This Virtual Night

In the second age of stellar colonization, a return to the world of This Alien Shore follows Ru Gaya, a mercenary explorer, and Micah Bello, a game designer, as they investigate a suicide assault on a waystation. They follow the trail of an enemy who can twist human minds and bring about the collapse of outworld civilization. Praise for C. S. Friedman's work compares it to William Gibson's, with unique settings, complex characters, cool ideas, and technology, and a smart and savvy style.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 02 September 2021
Publisher: Head of Zeus

This Alien Shore, set in the second age of stellar colonization, delves into a world where deep-space travel has altered the genes of the first interstellar colonists, leaving Earth behind. However, some colonies have managed to survive, forming a new civilization known as the outworlds, centered around clusters of space stations.

The unthinkable has occurred: a suicide assault has destroyed the life-support system of a major waystation. All that is known about the young men responsible is that in their last living moments, they were receiving messages from an uninhabited sector of space and were playing a virtual reality game.

To investigate the incident, two unlikely allies have joined forces: Ru Gaya, a mercenary explorer with a penchant for high-risk ventures, and Micah Bello, a game designer who must find the parties responsible for the attack to clear his name.

From the corridors of a derelict station lost to madness to an outlaw stronghold in the depths of uncharted space, the two follow the trail of an enemy who can manipulate human minds to his purpose and whose plans could bring about the collapse of outworld civilization.

Praise for C. S. Friedman:

In her intricate narrative, Friedman weaves together a powerful metaphor for the acceptance of diversity. The New York Times praises her for creating unique settings, complex and fascinating characters, innovative ideas and technology, and a smart and savvy style. Fantasy Literature also acknowledges her work, comparing it to the likes of William Gibson, known for his distinctive settings, intricate characters, captivating ideas, and futuristic technology.

There is an abundance of interest in this novel, and it would be impossible to cover it all in a single paragraph. Instead, I urge you to read it for yourself. It is a great book that is well worth your time and attention.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800245419