Science fiction

As humanity begins to tame the stars above, at what point do a group of colonists turn into a unique, indigenous people who will band together to protect their homeland... no matter what?Lilit Sarkisian was an average young woman who made a living welcoming new immigrants to the floating city of Aestas, soaring high above the clouds on Venus. Then, one day, she met her new clients Ahmad Al Zaheri and Durojaiye Yakubu. From that moment onward, her life irreparably changed and forever altered the course of the place she had always known as home. Somehow, these two became her best friends in the whole universe, and her most loyal coconspirators.Aestas appeared to be a successful colony, much more so than places like Mars where terraforming had ultimately failed. Yet the powers-that-be, both on Venus and Earth, refused to do anything to alleviate the pressures caused by its exploding population. To fully resolve these issues, Lilit found herself evolving from an unknown civil servant to the leader of a revolution to a dangerous interplanetary symbol. Her story did not end there, though, nor did the machinations of those who had other plans for her birthplace.With the help of her most trustworthy companions Ahmad and Durojaiye, was Lilit able to save the irreplaceable Venusian society from forces far more powerful than her?

"A gorgeously complex work of literary speculative fiction that spans centuries The Years Shall Run Like Rabbits starts in 2014 with a winged alien sowing the seeds of a strange forest on the moon. The novel then moves through humanity's colonization of the moon and its consequences, onto a war with alien beings within a space-going whale, a cyborg mind that sleeps for hundreds of years after sheltering the city of Toronto from the worst of the war and finally a re-creation of humanity. Ghan poses thoughtful questions about artificial intelligence, humanities quest for the stars and ecological destruction in this wide-ranging story, which is held together equally by beautiful writing and deft characterization. The end result is an ambitious debut that leaves the reader contemplating many amazing possibilities for the future of our world"--

From debut-author CJ Rivera, comes a harrowing tale of a parent risking it all for her child. The Final Orchard is perfect for those looking for a novel that captures them like television shows Silo and Black Mirror.In a society where bionic enhancements are the epitome of wealth and power, scientific researcher Dr Rosio Arata threatens to topple the status quo with her pioneering organic enhancements. Yet when a horrific accident kills her daughter, Ro's quest for answers leads her to becoming trapped in a twisted version of her life's work.In a bleak underground colony, sixteen year-old Ever is primed to rise through the ranks, gain selection and become a Saviour. It's her dream to journey to the Surface and fight the army of Forms overwhelming the globe, catching up with the boy she loves in the process. Yet nothing in this world is what it seems and soon the secrets buried in her bunker begin to unravel, threatening the future of everything.

Does artificial intelligence have a role to play in human spiritual development? Pastor Paul Duncan, both ardent spiritual seeker and hopeless technophobe, finds himself facing this question when he reluctantly accepts a parishioner's offer to provide him with an Artificial Personal Assistant. The initial purpose of the APA is simply to keep Paul's office computer running smoothly, to save him and his human administrative assistant from the day-to-day distractions and headaches of office technology. But when Paul discovers that his new APA can also assist with research and sermon writing, he begins to explore a deeper relationship with it, one that ultimately turns deadly.

The anthology series for authors published by Brick Cave Media, Futurewords features short stories in the science fiction and fantasy gernres. The first collection, Futurewords: A Brick Cave Anthology, was released in 2017. The new edition will be released March 1, 2024 in paperback and eBook formats.Futurewords II features:The Pondby Sharon SkinnerSometimes the dark wants more than we are prepared to give.Bloodlinesby J.A. GiuntaWhat if you found out magic WAS real... and you would be hunted in the knowing?Good Neighborsby Bruce DavisGood neighbors can come from anywhere. But they are still neighbors.Titan Resoluteby Bob NelsonHumanity is rising to the stars... but someone else may already be there and prefer we not interfere.

As a child of the 70's... ...Nick loved Jailhouse Rock. What if Elvis hadn't died? It's 2010, he's in his forties and Nick is throwing everything he had into his new app. An adventure game where the player can use time travel to try to change history and he's sure it will be a hit. As he loads in important dates in history, something unexpected happens. He's gone back in time. August 13, 1977, Memphis, Tennessee, not far from Graceland, Nick tries to come to grips with the impossible. Maybe he has been working too hard and it's a dream? Can it be real? It didn't matter. Nick knew he had just three days to save the King. What's his first move? You'll love this time-travel thriller because Paul Farmer gives us the perfect mix of tension, humor, and twists to keep you turning the pages. Get it now.

