to Kristine Kathryn Rusch's and Dean Wesley Smith's writing home world. Science Fiction. Stories from their most acclaimed and famous series pack these pages, making it a stuffed tome that will dazzle science fiction fans of all types. Detectives on the moon, historical time travel, space opera in multiple universes and the strangest of science fiction right here in Planet Earth suburbia. Travel through the vastness of Series Collide: Volume 5 to fulfill all your science fiction reading desires. Come home, settle in and be swept away... Featured stories include Dean Wesley Smith's "The Gift of a Dream," "Let's Dance," and "Jukebox Gifts," and Kristine Kathryn Rusch's "The Impossibles," "Sole Survivor" and "Joyride."
Mattie Masters Smith
Mattie has one dream that guides her through life. She wants to become a spaceship captain like her uncle. The only problem with that is that the Lunar Academy does not accept females. Mattie launches a campaign for the right to attend the only college for those wishing to become Spacers. She engages the media and goes on a T.V. show that does interviews of People in the News. But there is a reason why females are excluded from the moon-based academy, and Mattie must circumvent that as well. Will she succeed? Will she become the first female student at Lunar Academy?
The Wages of Sin
One young woman dies and another vanishes on the same chilly spring night. Connor Cardwain sees no reason to link his cleaner Merissa's murder to a mystery anchored within a high-end warship sales team, but reconsiders his position when he realises both women were connected to a foreign runaway. Armed with an enterprising widow, an imperial spy and his own wits, Connor sets out to find the missing woman, in a city streaked with vice and a planet upturned by other ganglanders' ambition. If he fails to beat arms dealers, aristocrats, pirates and human traffickers at their own game, he and all his team will pay the price - and the wages of sin are death. We were introduced to Zo禱's universe, not to mention Connor Cardwain et al, in her acclaimed debut novel Sailor to a Siren, the first book in the Underside series: "If you like your space opera fast and violent, this book is for you" - Jaine Fenn "a perfect example of how to write entertaining and fast-paced space opera for adults with compelling characters and gritty scenes ... she is a talented author who has managed to pack a lot of story into a single novel and she has done it well. (More, please!)" - RisingShadow "Zo禱 Sumra's world-building is the best I have seen in a very very long time ... an outstanding debut novel" - Marion L. Thorpe Visit bit.ly/WagesOfSin

With a fantastic cover from artist Alex Storer
SmartYellow(TM)
SmartYellow(TM) is the story of a young girl, Katrina Williams, who finds herself on the wrong side of social services. After becoming pregnant with only a slight notion of the father's identity, she is disowned by her parents and goes to live on a social housing estate. Before long she is being bullied by a gang involved in criminal activity and anti-social behaviour. Seeking help from the authorities she is persuaded to return to the estate to work as part of Operation Schr繹dinger, alongside a surveillance specialist. But she soon realises that Operation Schr繹dinger is not what it seems.Exploring themes of social inequity and scientific responsibility, J.A. Christy's first speculative fiction novel leads her heroine Katrina to understand how probability, hope and empathy play a huge part in the flow of life and are absent in the stagnation of mere survival. As readers we also start to question how we would know if the power of the State to support and care for the weak had become corrupted into the oppression of all those who do not fit society's norms.SmartYellow(TM) offers a worryingly plausible and chilling glimpse into an alternate Britain. For the sake of order and for the benefit of more fortunate members of society, those seen as socially undesirable are marked with SmartYellow(TM), making it easier for them to be controlled and maintained in a state of fruitless inactivity. Writer, J.A. Christy, turns an understanding and honest eye not only onto the weak, who have failed to cope with life, but also onto those who ruthlessly exploit them for their own ends. At times tense and threatening, at times tender and insightful, SmartYellow(TM) is a rewarding and thought-provoking read.
