S. M. Stirling

Spine-tingling Breathtaking Mind-blowing Experience these powerful new voices?vivid, visceral, and visionary?as they explore uncharted worlds and reveal unlimited possibilities. Twelve captivating tales from the best new writers of the year as selected by Writers of the Future Contest judges accompanied by three more from L. Ron Hubbard, Nancy Kress, S.M. Stirling. Each story has a full-color illustration. Plus Bonus Art and Writing Tips from Gregory Benford, Bob Eggleton, L. Ron Hubbard, Dean Wesley Smith ?When her owner goes missing, a digital housecat must become more than simulation to find her dearest companion through the virtual world. The Edge of Where My Light Is Cast? by Sky McKinnon, art by Carina Zhang No one came to his brother's funeral. Not even the spirits. tienne knew it was his fault. Son, Spirit, Snake? by Jack Nash, art by Pedro N. Man overboard is a nightmare scenario for any sailor, but Lieutenant Susan Guidry is also running out of air?and the nearest help is light years away. Nonzero? by Tom Vandermolen, art by Jennifer Mellen Mac wanted to invent a cocktail to burn itself upon the pages of history?but this one had some unexpected side effects. The Last Drop? by L. Ron Hubbard and L. Sprague de Camp, art by Chris Arias Dementia has landed Dan Kennedy in Graydon Manor, and what's left of his life ahead seems dismal, but a pair of impossible visitors bring unexpected hope. The Imagalisk? by Galen Westlake, art by Arthur Haywood When a teenage swamp witch fears her mama will be killed, she utilizes her wits and the magic of the bayou?no matter the cost to her own soul. Life and Death and Love in the Bayou? by Stephannie Tallent, art by Ashley Cassaday Our exodus family awoke on the new world?a paradise inexplicably teeming with Earth life, the Promise fulfilled. But 154 of us are missing. Five Days Until Sunset? by Lance Robinson, art by Steve Bentley Spirits were supposed to lurk beneath the Lake of Death, hungry and patient and hostile to all life. Shaman Dreams? by S.M. Stirling, art by Dan dos Santos A new app lets users see through the eyes of any human in history, but it's not long before the secrets of the past catch up with the present. The Wall Isn't a Circle? by Rosalyn Robilliard, art by Guelly Rivera In the shadows of Teddy Roosevelt's wendigo hunt, a Native American boy resolves to turn the tables on his captors, setting his sights on the ultimate prey?America's Great Chief. Da-ko-ta? by Amir Agoora, art by Connor Chamberlain When squids from outer space take over, a punk-rock P.I. must crawl out of her own miserable existence to find her client's daughter?and maybe a way out. Squiddy? by John Eric Schleicher, art by Tyler Vail Another outbreak? This time it's a virus with an eighty percent infection rate that affects personality changes ? permanently. Halo? by Nancy Kress, art by Lucas Durham Planet K2-18b is almost dead, humanity is enslaved, and it's Rickard's fault. Now in his twilight years, he?d give an arm and a leg for redemption. Literally. Ashes to Ashes, Blood to Carbonfiber? by James Davies, art by May Zheng What if magic could undo the unthinkable, and undo Death itself? Would you use it no matter the cost? What would you sacrifice for love Summer of Thirty Years? by Lisa Silverthorne, art by Gigi Hooper Joe is a prospector tasked with exploring the cosmos on behalf of an all-powerful government. Breadna is a toaster. There have been weirder love stories, but that's unlikely. Butter Side Down? by Kal M, art by Selena Meraki 24 Award-winning Authors and Illustrators 16-page color gallery of artwork

From the New York Times bestselling author comes the third volume in the exceptional Legends of the Riftwar series that began with Honored Enemy and continued with Murder in LaMut. SELLING POINTS- All of Feist's books regularly appear on local lists as well as the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and various chain bestseller lists. More than 15 million copies of Feist's books have been sold worldwide.- The three Legends of the Riftwar titles return to Feist's bestselling kingdom of Midkemia. Set during the infamous Riftwar, each title, co-written with another well-respected fantasy author, tells a story tangential to the action of the Riftwar Saga, with cameo appearances from Feist's most beloved characters.- Jimmy the Hand was a Featured Alternate Selection of the Science Fiction Book Club.- The magic, youthful heroes, and epic battles make Feist's work a natural for crossover to a young adult audience.

