by Kathleen Ann Goonan (2002)
From back cover Eos paperback July 2003: *Once the world worked differently -- before "the Silence" from space quieted the airwaves. Once there was a haven called Crescent City, built through the wonders of nanotechnology to transport its enlightened inhabitants into the cosmos. But humanity has failed the city.* Dania Cooper, a brilliant scientist and resilient survivor, and Jason Peabody, a recipient of the DNA-altering virus affecting a remarkable few who were born at the Silence's onset, must now flee the sentient metropolis -- embarking on a bizarre odyssey across a perilous, unrecognizable landscape of tragically "youngening" children, of plague-ravaged humans in foreboding "flower cities," of conscious machines and talking animals. For a world that is not as it was is on the brink of yet another astonishing transformation -- either by grand design or random cosmic accident.
Jack McDevitt
The universe has been explored--and humanity has all but given up on finding other intelligent life. Then an alien satellite orbiting a distant star sends out an unreadable signal. Is it the final programmed gasp of an ancient, long-dead race? Or the first greeting of an undiscovered life form?
Cixin Liu
Supernova Era is a celebrated work by Cixin Liu (Hugo Award Winner, Galaxy Award Winner), recognized for masterclass storytelling and lasting literary resonance.
Ellen Kushner
Welcome to Riverside, where the aristocratic and the ambitious battle for power and prestige in the city's labyrinth of streets and ballrooms, theatres and brothels, boudoirs and salons. Into this alluring and alarming world walks a bright young woman ready to take it on and make her fortune. A well-bred country girl, Katherine knows all the rules of conventional society. Her biggest mistake is thinking they apply.Katherine's host and uncle, Alec Campion, the capricious and decadent Mad Duke Tremontaine, is in charge here--and to him, rules are made to be broken. When he decides it would be far more amusing for his niece to learn swordplay than to follow the usual path to ballroom and husband, her world changes forever. And there's no going back. Blade in hand, it's up to Katherine to find her own way through a maze of secrets and betrayals, nobles and scoundrels--and to gain the power, respect, and self-discovery that come to those who master...
Terry Pratchett
Night Watch is a celebrated work by Terry Pratchett (Carnegie Medal Winner, World Fantasy Life Achievement), recognized for masterclass storytelling and lasting literary resonance.