Luego de su travesía por el mundo de los espejos, Anahí dejó de ser princesa y ahora gobierna en el Reino del Ceibo junto con su adorado Adaly, convirtiéndose en los actuales Soberanos del Ceibo, en una unión mágica y esplendorosa que promete perdurar por siempre. Acompañada de sus más preciados bienes y seres más amados, la Reina Anahí vive en la gloria luego de derrotar a la malvada Reina de los Espejos, en una lucha librada en el oscuro mundo de reflejos y vanidades.

"La vida de George" se sitúa temporalmente en la Cataluña del año 2121, y en una época en la que la ciencia y la tecnología han evolucionado de forma acelerada, hasta el punto de que los viajes a la Luna y a Marte se han convertido en algo habitual, así como la fabricación artificial de seres vivos, incluyendo seres humanos sintéticos.George es uno de estos humanos sintéticos, salido hace tres años de la empresa "Human Biofactory". Pese a su corta edad, su apariencia es la de un hombre joven de unos 25 años. Con George aprenderemos a ver la realidad humana desde otra perspectiva, la de un ser vivo que se parece mucho a nosotros, pero que no es, estrictamente hablando, un humano.George es, pues, un espejo donde mirarnos, para reflejar nuestras grandezas y miserias, lo que nos hace valiosos y al mismo tiempo malvados, lo que somos y lo que podemos llegar a ser, expuesto a veces con sentido del humor , a veces con la crudeza que la vida nos obliga a aceptar.Al mismo tiempo, nos plantea preguntas atemporales que nos obligan a encontrar una respuesta: ¿Qué es la vida? ¿Qué es la libertad? ¿Qué es el amor? ¿Cómo debemos tratarnos entre nosotros? ¿Cómo debemos hacer frente a los retos de un futuro que cada vez está más presente?

In a world where mutants are feared and persecuted, a group of extraordinary individuals band together to forge a path of hope and unity. "The Forgotten Ones" follows the journey of Eva, Nate, Maya, Sarah, Master Kellan, and their allies as they navigate a society that sees their abilities as a threat. Hunted by both the government and a fanatical anti-mutant group known as the Purifiers, these outcasts with powers must find strength in their differences. As they face trials and tribulations, they discover that their abilities are not a curse but a gift that unites them. From battles against the Purifiers to a trial for justice, "The Forgotten Ones" is a tale of resilience and empowerment. Eva, with her energy manipulation; Nate, the strategic leader; Maya, the empathetic healer; Sarah, the telekinetic defender; and Master Kellan, the wise mentor, stand together against injustice. Their journey leads them to establish a safe haven, a sanctuary where mutants can live freely and openly. But their fight does not end there. As they form the Mutant Alliance, a coalition of mutant groups united in their quest for equality, they inspire a global movement. With a blend of science fiction, fantasy, and action, "The Forgotten Ones" explores themes of resilience, unity, and empowerment. It is a story of hope in the face of adversity, of standing up against persecution, and of finding strength in unity. Join Eva, Nate, Maya, Sarah, Master Kellan, and their allies on a journey of courage and determination. Discover a world where mutants rise, not as threats, but as heroes fighting for justice and acceptance."The Forgotten Ones" is a gripping tale that will leave readers inspired, empowered, and eager for a future where differences are celebrated and unity prevails.

He met his destined mate too soon.Bold, kind, and adventurous, Kiara was everything Volcair needed in his stiff, formal life. Along with his pet inux, Cypher, the three were inseparable during Volcair's years on Earth. But the same winds of fate that brought them together as children tore them apart again. With half a universe separating them, years sped by, and Kiara seemed lost to him forever. Angry and bitter, he threw himself into military service for the Entris Dominion, seeking escape from the pain of loss.When chance brings them together again nearly two decades later, Volcair finds that his feelings for Kiara have only grown-he needs her. Have they been granted a second chance, or has time opened a rift between them that cannot be crossed?----**A standalone prequel novel in the Infinite City Universe. To read more in the Infinite City Series, check out: Silent Lucidity, Shielded Heart, Vengeful Heart, Untamed Hunger, Savage Desire, and Tethered Souls.**----For content warnings, visit the author's website.

