Jack encountered Gilbert Chesterton’s Father Brown tales a few years later and they ultimately became the prime influence in his science fiction. The issue with Father Brown was never a question of who committed the murder, but rather what in heaven’s name is going on here? Why does an astronaut, in “Cathedral,” sacrifice her life to collide with an asteroid that she knows poses no threat to the Earth? Why does a scientist who’s designed an actual working AI in “The Play’s the Thing,” hide what’s he’s done? How is it that the lives of two people working at Moonbase in “Blinker” depend on a quasar? In “Lucy,” Jack shows us why sending automated vehicles to explore the distant outposts of the solar system may not be a good idea. And in “Searching for Oz,” an alternate history story, how things might have been if SETI had gotten what it was looking for. He describes our reaction in “Listen Up, Nitwits,” when a voice begins speaking to us, apparently from Jupiter, in Greek. And in “The Lost Equation,” a Holmes adventure, we discover who really was first to arrive at e=mc2. Jack also provides two episodes, “Maiden Voyage” and “Waiting At the Altar,” from Priscilla Hutchins’ qualification flight; and an effort by a sixteen-year-old Alex Benedict, in the title story with his uncle Gabe and Chase Kolpath’s mom, Tori, who are trying to understand why a brilliant radio entertainer, lost in the stars when his drive unit suffered a malfunction, never said goodbye. These and fourteen other rides into odd places await the reader.

    Joe McAllister is a reluctant mercenary who's looking for a way out and family-friendly place to start a business and raise an orphaned boy. Will the choices they make in the next few months shape the rest of their lives, or is free will just an illusion in a galaxy managed by ancient artificial intelligence? Destiny: Union Station takes place two years before the start of the nineteen book EarthCent Ambassador series.

    (He also wrote excellent short stories and novels.) This volume contains 27 of his stories, including the classics "The Waveries," "Honeymoon in Hell," "Cartoonist," and many more! Included are:THE WAVERIESOBEDIENCEALL GOOD BEMSFIRST TIME MACHINEBLOODTHE LAST MARTIANMAN OF DISTINCTIONVENGEANCE FLEETTHE WEAPONMOUSETHE DOMEGREAT LOST DISCOVERIES I -- InvisibilityGREAT LOST DISCOVERIES II -- InvulnerabilityGREAT LOST DISCOVERIES III -- ImmortalityMILLENNIUMSECOND CHANCECONTACTA WORD FROM OUR SPONSORSOMETHING GREENCRISIS, 1999AND THE GODS LAUGHEDMITKEY RIDES AGAINPLACET IS A CRAZY PLACEHONEYMOON IN HELLDAISIESDAYMARECARTOONISTAnd don't forget to search this ebook store for "Wildside Megapack" to see more entries in the series, covering science fiction, fantasy, mysteries, adventure stories, westerns, and much, much more! (Sort by publication date to see the most recent of our 100+ releases.)

     With no way to stop the impending doomsday, the world descends into panic and anarchy. Massive transport ships are built to colonize the moon, and evacuation of a chosen few begins. After a shuttle mission to study the approaching comet goes awry, Wolf is forced into cryogenic deep sleep, and the onboard computer assumes control of the ship. Wolf awakens 50,000 years later to a wildly different earth. Endowed with incredible strength, he finds himself caught in a war between primitive tribes, and his survival depends on Syn, an advanced computer intelligence who has fallen in love with him. Will Wolf be able to help restore Earth to its past glory or is civilization doomed to fail?

    Run. The last message from Central Command was more a plea than an order, and running is exactly what the last remnants of humanity did to escape The Death as Earth was destroyed. Among the survivors is James Ursidae, a fearsome warrior whose despair now outweighs his expectations for the future. After months of drifting through intergalactic space, Ursidae and what humanity remains have found a spark of hope on the planet Lintalla and in the company of its native Illani. Unfortunately, starting anew comes at a price, and even in a strange system violence and war are a constant. A new enemy, the Tarin’Tal, hold the system’s inhabitants in a vice-like grip that continues to tighten. Can Ursidae and the Earthlings burn bright yet again and save their new world from the destruction they’d hoped to leave behind?This science fiction novel contains some of the most epic warfare you could ask for in a SciFi. By combining a style similar to Orison Scott Card with a practical, down to earth feel of Jim Butcher The Exile Empire throws you into a new world of real people, real machines, and real sci-fi action. If you enjoy the adventure and technology of science fiction but are tired of contrived drama and characters who act according to desires, motivations, and morals different then actual people then you will enjoy The Exile Empire. If you like advanced weaponry, technology, and gadgetry but are tired of unrealistic assumptions and deus ex machina application of indescribable concepts then you will enjoy The Exile Empire. The Exile Empire is jam packed with non-stop action pushing the reader to the edge of their metaphorical, literal, and digital seat. With alien armadas, incalculably powerful warships, antimatter, plasma, and energy weapons the Exile Empire has everything a scifi fan can ask for and more.Rather than rely only on endless grunt soldiers, or orbiting starships the Exile Empire takes a more practical look at life and warfare in the future.With machines and technology entwining every soldier and every aspect of life the Exile Empire takes a truly scientific look at fiction, building a practical world of might and mind. In the war for survival every life counts. If every life counts one must protect it with all one’s power, and in science fiction, that power can change the course of human events."

