Of Globes and Gods, a Sci-Fi Anthology
The Lampworks Lamplighter SF & Fantasy News & Reviews
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In this issue
Ramblings
I am delighted to share the news that my short story, “Charon”, has been accepted for publication in the third volume of the award-winning anthology series, “Of Gods and Globes”.
The mission to intercept the second known extrasolar object to transit the solar system is a task so formidable that by the time the spaceship Acheron reaches Pluto’s orbit, Simon Kost is its only remaining crew member. Aboard the prophetically named ship of the dead and struggling with his own personal loss and grief, Simon has come to doubt that he can fulfill the mission. However, similar to the Greek heroes of old, those who traverse the underworld and manage to return do so irrevocably transformed.
Volume three is due out in the fall. I’ll keep you updated one the publication schedule when I know more.
Our Books
Sellenria: The Starship and the Citadel
Chuck Boeheim, Daniel Elswit
It came as a shock to archaeologist Stenn Gremm to find that his ancestor had been a warlock.
As a scientist, Stenn didn’t believe in magic. But when a monster from legend ground his equipment into dust, Stenn was forced into roles for which he hadn’t prepared. Apprentice to an assassin for one, advisor to the heir to the throne for another. When archaeological digs were conducted via telepresence, he didn’t expect to get dirt under his nails and blood on his hands. Now his fate hinges on his ability to embrace his greatest role: the new warlock.
Readers have called this a cross between Star Trek and Lord of the Rings, as well as a tale of self-discovery, set in a journey through a fantastic land. All legends have a kernel of truth, but the full story can be surprisingly different.
Find it on amazon
What We‘re Reading
Visit our archive of reviews and recommendations on the Books We Like page of our website. You‘ll find over one hundred recommendations in Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Non Fiction.
The Windup Girl
Paolo Bacigalupi
In a bleak future where biotechnology reigns after the oil age, the world is dominated by “calorie corporations” that control the food supply through genetic engineering. But the kingdom of Thailand keeps a secret seedbank in a bid to maintain independence.
Anderson Lake, an American calorieman, arrives to take charge of a run-down factory, though his real mission is to find the source of the unique fruits appearing in the marketplace. He encounters and becomes fascinated by Emiko, the Windup Girl, a genetically engineered plaything for the wealthy. Emiko in turn dreams of a day when she can be free to join her own kind. Their trajectories intersect with other inhabitants of Bangkok with their own agendas, including Hock Seng, an endlessly scheming Chinese refugee who is just as endlessly thwarted by bad luck and prejudice, and Jaidee, the ‘Tiger of Bangkok,’ the idealistic captain of the Environmental Ministry.
“The Windup Girl” is a thought-provoking cautionary tale about the potential perils of corporate and technological dominance, bioethics, post-humanity, and environmental collapse.
Buy on amazon
The Portable Door
Tom Holt
Paul Carpenter and Sophie Pettingell, desperate for jobs, are unexpectedly hired by a peculiar firm, J.W. Wells & Co. Despite their apparent lack of experience, the partners’ decision to hire them suggests they might be seeking unusual, possibly even sinister, qualities in their new employees.
The firm itself is an enigma. Despite strict rules that forbid employees from arriving early or staying late, signs of overnight chaos are evident every morning. Paul and Sophie’s main tasks involve dealing with seemingly nonsensical data and objects, leading them to question whether this is a test or the firm’s genuine business. As they navigate their new roles, a series of improbable coincidences not only ensure their continued employment but also spark an unexpected interest between them. Things take an even more unusual turn when Paul discovers the Portable Door in the storeroom, a device that allows him to step anywhere he can imagine. What could possibly go wrong?
Tom Holt intertwines dry humor with a whimsical world set within a mundane office, resulting in a fun read that blends humor and fantasy. Nothing deep here, but the snarky British humor is enjoyable to read.
Buy on amazon
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The Corner Job
Shane Shepherd
As Key and his crew navigate the aftermath of a recent defeat and a mysterious disappearance, they receive a warning of an impending invasion by a powerful, ancient force. With the fate of the galaxy hanging in the balance, Key must make a choice that will have far-reaching consequences.
As Key uncovers the truth behind this looming threat, he will encounter old enemies and unexpected allies. But with time running out and the fate of the galaxy at stake, can Key trust anyone? The Corner Job is a must-read for fans of The Chronicles of Jason Rokku series and fans of science fiction alike, full of unexpected twists, nail-biting suspense, and non-stop action.
Buy via StoryOrigin
Five Light-Years to the Firesnake, second edition
Rayner Ye
A grieving and spiritual young woman called Aedre accepts a job in the Firesnake, five light-years from home. It’s a tropical archipelago consisting of volcanic islands. But it’s also the most deprived area on Planet Kuanja. It was her only chance to get away and start a new life afresh. She can try to forget her heartache and sorrow.
Unlike her home world, the Firesnake still relies on burning fossil fuels for energy and internal combustion engines to get around. Despite the pollution, she’s making friends and starting to learn feigong fight-dancing. Things are improving…
Until everything takes a turn for the worse.
Free via StoryOrigin
The Unknown Sun
Cheryl S. Mackey
The world of Skyfall will die unless Moira finds the lost immortals.
Seventeen-year-old Moira is haunted by the accidents that claimed her family. When she is attacked by a strange boy who seems to know too much about her past, Moira fears death will come for her a third time. Saved by twins Airi and Bel, she is taken to their world and safety.
Or so they thought.
Buy via StoryOrigin
Wedding of the Torn Rose
Brian Mendonca
A merchant who abandoned his birthright, a princess with a dark secret, and an encounter destined to change their lives forever…
Down on his luck, Kaine Khalia was gathering mushrooms in the forest to sell in the nearby capital. A young woman’s screams were the last thing he expected to find. Dashing to her rescue, Kaine finds himself face to face with a monster that should not even exist, fighting for his life as well as hers.
Wedding of the Torn Rose is a fast-paced fantasy adventure with mystery, action, and magic.
Free via StoryOrigin
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