Jak vojin, scho prodav mech za zoloto, Konan pribuvaje do Sukhmeta - pokhmurogo j brudnogo mistechka na pivden vid riki Stiks. Tut, u lavakh Vilnikh Tovarishiv Zarallo, vin sluzhit sered strokatogo zboriska najmantsiv z usogo svitu. Zhorstokikh, zagartovanikh bitvami j virnikh lishen dzvonu monet.U mistsevij taverni Konan zustrichaje Valeriju z Chervonogo Bratstva, bezstrashnu morsku rozbijnitsju, z jakoju kolis khodiv u rejdi. Vona maje slavu nebezpechnoji fekhtuvalnitsi, i shvidko dovodit na dili, scho tsja slava - zasluzhena.Ta koli Valerija vstupaje v sutichku zi stigijskim aristokratom, to oboje vijavljajutsja vtjagnutimi v smertelno nebezpechnu gru zhertsja zlovisnogo boga - Seta, povelitelja zmij i tinej."Krov zmija" - pershij novij roman pro Konana za bilsh jak desjatilittja, scho prodovzhuje legendarni prigodi geroja Roberta Govarda.Takozh u vidannja vkhodit povist Roberta Govarda "Chervoni tsvjakhi" - ostannja iz napisanikh avtorom istorij pro kimmerijtsja. Vpershe serializovana u chasopisi Weird Tales u 1936 rotsi, tsja novela perekladena ukrajinskoju vpershe.

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.

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.

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.

New time travel military adventure from New York Times best-selling novelist S.M. Stirling

In the Court of the Crimson Kings plunges readers into an alternate universe where early space probes revealed Mars to be brimming with life. Now human explorers walk the red sands, navigating a world filled with ancient mysteries and alien intrigue. Jeremy Wainman, an Earth archaeologist, arrives on Mars to uncover the secrets of a long-lost city buried beneath the sands. His guide is Teyud za-Zhalt, a fierce and enigmatic Martian warrior with secrets of her own. As they journey deep into the planet’s uncharted wilderness, they encounter relics of an astonishingly advanced civilization, one that hints at forces beyond human comprehension. But Mars is not merely a world of ruins; it is alive with political strife, ancient feuds, and deadly intrigue. The rigid and honor-bound Martian society teeters on the brink of upheaval, and as Jeremy and Teyud draw closer to their goal, they find themselves caught in a battle for the throne of the Crimson Kings—rulers who have shaped the destiny of Mars for millennia. With powerful enemies on their trail and the fate of two worlds at stake, Jeremy and Teyud must unravel Mars’s greatest secret before it’s too late. But as they unlock the past, they may also hold the key to humanity’s future. Perfect for fans of classic pulp adventure and science fiction epics, In the Court of the Crimson Kings is a thrilling tale of discovery, danger, and a Mars that never was but should have been. It is the perfect follow up to the first book in The Lords of the Creation series, The Sky People.

“Rollicking first of an alternate history series.... Readers will eagerly anticipate a trip to Mars in the sequel.”—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) Early probes to Venus and Mars found both to be teeming with life in this alternate universe. Marc is stationed at Jamestown, a US-Commonwealth base on this alternate Venus rife with life, including sabertooths and dinosaurs. This base is not just a scientific outpost; it’s a frontier of American and allied adventurers and scientists navigating a world as perilous as it is mysterious. Cynthia is a newly arrived scientist from Earth tasked with studying some strange geological formations. She teams up with Marc, and during their investigation, they stumble across trouble brewing in the alien wilderness. The scientists are baffled by Venus’s Earth-like life forms, which stir scientific and political tensions. The EastBloc’s nearby base, Cosmograd, adds to the chilly diplomatic climate. In a parallel struggle, Teesa of the Cloud Mountain People native to Venus is locked in a fierce battle with Neanderthal-like beastmen over sacred caves. An EastBloc shuttle crash escalates the conflict, arming the beastmen with modern weaponry. Jamestown’s mission to rescue the EastBloc cosmonauts spirals into a journey of discovery. The protagonists face tribal warfare and unearth secrets that could redefine their understanding of science and history. Amidst all this, a hidden enemy lurks on their own airship. Events come to a head when Marc and Cynthia uncover evidence that may hold the key not only to the mystery of Venusian life, but of life on Earth, too. “Stirling offers an easygoing, atmospheric tale airbrushed with fuzzy political overtones, along with a good bit of humor and lively characterization.”—Kirkus Reviews

IT’S THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT Everyone could see it coming. But one man could do something about it. Oh, he couldn’t avert the nuclear holocaust, but a scientist in Austria, ruthlessly using billions of research dollars for his own purposes, set himself up an out: he created a time machine, and filled a warehouse with low-tech survival gear. Too bad he didn’t get to use it himself. Instead, a team of American grad students, led by their professor, is sent back to the late Roman Empire. Even though they are experts in this time and place, they are about to realize that books and actual experience are very different things. If they can survive, they hope to remake the world into a better place. But that’s a big “if."