    

    The fate of Earth could rest on the abilities of Midshipman Henry Gallant. Unfortunately, it is his abilities that have been much in doubt.In an era of genetic engineering, he is the only Natural left in the fleet. His shipmates have all expressed concern that he will not be up to the challenge.Only bright and attractive junior officer Kelsey Mitchel has shown any sympathy for him. Now as his navigator on the last starfighter in Squadron 111, her life as well as a good many others, depends on Henry Gallant.For Fans of Honor Harrington and Horatio Hornblower.

    3 • A Circus of Hells • (1970) • novel by Poul Anderson p. 211 • The Rebel Worlds • (1969) • novel by Poul Anderson

    Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 20. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: The Cyberiad (Polish: ) is a series of short stories by Stanisaw Lem. The Polish version was first published in 1967, with an English translation appearing in 1974. The main protagonists of the series are Trurl and Klapaucius, the "constructors." The vast majority of characters are either robots, or intelligent machines. The stories focus on problems of the individual and society, as well as on the vain search for human happiness through technological means. Two of these stories were included in the book The Mind's I. Trurl and Klapaucius are brilliant (robotic) engineers, called "constructors" (because they can construct practically anything at will), capable of almost God-like exploits. For instance, on one occasion Trurl creates an entity capable of extracting accurate information from the random motion of gas particles, which he calls a "Demon of the Second Kind." He describes the "Demon of the First Kind" as a Maxwell's demon. On another, the two constructors re-arrange stars near their home planet in order to advertise. The duo are best friends and rivals. When they are not busy constructing revolutionary mechanisms at home, they travel the universe, aiding those in need. Although the characters are firmly established as good and righteous, they take no shame in accepting handsome rewards for their services. If rewards were promised and not delivered, the constructors may even severely punish those who deceived them. The universe of The Cyberiad is pseudo-Medieval. There are kingdoms, knights, princesses, and even dragons in abundance. Robots are usually anthropomorphic, to the point of being divided into sexes. Love and marriage are possibl...More: http: //booksllc.net/?id=59380

    What will happen when humans can live forever? Or die with just a few keystrokes? How will our governments react as they lose control of their citizens' data? And how do you feel about uploading your mind into a computer so that you may live on after death?The Post-Human Omnibus is the perfect book for these times. It's an epic series of stories that explore all sides of humanity's future through science fiction, from both near-future dystopias to far-future utopias (and everything in between). Written by award winning author & TEDx speaker David Simpson, this collection explores many different genres from thrillers to romances to mysteries and much more.

    Second chances don’t come along every day, so when an old friend offered him one, he grabbed on with both hands. The next thing Dan knew, he was on the moon, piloting humanity's first starship while fighting his way through one peril after another. Little did Dan know that simple offer was anything but, and would lead him to the stars far beyond our own. The risks are great. But if life knocked you down, what would you gamble to have one more shot at your dreams? Excerpt: "Dan - ad astra!"

 Dan heard the order. Ad astra. To the stars. It was a toast the two of them had shared back in college, when they first stepped onto the roads which would lead them into space. It had been John's idea to use the toast as a code word now. 
Dan didn't even take a deep breath before executing the order. He'd practiced this with Majel enough times in the simulator - not the part about having a gunman in the bridge, but if that order was ever given, it would be a true crisis.
 He checked the screen again. Visual range in only fifteen seconds. No time for anything else. He rapidly initiated the program, said a quick prayer, and pressed the Enter button on his keyboard.
 Immediately, the ship began to shudder. This book is a heavily revised second edition of the original volume. The story length has been increased by about 60%, adding enormously more background to the characters and deepening of the personality of the world and crew. If you've already read the first edition, you won't need to read this version to catch up - but fans of the series are sure to enjoy this expanded and improved "Author's Preferred Edition"!

