Xenocide

Sample

Michael Swanwick

The story of a nameless bureaucrat who is sent by the Office of Technology Transfer, charged with restricting the flow of dangerous technologies, to the planet Miranda to search for a fugitive in possession of forbidden technological knowledge. His search is complicated by his quarry's deep local knowledge and the imminence of the continent-inundating Jubilee tides, which have thrown the world he's searching into chaos. Little is what it seems and references abound.

Sample

David Gerrold

She was born in the moonstar's shadow when the storms of Satlik raged their worst. Because of this, Jobe was different. The family never spoke of it, but everyone knew Jobe was special. So Jobe came to know of it, too. She had a destiny beyond that of Choice, beyond that moment when she would finally have to decide for Reethe, Mother of the World, or for Dakka, Father, Son, and Lover. For the others it was easy, but not for her, not for Jobe. So she was sent to Option, the island of learning, to make her choice and become who she must be. And slowly, ever so slowly, Jobe retreated from the world, from the time of decision. Then the ultimate cataclysm wracked the planet, threatening all her people had struggled to create, and Jobe came forth at last to fulfill her destiny and begin the quest that the moonstar had set for her so many years ago…

Sample

Robert A. Heinlein

Engineered from the finest genes, and trained to be a secret courier in a future world, Friday operates over a near-future Earth, where chaos reigns. Working at Boss's whimsical behest she travels from far north to deep south, finding quick, expeditious solutions as one calamity after another threatens to explode in her face.... Fabulous Heinlein world of fascination and intrigue.

Sample

Iain M. Banks

The State of the Art is a celebrated work by Iain M. Banks (British Science Fiction Award Winner), recognized for masterclass storytelling and lasting literary resonance.