Sailor to a Siren
Sailor to a Siren is a space opera novel with significant nods to the gangland thriller genre.When Connor and Logan Cardwain, a gangster's lieutenants, steal a shipment of high-grade narcotics on the orders of their boss, Connor dreams of diverting the profits and setting up in business for himself. His plans encounter a hurdle in the form of ?loise Falavi癡re, Logan's former girlfriend, who has been hired by an interplanetary police force's vice squad.Logan wants a family; ?loise wants to stop the drugs shipment from being sent to her home planet; Connor wants to gain independence without angering his boss. All of their plans are derailed, though, when they discover that the shipment was hiding a much deadlier secret - the prototype of a tiny superweapon powerful enough to destabilise galactic peace.Crime lords, corrupt officials and interstellar magicians soon begin pursuing them, and Connor, Logan and ?loise realise they have to identify and confront the superweapon's smuggler in order to survive. But, when one by one their friends begin to betray them, their self-imposed mission transforms from difficult to near-impossible.Sailor to a Siren is a great debut from Zo禱 Sumra and establishes her as a name to watch in epic space opera. The depth of her characters, the breadth of her world-building, the ambition and longevity of her story-arcs spanning multiple generations of families, all make this a first step in what is likely to be a fascinating and enthralling universe. This is a universe that has more in common with The Galactic Milieu, Firefly or Babylon 5 than with Star Trek or Star Wars. These are stories that Zo禱 has been thinking about, preparing and crafting for many years; stories that deserve to be told, from a story-teller who deserves to be heard.
The Rhymer
The Rhymer, an Heredyssey by Douglas Thompson defies classification in any one literary genre. A satire on contemporary society, particularly the art world, it is also a comic-poetic meditation on the nature of life, death and morality. A mysterious tramp wanders from town to town, taking a new name and identity from whoever he encounters first. Apparently amnesiac or even brain-damaged, Nadith Learmot nonetheless has other means to access the past and perhaps even the future: upon his chest a dial, down his sleeves wires that he can connect to the walls of old buildings from which he believes he can read their ghosts like imprints on tape. Haunting him constantly is the resemblance he apparently bears to his supposed brother, a successful artist called Zenir. Setting out to pursue Zenir and denounce or blackmail him out of spite, in his travels around the satellite towns and suburbs surrounding a city called Urbis, Nadith finds he is always two steps behind a figure as enigmatic and polyfaceted as himself. But through second hand snippets of news he increasingly learns of how his brother's fortunes are waning, while his own, to his surprise, are on the rise. Along the way, he encounters unexpected clues to his own true identity, how he came to lose his memory and acquire his strange 'contraption'. When Nadith finally catches up with Zenir, what will they make of each other? Told entirely in the first person in a rhythmic stream of lyricism, Nadith's story reads like Shakespeare on acid, leaving the reader to guess at what truth lies behind his madness. Is Nadith a mental health patient or a conman? - or as he himself comes to believe, the reincarnation of the thirteenth century Scottish seer True Thomas The Rhymer, a man who never lied nor died but disappeared one day to return to the realm of the faeries who had first given him his clairvoyant gifts?
Tales of Little Girl Haye
Tales of Little Girl Haye The Big Red Sky Speaks Part of the epic saga as narrated by The Big Red Sky.
Blood World
A dirty deal was struck. Humanity was allowed to keep three hundred rebellious worlds. In return, we declared war on a powerful enemy from beyond the frontier.A frantic build-up of forces has begun, but the task is hopeless. Seeking allies, Earth's legions are sent to BLOOD WORLD. A planet on the fringe of known space, where the people only respect masters of combat. Earth's Legions must impress them, but other alien powers have been invited to join the contest. The prize consists of billions of loyal troops-Earth must win.Fighting and dying and fighting again, the struggle is half-mad-but so is James McGill.BLOOD WORLD is the eighth book in the Undying Mercenaries Series.
Starfire
Two ships launch, but only one can come home with the prize-and no one suspects what they'll find when they get out there.On June 30, 1908 an object fell from the sky releasing more energy than a thousand Hiroshima bombs. A Siberian forest was flattened, but the strike left no significant crater. The anomaly came to be known as the Tunguska Event, and scientists have never agreed whether it was the largest meteor strike in recorded history-or something else.Alien Artifacts have been uncovered since the 1908 event, and a new star drive is discovered. When another, larger Artifact is detected orbiting Jupiter, both NASA and the Russian Federal Space Agency are determined to beat all rivals to the next treasure trove of alien tech.