The pulse-pounding return of Conan, the most iconic fantasy hero in popular culture, with a brand-new illustrated standalone novel by New York Times bestselling author S.M. Stirling, tied directly to the famous tales written by Robert E. Howard. Mercenary, thief, soldier, usurper... CONAN OF CIMMERIA As sword for hire for a mercenary troop, Conan finds himself in Sukhmet, a filthy backwater town south of the River Styx considered "the arse-end of Stygia." Serving in the company known as Zarallo's Free Companions, he fights alongside soldiers of fortune from Zingara, Koth, Shem, and other lands-a hard-handed band of killers loyal to anyone who pays them well. In a Sukhmet tavern he encounters one soldier in particular-Valeria of the Red Brotherhood, a veteran of freebooters with whom Conan also sailed, launching raids out of the Barachan Isles on the Western Sea. Valeria's reputation is that of a deadly swordswoman, a notoriety she quickly proves to be accurate. When she runs afoul of an exiled Stygian noble, however, things take a deadly turn, embroiling them both in the schemes of a priest of the serpent god Set. The first new Conan novel in more than a decade, Blood of the Serpent leads directly into one of Robert E. Howard's most famous sword-and-sorcery adventures, "Red Nails." As a bonus feature that story, as well, is included in this volume.

Simeon was a shell-person—the brain who ran Space Station SSS-900 on the fringes of human space. But things hadn’t been going too well lately, and he was more than a little discontented. Though normally he enjoyed his work, these days it seemed boring. To make matters worse, his long-time partner had just retired and he was having a hard time adjusting to his newly assigned brawn—a strong-willed woman named Channa Hap who seemed to feel it her duty to keep him in line. He's buried himself in his favorite pastime—wargaming. Simeon’s hobby would find unexpected uses when the brutal Kolnari attack the nearby colony planet Bethel. Sheltering the colony’s refugees brought “the city” an invitation to serious trouble with Kolnari pirates. And only Simeon and Channa working together can save the city. About Death of Sleep by Anne McCaffrey and Jody Lynn Nye: “McCaffrey has created a feisty, likable character in Lunzie Mespil.” —Publishers Weekly About S.M. Stirling: “Rousing . . . a stirring tale.” —John Ringo

IT IS THE DAWN OF A NEW AGE...At the beginning of the 20th century, the world was forever changed by the discovery of electroid, a strange liquid that allowed for lighter-than-air travel. Militaries around the world rushed to develop new vessels based on this amazing invention, resulting in a class of flying ships unlike anything ever seen before...the leviathan.Now, the skies are filled with massive armored warships that soar through the air, armed with devastating cannons that can lay waste to an enemy vessel in moments. The nations of the world have entered into a dangerous new arms race, and all it will take is the right spark to set off a war that will ensnare the nations on and around the European continent...and may engulf the world...Featuring stories by: William H. KeithMichael J. CiaravellaSteven Mohan, Jr.Bryn BillsBlaine Lee PardoeS.M. StirlingHarry TurtledoveTyler Whitney

The third novel in a World War I alternate history series where America's greatest weapon against Germany is Black Chamber secret agent Luz O'Malley and technical genius Ciara Whelan. Only they can protect America's best hope of winning the war. The Great War is at a stalemate, and the only thing stopping Germany from striking America is the threat of the United States using their own Annihilation Gas against them. But America's supply is quickly decaying and the Central Powers know it. A plant is under construction in the remote highlands of Mexico so that America can make their own supply. President Teddy Roosevelt assigns crack agent Luz O'Malley and her technical genius Ciara Whelan to watch over the plant operating under cover identities. But German agent Horst von Duckler has escaped from the POW camp in El Paso, and he's heading in the same direction--bent on revenge against Luz, and sabotage that will deprive America of its deterrent and kill tens of thousands.

The first novel in a brand-new alternate history series where Teddy Roosevelt is president for a second time right before WWI breaks out, and on his side is the Black Chamber, a secret spy network watching Americas back.1916. The Great War rages overseas, and the whole of Europe, Africa, and western Asia is falling to the Central Powers. To win a war that must be won, Teddy Roosevelt, once again the American president, turns to his top secret Black Chamber organizationand its cunning and deadly spy, Luz OMalley Aróstegui.On a transatlantic airship voyage, Luz poses as an anti-American Mexican revolutionary to get closevery closeto a German agent code-named Imperial Sword. Shell need every skill at her disposal to get him to trust her and lead her deep into enemy territory. In the mountains of Saxony, concealed from allied eyes, the German Reichs plans for keeping the U.S. from entering the conflict are revealed: the deployment of a new diabolical weapon upon the shores of America...