    Authors in this volume include: Mary A. Turzillo, E.C. Tubb, Murray Leinster, Philip K. Dick, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Jason Andrew, Henry Kuttner, Cynthia Ward, George H. Scithers and John Gregory Betancourt, Milton Lesser, John Russell Fearn, Harry Harrison, Isaac Asimov, Ayn Rand, and many moreComplete contents"Zora and the Land Ethic Nomads," by Mary A. Turzillo"Food for Friendship," by E.C. Tubb"The Life Work of Professor Muntz," by Murray Leinster"Tiny and the Monster," by Theodore Sturgeon"Beyond Lies the Wub," by Philip K. Dick"Pictures Don’t Lie," by Katherine MacLean"The Big Trip Up Yonder," by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr."Storm Warning," by Donald A. Wollheim"The Application of Discipline," by Jason Andrew"Tom the Universe," by Larry Hodges"Wild Seed," by Carmelo Rafala"Tabula Rasa," by Ray Cluley"The Eyes of Thar," by Henry Kuttner"Regenesis," by Cynthia Ward"Not Omnipotent Enough," by George H. Scithers and John Gregory Betancourt"Plato’s Bastards," by James C. Stewart"Pen Pal," by Milton Lesser"Living Under the Conditions," by James K. Moran"The Arbiter," by John Russell Fearn"The Grandmother-Granddaughter Conspiracy," by Marissa Lingen"Top Secret," by David Grinnell"Living Under the Conditions," by James K. Moran"Sense of Obligation," by Harry Harrison"Angel's Egg," by Edgar Pangborn"Youth," by Isaac Asimov"Anthem," by Ayn Rand

    Fourteen worlds that never were. Throughout the human experience, historians have wondered, “What if?” What if Japan had been on the side of the U.S. in World War II? What if things had been just a little different in the Falklands? What if Russia had started World War Three? Wonder no more, for these questions, along with many others, are answered within the pages of this book. Told by a variety of award-winning authors, like Sarah Hoyt, the 2018 Dragon Award Winner for Alternate History, and Kacey Ezell, the winner of the 2018 Baen Reader’s Choice Award, “Those in Peril,” deals with naval warfare that never happened in our world…but easily could have. The first book in the exciting new “Phases of Mars” anthology series, there is something for everyone inside! From sailing ships, to steam, to today’s modern aircraft carriers, “Those in Peril” traces several centuries of naval warfare…that wasn’t. From adding a psychic…to making a different choice of friend or foe…to something insignificant toppling a kingdom, this book has it, so come aboard and find out “what if” all of these things had changed history…just a little. You’ll be glad you did! Inside you'll find: Naked by Kacey Ezell Captain Bellamy’s War by Stephen J. Simmons A Safe Wartime Posting by Joelle Presby Beatty’s Folly by Philip Wohlrab Martha Coston and the Farragut Curse by Day Al-Mohamed The Blue and the Red: Palmerston’s Ironclads by William Stroock Far Better to Dare by Rob Howell Off Long Island: 1928 by Doug Dandridge For Want of a Pin by Sarah Hoyt Nothing Can Be Said Sufficient to Describe It by Meriah Crawford Corsairs and Tenzans by Philip S. Bolger For a Few Camels More by Justin Watson Per Mare Per Terram by Jan Niemczyk Fate of the Falklands by James Young

    A science-fiction series as over-the-top as the best action movies ever were.Kyra Sarin has survived five years of the hardest fighting mankind has ever seen. On her way back to Earth, to finally see her children again, the space station she stops at is taken over by terrorists. It’s the last mistake they’re ever going to make.Hard Vacuum is the first book in the Kyra Sarin series. Sweary, gory, and fast, the action is non-stop.Hard Vacuum will leave you gasping for more. Grab a copy today!This novelette also contains a special offer to get the second book in the series for free by joining the author's mailing list!

    "Engines are out. Our course is whatever it was when we were hit, but I can't figure it out because the computer and the instruments are smashed. We have enough power and control to keep a minimal shield up and keep the lights on in here. Most of the lifts are out because there has been too much structural twisting. I will leave weapons to Fire Control." "None worth mentioning," Ruoni put in. "What do you want to do, Command?" It reminded me of the line I would hear on third and thirty-four when the coach asked me what I wanted to call. This is the story of Danny Troy, a has-been pro quarterback in desperate need of a fresh start. So, when he gets a bizarre job offer to be a space pirate, he takes it. A chance brawl on the ship leads him to a damsel in distress. He rescues her only to find she is a lot more than he bargained for. Danny’s idea is to see her safely home and collect a (big) reward. However, the damsel, Jaenna by name, has other ideas. The pair careen across the spiral arm from one adventure to the next, while Danny’s “career” grows to pirate captain and finally to a warlord who holds the fate of galactic civilization in his hands. What decision is Danny going to make? And what is he going to do about the girl? This is an action-packed, space opera, with a dash of American football added to the mix.