The Selected (Book 4)
Who's the bravest of them all? Cat lady Mirelle and her Celestial Clan? Yeah, go screw yourself, Mirelle, you and your whole clan! It's bad enough that I'm allergic to you, now you've gone and stayed behind in this world when you should be in the next one. Go on, scram! And take your stupid clan with you. No democracy here, just despotism, tyranny, and the coming of the lord. Which means me, if you hadn't worked it out yet... he-he.
Ursus
Book two in the Operation Dreadnaught series.In the frozen expanse of the Pent-Land mountains, a small delegation from the Badger Nation sets out on a mission that could alter the course of the war, securing an alliance with the mighty Ursus Kingdom. As the delegation enters the heart of the legendary Ursus city, they find themselves caught in a deadly trap.Meanwhile, far to the south, B Troop's soldiers encounter insurgents, leading them on their own perilous journey North. Every step forward into the treacherous hill country is met with insurgent resistance. As they fight their way deeper into enemy held territory, each victory is costly, and the brutal mission threatens to consume them all. The Council of Cities, a coalition of ambitious and power-hungry city states prepares to launch a second invasion of the North, and war looms on the horizon. As armies amass, the fate of the entire continent hangs in the balance. In the Southern city of Ormiston, three unlikely fugitives, a pair of slaves and their human ally make a desperate bid for freedom. Pursued by the army, they flee toward a hidden desert valley, where safety awaits. Can they survive long enough to reach it? In Ursus, the second instalment of the Operation Dreadnaught series, the future of a Nation hangs by a thread. In this sweeping saga of honour, deception, and blood-soaked resolve, the battle for the North is about to ignite once again.
Time Hopper
Dan Walton has spent his entire life in the shadows: of his parents' absence, of his own mind, and of a world that never welcomed him.At thirty-two, he's a genius engineer worth millions, but emotionally bankrupt. When depression hits a breaking point, Dan doesn't seek therapy. He seeks purpose. And he finds it in the impossible: inventing something revolutionary and building a company from the ground up.But this isn't just a business venture. His creation opens unexpected doors into fractured timelines, unstable physics, and dangerous worlds where reality bends and nothing is what it seems. As he's pulled into a multiversal odyssey, Dan discovers that escaping monotony may come at a cosmic cost.To survive, he will need more than intelligence. He will need courage, connection, and a belief in something greater than himself.He tried to escape his life. He never expected to leave the world behind.Time Hopper is a genre-blending sci-fantasy about invention, isolation, and the fierce will to live. A story for anyone who's ever wondered what it might take to finally break free.
Earth, Rewind & Fire
If you make someone an offer they can't refuse, make SURE they can't refuse it.Mordecai The Brown was content to move on. He'd had his fun, had his vengeance, and had his next adventure all planned out. Then someone had to get it into their head to extort him for help overthrowing a planet.With a friend's life on the line, simple reprisal just won't do. With the help of his honorary niece and nephew, Jessie and Eric, Mort devises a plan of both rescue and vengeance, involving an elaborate deception to disguise a galactic-scale betrayal.Because what is true friendship if you aren't willing to commit regicide?Earth, Rewind & Fire is the fifteenth mission of Black Ocean: Passage of Time, a science fantasy series set in the late 26th century. What if Futurama jumped 5 years ahead instead of 1000? What if Doc and Marty lost the car keys? What if Bonnie and Clyde were siblings instead of lovers? Passage of Time jolts the Black Ocean universe forward into new adventures and new perils with a new cast of zany misfits trying to outsmart the galaxy just to get by.Strap in and hold on tight. Passage of Time is the latest series in the Black Ocean universe, and it's going to be an action-packed, mystery-filled, madcap ride across the galaxy!
