This Virtual Night: (The Outworlds)

About the Book

A return to the world of This Alien Shore, set in the second age of stellar colonization.

When deep-space travel altered the genes of the first interstellar colonists, Earth abandoned them. But some of the colonies survived, and a new civilization of mental and physical 'Variants' has been established, centered around clusters of space stations known as the outworlds.

Now the unthinkable has happened: 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.

Two unlikely allies have joined forces to investigate the incident: Ru Gaya, a mercenary explorer with a taste for high risk ventures, and game designer Micah Bello, who must find the parties responsible for the attack in order 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 now follow the trail of an enemy who can twist human minds to his purpose, and whose plans could bring about the collapse of outworld civilization.

Praise for C. S. Friedman:

'In interweaving the many threads of her narrative, Friedman has created a potent metaphor for the toleration of diversity' – NEW YORK TIMES

'In many ways, C. S. Friedman's work reminds me of William Gibson's – unique settings, complex and fascinating (though not necessarily likeable) characters, cool ideas and technology, a smart and savvy style' – FANTASY LITERATURE

'There is so much of interest here and rather than spend paragraph after paragraph describing it all, which I could easily do, I will simply tell you to read it. It is a great book and well worth your time' – WORLDS WITHOUT END

About the Author :
An acknowledged master of dark fantasy and science fiction alike, C.S. Friedman is a John W. Campbell award finalist, and the author of the highly acclaimed Coldfire Trilogy, New York Times Notable Book of the Year This Alien Shore, In Conquest Born, The Madness Season, The Wilding, The Magister Trilogy and the Dreamwalker series. Friedman worked for twenty years as a professional costume designer, but retired from that career in 1996 to focus on her writing. She lives in Virginia, and can be contacted via her website, www.csfriedman.com An acknowledged master of dark fantasy and science fiction alike, C.S. Friedman is a John W. Campbell award finalist, and the author of the highly acclaimed Coldfire Trilogy, New York Times Notable Book of the Year This Alien Shore, In Conquest Born, The Madness Season, The Wilding, The Magister Trilogy and the Dreamwalker series. Friedman worked for twenty years as a professional costume designer, but retired from that career in 1996 to focus on her writing. She lives in Virginia, and can be contacted via her website, www.csfriedman.com

Review :
A story that has something very real to say about virtual addiction This book works perfectly well as a stand-alone... A good fast-paced space opera. The story works well and the progress from one discovery to the next feels unforced and credible. The characters of Ru and Micah are likeable and their skills complement each other... A pleasurable quick read'

PRAISE FOR THIS ALIEN SHORE:

'C.S. Friedman borrows some big ideas from writers like Cordwainer Smith, Frank Herbert, and Samuel R. Delaney, and runs with them. Instead of stumbling under the burden, she succeeds in making the material her own' New York Times.

'Friedman keeps her tale moving at a vigorous pace that's boosted through an abundance of well-chosen details... It is likely to hold readers' interest tenaciously' Publishers Weekly.

'Once again Ms. Friedman offers us great richness in both concept and detail, ingeniously weaving together two strong plotlines and piquant characters into a superior reading experience' Romantic Times.

'A wide-ranging, action-packed space opera. This Alien Shore is guaranteed to entertain those who like to be swept up in an adventure with lots of characters, dangers, and revelations'