Showing results by publisher "Phoenix Books" in Science Fiction

What would the world be like if the space race started during World War II? If Teddy Roosevelt had fought in World War I? If Joseph McCarthy had been elected President? Those and other questions are answered in these nine stories of alternate histories, when the world as we know it might have turned out different than it is today, if only one minor (or major) change had occurred in history.

Young Alvin was born the seventh son of a seventh son. By his birthright, he possesses magical powers and is destined to become something great, perhaps even a Maker. Indeed, Alvin is special. But the boy remains vulnerable to dark forces who reach out to destroy him and are willing to do anything to keep him from growing up. Carefully weaving the lore and the folk-magic of the men and women who settled a continent—as well as the beliefs of the tribes who were there before them—Orson Scott Card has created a fascinating alternate frontier America.

The beautiful planet Pern seemed a paradise to its new colonists—a return to an agrarian way of life—until unimaginable terror turned it into hell. Lethal spores began to fall like silvery thread-like rain from the sky, vaporizing everything—and everyone—in their path. The colony, cut off from Earth and lacking the resources to combat the menace, was doomed.

Killashandra, one of the most gifted singers on Ballybran, is drawn like a magnet to the song of crystal. In order to work with crystal, singers are infected with a symbiotic life form that heals them and gives them near eternal life—but slowly destroys their memories. Since crystal singing brings Killashandra ecstasy, she doesn't mind the initial small annoyances of memory loss. What she hadn't counted on was the loneliness she felt when her heart still remembered what her mind had forgotten—the names of her friends and lovers.

In an alternate frontier where America is ruled by folk magic and mysterious charms, hexes, and potions, a man like Alvin Miller is an extraordinary person. The seventh son of a seventh son, Miller is a "Maker," with the power to create a new future for America. But first, he must defeat his ancient enemy, the "Unmaker," who threatens to destroy not just Alvin's work—but intends to destroy him. The "Unmaker" will stop at nothing until he achieves his dark goals.

Ready for a story? Here's a selection of some of the finest science fiction shorts of recent years, including stories from Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, William Gibson, Robert Sheckley, Terry Bisson, Avram Davidson, and Philip K. Dick.

In Mars, Ben Bova gives us a compelling look at the possibility of life on another planet, and the mystery that surrounds its discovery. The very name of the mysterious Red Planet brings to mind images dramatic and dangerous - and both are accurate, as an international team of 25 astronauts discover when they land there for the first manned expedition.

These 16 stories represent a unique perspective on Orson Scott Card's short fiction, from science fiction to social commentary to pure fairy tale. Included are three new stories not yet published in book form. None have ever been released in audio before.

Are vampires a bloodthirsty menace to mankind? Or simply misunderstood creatures struggling to survive? After hearing these six entertaining stories, you'll be able to decide for yourself. From the horrifying to the humorous, some of today's finest authors share stories about one of the oldest imagined evils, the vampire. From Tanith Lee's chilling story to Esther Friesner's comic tale of rival teens trying to best one another, these stories bring vampires to (un)life, in all their majesty and terror.

In a future uncomfortably close to the present day, the apocalypse has surpassed all expectations. Hideous demons roam the streets in an orgy of terror, drawing pleasure from torturing humans as sadistically as possible. Ira, a young San Francisco artist, becomes involved with a strange group of scientists and philosophers desperately trying to end the bloody siege. But the most shocking revelation is yet to come.

Mick Winger is only 17-and he's already killed over a dozen people. Not on purpose; he never meant to hurt anyone. But when Mick gets angry, people die, even the people he loves the most. Now he's on the run from his own terrible talent and from those who would use his power for their own purposes. But Mick is nor alone. There are others like him. And if he will not join them, they will make him pay.

In an alternate frontier America ruled by folk magic and mysterious charms, hexes, and potions, a man like Alvin Miller is a very special person. The seventh son of a seventh son, Miller is a "Maker," with the power to create a new future for America. But first he must defeat his ancient enemy, the "Unmaker," who threatens to destroy not just Alvin's work, but his life as well, and will stop at nothing until he achieves his dark goal.

Alvin Journeyman is book 4 of The Tales of Alvin Maker

Learn the truth behind the mask of Hollywood in these 10 bizarre tales of dreams and dream weavers, movies and movie-makers, by some of the most respected fantasy writers of our time.

From the 18th century into the early years of the 19th, Americans - traveling to find new homes and new lands - crossed the Appalachian Mountains and moved across the Northwest Territory, spreading west to the banks of the great river. Using the lore and folk-magic of the men and women who settled a continent, and the beliefs of the tribes who were there before them, Orson Scott Card has created an alternate frontier America.

What we've suspected is true. They're everywhere around us. Angels, that is, as nine of this generations boldest and most acclaimed fantasy writers tell us in this brilliant collection. At once highly imaginative and intensely spiritual, these stories are performed by top stars of television, film and music, who have themselves explored various areas of paranormal. It's a feast that will leave you infinitively more hopeful and a little less alone.

On February 12, 1809, Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury. His theory of Natural Selection, as detailed in The Origin of Species, is one of the most debated in history. Darwin's Radio puts Natural Selection on trial, examining how the discovery of concealed remains in a mass grave in Russia forced top scientists to question everything they believed about human origins.

One of the most renowned and respected literary artists in the field of science fiction, Robert Silverberg transports us once again to a spectacular, deftly conceived world in transition and propels us on a remarkable odyssey of survival and self-discovery.

Six-time Hugo Award winner Bova likes to tell big stories in a small way. This approach both helps and hurts in this collection of stories, excerpts and outtakes from his "Grand Tour" novels (Saturn, etc.), which explore the colonization of the solar system. Despite his vast subject, Bova focuses tightly on the heroes and villains whose striving makes up his future history. While some characters are standards of the SF genre (megalomaniac capitalist, lone-wolf entrepreneur, love object caught between them), Bova imbues each with Homeric virtues and flaws.

For President Spencer Jefferson Lee—the great-great-grandson of both Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee—it's politics as usual. On one side, the lily-white Senate wants quid pro quo; on the other, the all black House has an agenda of its own. But whatever their differences, the powers-that-be agree on one thing: Utter separations between the races is the key to peace and prosperity. To love someone of the opposite race is to court disaster; to act on that love is to become officially nonexistent.

In October 1872, the fastidious Phileas Fogg—a British gentleman who rarely ventures outside the comforts of home or his beloved club—bets his compatriots that he can travel around the entire world in just eighty days. With his newly hired valet, Passepartout, as his traveling companion, Fogg embarks on a wild journey, traversing the continents. He is determined not to lose the bet, no matter what obstacles arise—and they do arise—in this classic tale of adventure and romance!