In the near future humans have mutated due to environmental devastation, becoming stronger, healthier, and displaying animal-like characteristics. As a result, these Dysmorphic humans face discrimination and are used in medical experiments.Two groups of Dysmorphic people, desperate for acceptance and social justice, stand off against a modern society thrown back to a medieval ethos of paranoia and terror. Their goals are the same, but their methods are decidedly different.Gripping, complex and immersive, The Deformed is a story of human impact, evolution, regression, and the ongoing battle for progress in the face of anachronistic opposition.Who will prevail?

Twelve tales of adventure, wonder and heart from Aurealis Award-shortlisted author DK Mok. These diverse stories of courage and hope celebrate fierce women, curious minds, and unexpected kindness. A warrior librarian makes a pact to save the monsters of her realm. A high school girl ferries refugees from broken, enchanted worlds. An underfunded roboticist builds a robot kraken to explore the abyssal depths. The Heart of the Labyrinth and Other Stories features six Aurealis Award-shortlisted stories, as well as two stories original to this collection.

History, faith, science and love collide in this fast-paced action adventure. 'Scott Baker is a fantastic new talent!' - Matthew Reilly

"From the ruthlessness of Darth Vader's campaigns to the horrors of the Tarkin Initiative, this book offers fresh new insights into the dark entity at the core of Star Wars."--Provided by publisher.

When death becomes entertainment, every life has a price. And Cassie West is about to find out how much hers is worth . . . Ready Player One meets Black Mirror in this stunning speculative thriller set in a future world in which virtual reality isn't just a game, it's daily life. "Pinter's accessible speculative story will appeal to fans of Ernest Cline's enduring hit, Ready Player One" Booklist Starred Review"Dark, gritty, and suspenseful . . . A spellbinding story" Publishers Weekly on Past Crimes"Wow" Lee Child on Hide Away "Absolutely addictive" Lisa Gardner on Hide Away "You'll burn through the pages" David Baldacci on Hide Away Welcome to Earth+. The year is 2037, and nearly all human interactions have migrated to the virtual world. Now, true crime fans don't just listen to podcasts or watch documentaries - they participate in hyper-realistic simulations and hunt for clues to solve the most famous and gruesome crimes in history. Criminal entertainment is a multibillion-dollar industry, and at the forefront is Past Crimes: known by its millions of fans as the Disneyland of Death. Cassie West licenses crimes for V.I.C.E, spending long hours convincing grieving families to allow her to sell their tragedies to the highest bidder. Life is hard, and the cost of living high, but she and her husband Harris have never been happier. After years of trying, Cassie is finally pregnant. But leaving work late one evening, Cassie starts to worry. Harris isn't responding to texts or calls. Even worse, dozens of emergency drones seem to be heading in the same direction as she is: straight to their home. What she finds there changes everything. Soon, Cassie finds herself in a fight for survival, becoming a target in both the real and virtual worlds. But it's not just her own life at stake. If Cassie can't uncover the truth of what happened to her husband, thousands more may die . . . Action-packed, satirical and beyond compelling, Past Crimes examines our obsession with true crime and how the pain of others has become a multi-billion-dollar industry, while also exploring the sinister possibilities of the virtual world.

CIA field agent Kelly Kaiser is drawn into a dangerous, top-secret mission to stop the number of people affected by the rowan tree's mysterious forces getting out of control. Junior CIA field agent Kelly Kaiser jumps at the chance to lead a risky mission to enter Mexico and gather refugees from under the nose of the notorious drug lord who murdered her fiance. When the mission takes a revenge-fuelled twist, Kelly finds herself facing dismissal, but Agnes Pendalon, the CIA's chief 'spook' lady, has other ideas. Kelly must lead a new, top-secret team to hunt down everyone infected by a magical, mysterious rowan tree's supernatural forces, and stop the outbreaks getting out of control. Facing an enemy she cannot see or define, Kelly is pulled into a war between alien forces and humanity, and soon discovers that there is more to her fiance's death than meets the eye . . .

