Arc Manor

On July 4, 1983, Vivian Carter and her NASA crew of seven set off on an audacious double flyby of Venus and Mars, a two-year mission with repurposed Apollo technology that will push their ingenuity and resourcefulness to the limit. Meanwhile, superpower conflicts escalate on Earth, mirrored by a dangerously unstable arms race and battles for valuable mineral resources on the Moon. Full-up lunar military actions and treacherous sneak attacks decimate Vivian’s friends, allies and colleagues on both sides of the Iron Curtain and threaten everything she has worked to achieve. Vivian’s odyssey is a high adventure that will bring mankind new knowledge and unimagined insights … just as the risk of worldwide nuclear war has never been greater. Now, on her triumphant return in 1985, Vivian Carter’s path inevitably brings her back to where she began: a desperate rescue mission with no NASA support and no safety net, to a dangerous, war-torn Moon where she will be hard pressed to tell friend from foe. In the concluding volume of Alan Smale’s highly acclaimed Apollo Rising series ("A nail-biting thriller."−Publishers Weekly) humanity faces a stark choice: a bright new interplanetary future … or nuclear apocalypse on two worlds.

New Rock New Rules, the thrilling third installment of Richard Sparks'' gripping New Rock series, the kingdom finds itself in turmoil after the eccentric demise of King Wyllard. As power shifts unexpectedly into the hands of the radiant and cunning Esmeralda, alliances are tested, schemes unravel, and palace intrigue reaches a fever pitch. Esmeralda''s bold maneuvering silences her ambitious rivals and sends a clear message: in this new era, she alone sets the rules—and she isn''t afraid to enforce them. Meanwhile, legendary warrior Commandant Bastard faces his greatest challenge yet—a spectacular duel against Grell, a hero whose strength and ferocity could change the realm forever. As excitement grips Eastbay and fortunes ride on the outcome, secrets emerge, loyalties are tested, and even friendships teeter

Mission Impossible meets X-Men—with a twist: You only have 60 seconds to save the day. Currently being considered for a major Hollywood production. U.S. Marine Daniel Hayes returns from the Middle East in a wheelchair. The only survivor of his team, he’s haunted by more than his physical scars. His survivor’s guilt keeps him trapped on the porch of his childhood home, watching the rust belt crumble around him. In Africa, Dr. Christian Chase’s once-fearless hands are now useless. Blinded in a rebel ambush, she replays the life she couldn’t save as if torturing herself with endless flashbacks could change the past. In Ukraine, kickboxer Zoya Zynchenko wakes in a cold hospital bed. Her family gone, her legs paralyzed, a missile strike leaving her a forgotten victim of war. And bounty hunter Max “Jaxx” Jaquez hides his crippling pain behind false bravado. Drowning in guilt for letting a dangerous predator escape, he hates himself more than the criminal he failed to apprehend. Enter Norman Blackwell, a brilliant but reclusive biotech engineer. His cutting-edge treatment transforms these broken heroes into something extraordinary. Hayes gains superhuman strength. Chase’s gaze becomes deadly. Zoya moves with lightning reflexes. Jaxx’s intellect explodes into genius. But there’s a cost: These powers last for only 60 seconds at a time, then pain and incapacitation hits. Together, they become the Minute-Men, a team of wounded warriors turned reluctant heroes. Their first mission: Stop a ruthless corporate warlord from weaponizing life-saving nanotechnology, turning hope into tools of control and destruction. To succeed, they must master their fleeting powers, trust each other, and find strength in their shared scars. Because in a world where everything can change in a heartbeat, 60 seconds is all they’ve got to save the day—and each other.

Seventeen-year-old Lexi has been living in a remote stretch of the Rocky Mountain woods since her father dragged her there ten years ago, after her mother and baby brother were afflicted with a magical sickness. Her paranoid father thinks they''ve escaped the magic, and that as long as they never leave the woods, they''ll be safe. So Lexi never tells him about her friend Gil, who turns up sometimes in a birch copse that travels with him, and who is definitely not human. She especially doesn''t mention the magic he taught her, which can open a path to wherever she needs to go. After all, she''s been in the woods for most of her life: she can find her way without magic. But when pop star TJ Furey hires them to help him hunt down a bear, Lexi''s secret is threatened. The bear he wants to kill is under Gil''s protection, and if Lexi doesn''t prevent its death, she''ll never see Gil again. But she can''t do so without risking her father''s wrath – and when it turns out that TJ''s manager is harboring a similar grudge of his own, Lexi feels trapped. If she wants her own life, she''ll have to find a way to break all their expectations. Leave No Trace plays the clash of worlds – magic and technology, future and past, rural and urban – against the backdrop of a bear hunt.

