A hunted human. A stolen starship. A galaxy-spanning Empire that cannot afford to let either survive.
Cody Perrin has spent ten years as a Runner: a captive released into the stars so Empire Security can hunt him for sport. He should have died within days. Instead, he became the most impossible fugitive in the galaxy.
The only Human the Empire has ever seen.
With Max, a fiercely loyal AI companion, Cody survives by stealing ships, outthinking patrols, and running before anyone can drag him back to Imperia. But when he captures a strange vessel from the future, everything changes. The ship is faster, smarter, and more dangerous than anything he has ever flown-and it may be the first real chance he has ever had to stop running.
Then Cody rescues Corassa, an Imperial cadet desperate to choose his own life, and Thora, a survivor fighting to save the last of her people. What begins as another escape becomes something Cody never expected: a crew, a cause, and the dangerous possibility of found family.
But the Empire is watching.
If it learns where Cody came from, Earth will no longer be hidden. Humanity will become the Empire's next target.
For readers who love intergalactic space opera, gay sci-fi adventure, sci-fi found family, AI companions, stolen ships, alien empires, and a young male lead forced to become more than a survivor, The Runner launches a fast-paced series about freedom, loyalty, and the cost of becoming impossible to ignore.
About the Author :
Midwestern-Born. Faith-Inspired. Stereotypes Not Included.
James Matthews writes fiction that bridges generations and genres. Born at the edge of Gen X and the start of the Millennial era, he brings a unique perspective shaped by a Midwestern upbringing, a strong faith, and a passion for storytelling. His work-spanning general fiction, science fiction, and fantasy-is known for centering strong, non-stereotypical gay protagonists who take the lead rather than fade into the margins.
Whether he's writing, out in nature with his partner of ten years, or fixing anything from HVAC systems to vintage MP3 players, Matthews is driven by curiosity, creativity, and faith. His writing is often accompanied by an unpredictable playlist that might shift from Troye Sivan to Weird Al, with a detour through Libera, Tesla, or even Alvin and the Chipmunks.
If you're looking for stories that challenge expectations, bring underrepresented voices to the forefront, and offer both entertainment and reflection, you'll find something here. James Matthews' books promise characters who defy stereotypes-and stories that stay with you long after the last page.