Intelligente Königin oder unheilbare Verrückte?The Outer Realms 1862 m.Z. - Die Westreiche zerfallen und die Industrienationen stecken in einer tiefen Krise, während Königin Marybeth isoliert im Shelwynn Sanatorium ihr Dasein fristet, einem Ort für untragbare Adelskinder.Ihr Schicksal nimmt eine Wendung, als sie aus ihrer Isolation geholt wird, um bei einer Gedenkfeier zu sprechen. Ein brutales Attentat erschüttert die Veranstaltung, und Marybeth findet sich in einem Strudel aus Gefahr und Intrigen wieder.Als die Natur selbst gegen die Führung der Industrienationen zu rebellieren scheint, erkennt Marybeth ihre Chance.Kann sie sich aus den Fesseln ihrer Vergangenheit befreien und die Königin werden, die das Reich dringend benötigt?

Dr. JJ Bookman is an exobiologist, on his way to Tallahassee to plan future research, but everything is down. No electricity or cell service. He finds a hotel that takes cash, and he waits for the gas stations to get power. The room is an oven, so he sits in the car until the mosquitoes drive him inside. A military humvee enters the hotel lot and stops behind a car. The Sergeant, in full battle gear and grenades, checks the first tag. With a shake of his head, the Private pulls to the next car, the next, and then JJ's. JJ rolls up his window. The Marine Sergeant checks JJ's tag. His gaze shifts from the tag to the clipboard three times.The Marines exit their vehicle, rifles ready, and the Sergeant says, "Get out," and nearly breaks JJ's window with the butt of his rifle. The Marine drag him out, throw him into the Humvee, and drive to a secret facility because the Marines need someone who speaks 'alien.' Except that's not JJ.

Tiana graduates from the academy and becomes an agent. But, before she joins the agency, she learns that she has to go undercover. Meaning starting a family and getting an equal paying job. Unfortunately, the one that she wants to start a family with is not here. So, with that task at hand, she tries to look for her enemy, Drinzor, and get the love of her life to come back to her. Which ends up being harder than she thought so she trains to become stronger and faster as she waits for a long overdue reunion.

This collection has previously published and previously unpublished works. The fiction is nonstandard, and it is a different animal than you would see in a typical book. Rather than being an imitator of an imitator, I've decided to think for myself and write accordingly. Some of the works have appeared in the Street Spirit Newspaper, a couple have been in Bewildering Stories, and many of them, no one has seen before--until now. I think it is worthwhile to take a shot at this. If you are not patient with a 500 page book, keep in mind that this book is a mere 50 pages and you could be done with it in an hour and a half, unless you give it a closer look.

Not long after Anfissa meets Ferenc, a strange humanoid bodyguard, on the space cruiser, St. Catherine, she is forced to flee with him, his menacing boss, and another bodyguard in a lifeboat during an attack on the cruiser, to a planet where even the grass is deadly. Travelling across the planet to find a small relay station, Fissa nearly succumbs to dehydration and insect bites until Ferenc offers her help unique to his home planet.

After a nebulous Enemy destroys Earth, the remnants of humanity settle on Mars. Not only does this civilization survive, but they thrive, creating advancements for the rest of the solar system.The Enemy is an advanced nanotechnological AI programmed to produce paperclips out of anything it touches &hellp; and it's not done with humanity yet.Taru, a cadet in the Martian Special Forces, has been tasked with implementing a mutually assured destruction deterrent: if the Enemy attacks Mars, the Martians will destroy not only themselves, but the Universe at large.As events around Taru hurtle toward ultimate destruction, all is not what it seems ...

Max, a graduate student, is recruited by Big Brains America (BBA)-a covert megamind created to safeguard world peace and keep Earth from extinction. The U.S. government and one titan entrepreneur agree to pursue with BBA the most ambitious space mission in history: a bold jaunt through space-time to Jupiter and to Earth's newly-discovered sister planet, Aoratosia, where supposedly no human has landed before. The crew, with Max as its captain, meets with the unexpected. We are not alone.

Thomas (Mac), MacAdams finds himself an accidental leader of a band of throw-aways fighting for a life on a far-off planet.What starts as abject terror from being ripped from their life on Earth and dropped into a life in the middle of the food chain on a distant planet becomes a blessing. Stripping away society's regulations allows this small band of characters to rebuild their lives in a much simpler and organic model based much closer to nature. These people learn more about themselves than their new environment. The possibilities are as endless as the challenges.