An Odyssey Home
2025 INDEPENDENT AUTHOR NETWORK BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS FINALIST"An engaging read for all ages." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"A new take on time travel." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"Honestly, just a delightful read." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️What if writing a history essay could transport you into history? In 2024, seventeen-year-old Margaret Spears stops in front of an old house in her neighborhood, hoping for inspiration to write a history essay. Instead, she is catapulted into history. In 1904, seventeen-year-old-Charlotte Barbour finds a strangely dressed young woman lying on the sidewalk in front of her home. Why is Margaret 120 years in the past? Can she get back to 2024? Margaret embarks on a thrilling adventure to find a way home, while also discovering the beauty and challenges of 1904 life. The new friends will help each other. One to find a way back and the other to find a way forward. For fans of time-travel and heartwarming friendships, An Odyssey Home, is a compelling story. With its vivid setting and likeable characters, it will take you on an epic journey to the past. Don't miss out on this captivating tale.
The Sky Didn’t Load Today and Other Glitches
Thirty futures. One thousand words each. Zero safety protocols.The Sky Didn't Load Today and Other Glitches is Rich Larson's lightning strike collection of flash fiction. From the depths of biolab bunkers to alien fungi forests, each story is a precision-crafted portal to tomorrow. Here, minds are downloadable, bodies are rentable, and reality itself comes with a glitch warning.Brace yourself for thirty razor-sharp glimpses into futures where deep space comedy collides with seaside horror, and nothing is quite what your neural implants tell you it should be.Rich Larson: Global storyteller. Genre-bending visionary. Master of the short-form punch.
The Survivor’s Regression Part II David’s Chosen Family
In The Survivor's Regression, Part 2: David's Chosen Family, M.P. Hendy reintroduces David, a dedicated "prepper," who forms an unconventional and ever-expanding family over a decade, built on intimacy, control, and devotion. Summer is drawn to David again, after experiencing a premonitory dream. David's home, with his wife Tiffany feels impersonal, driven by David's meticulous plans for an apocalyptic future rather than warmth. Despite this, a unique bond forms, and Summer finds herself developing a sisterly connection with Tiffany. After returning home, Summer confides in Jennifer about Tiffany and David's marriage, but Jennifer's calm reaction suggests a calculated plan, a tapestry of lives orchestrated by David. He returns home with Tiffany for the purpose of retrieving Jennifer. During this period, David enjoys passionate encounters with her and Summer, culminating in a night shared together.A return road trip with Tiffany and Jennifer becomes a crucible, testing the boundaries of their unusual relationship. Jennifer witnesses an extreme act of intimacy between David and Tiffany reveals clues about their unique relationship. 9/11 occurs, and David's foresight is validated, solidifying the women's faith in his guidance. Over the next two years, they navigate pregnancy, college, and career changes, further cultivating his growing family.Eventually, the family moves to California. During this period, Elena enters the picture, captivated by David and the family's dynamics. After witnessing their unique connection, Elena divorces her husband and joins their growing family. Relocating to Texas, the family, now including Elena, establishes an organized lifestyle under David's watchful eye. Over time, the women continue to observe David's abilities and his preparations.As David excels in his military career, his complex relationship with Elena intensifies. He unveils a plan for a large-scale construction project in Texas, revealing his financial planning and leadership. The story highlights the progress of the construction project through email updates and depicts intimate relationships within the family, highlighting David's dominance. They plan for acquiring a ranch and large fuel/water tanks, all while using a secret code for record-keeping.This story unfolds as an intricate portrait of unorthodox love, unwavering loyalty, and the strength of human connection in the face of an uncertain future, all under the guidance of a man seemingly touched by foresight.
The Survivor’s Regression Part 1
In The Survivor's Regression, Part 1: The Maturity Gene, M.P. Hendy takes you into a world irrevocably scarred by a catastrophic blackout. Here, we meet David, a man pushed to the brink by loss and despair. Haunted by a grim past and fueled by the survival instincts forged in the post-apocalyptic ruins. David's journey takes a bewildering turn, as he suddenly finds himself reliving his youth, armed with the memories and experiences of his hardened adult self, offering him a chance to reshape a future he once thought was set in stone.