The Lords of Creation, the eagerly anticipated finale in S.M. Stirling''s acclaimed The Lords of Creation series, promises to be a masterful conclusion to a saga that has captivated readers worldwide. Following the remarkable adventures in The Sky People and In the Courts of the Crimson Kings, this third installment is set to weave the intricate tales of alternate Venus and Mars into a climactic narrative. In this series conclusion, the richly imagined worlds of a habitable Venus and Mars, each with their own unique civilizations and ecosystems, come alive again. Stirling, known for his meticulous world-building and deep character development, is set to intertwine the fates of characters from both planets, exploring the culmination of their struggles and triumphs. As is common of all of this award winning author''s works, readers can expect an extremely well narrated version of science fiction adventure, political intrigue, and speculative history, all while providing a satisfying resolution to the overarching narrative. Lords of Creation promises to be the epic conclusion of the journey through Stirling''s imaginative and richly detailed versions of Venus and Mars. It is a must-read for fans of the series and science fiction in general.

An artist’s brain rules a team of a million microbial minds—from the Campbell Award winning author of A Door into Ocean. In the hundred-level city of Iridis, human lords recycle diamonds and emeralds down to the Underworld while sentient machines pilot lightcraft and perform surgeries. Microbial minds expand the brains of scientists and artists. The artist Chrys directs her microbes to paint startling installations, design smart buildings and fix quantum networks. A world-size virtual intelligence called Transit commissions Chrys to create a whole new city on another planet. But unexpected flaws fracture her designs. Microbial criminal gangs invade Chrys’s brain to kill off her own micros and take control. In Iridis, the roots of buildings grow cancers that escape the Underworld and cause earthquakes. Outlawed machines shake down shops and kidnap human lords for ransom. The city’s rulers ignore the signs of collapse, then face a new threat that no mind foresaw.

Permutations: A Well World Anthology iis a triumphant return to Jack L. Chalker’s groundbreaking universe; a series that captivated readers with its imaginative scope and  profound themes. The original novel, Midnight at the Well of Souls, has sold over five million copies worldwide, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of science fiction literature. Set on the Well World—a planet-sized supercomputer created by the ancient Markovians to engineer new species—the series explores transformation, identity, and the complexities of existence through the journey of starship captain Nathan Brazil.This anthology, officially authorized by Chalker’s estate, combines a stellar lineup of contemporary science fiction authors, including Neal Asher, Catherine Asaro, and S.P. Somtow. Each contributor offers a unique perspective, expanding upon the rich tapestry of the Well World and introducing fresh narratives that honor the spirit of the original works. These stories delve into the diverse habitats and species of the Well World, exploring new adventures and philosophical quandaries that will resonate with today’s readers.For long-time fans and newcomers alike, Permutations serves as both an homage and a gateway into the expansive universe Chalker masterfully created. It’s more than a collection of stories, it’s an invitation to re-experience the wonder and complexity of a world that has inspired countless imaginations. Whether revisiting the Well World or exploring it for the first time, this anthology promises to ignite the awe and curiosity that defines great science fiction.

Lost Origins (Book One of the Majestic Chronicles) is an enthralling space odyssey set in a distant future where Earth is a lost legend. In this riveting tale, Maddy, a skilled smuggler, embarks on a perilous mission carrying vital medicine and a cryptic data crystal. Her journey plunges her into a universe brimming with danger, from space pirates to complex political intrigue. Maddy''s character is a blend of strength and vulnerability, making her a compelling protagonist. Her journey is not just about the physical travel through space, but also an exploration of her own morals and choices. This adds depth to the narrative, offering readers more than just an action-packed adventure. The novel deftly balances high-stakes action with thought-provoking themes. As Maddy maneuvers through perilous situations, she is confronted with questions of right and wrong in a morally grey universe. This element of ethical dilemma enriches the plot, making it a gripping read. Lost Origins is a must-read for fans of space opera and character-driven stories. The novel''s rich world-building, combined with Maddy''s compelling character arc, makes it an unforgettable journey across the stars, filled with suspense, action, and deep human insights.

Following my Nose is Hugo and Nebula author and critic Alexei Panshin’s very personal journey into literary analysis and his own reflections. Panshin discusses his own journey as well as works that influenced his own writing and on science fiction in general. Authors like A.E. van Vogt, Charles Dodgson (Lewis Caroll) and others have shaped both the genre as well as Panshin’s own art. This work also discusses a broader critique of the genre and its impact on literature and culture, drawing heavily from his outstanding, Hugo-winning book, The World Beyond the Hill. Beautifully written as only Alexei Panshin can, the book perfectly melds his own personal journey, a unique perspective on science fiction and the power of the genre to influence our culture.