Nanite Evolution

Readers' Choice Book Awards Finalist - Science Fiction 2025 - Nanite Evolution

In a galaxy where the super-rich wield absolute power, star systems are commodities, and family names signify dominance, the enigmatic Dunk family has ambitions for even more. But the Dunk's plan could reshape the cosmos and destroy the Independent Earth-founded colonies before anyone really understands what's happening.

Blayden Dunk, the heir apparent of the Dunk family dynasty, is launching his cutting-edge space yacht-a fusion of luxury and nerd gaming showpiece-and finds himself in a dangerous situation. The yacht, plagued by malfunctioning systems, collides with a freighter and performs an emergency jump, leaving both vessels stranded amidst the stars. The crash releases experimental nanites-tiny machines with unforeseen capabilities. Instead of behaving in expected ways, the nanites suddenly make a dangerous situation even worse. Suddenly, Blayden and his guests are stranded, and the group's survival hinges on turning the nanites into allies.

Cher is a spy for her independent colony, searching for details of the Dunk plan. Working to protect her planet and learn the Dunk secrets, Cher discovers someone else is also trying to track down the details of the Dunks' plan, which makes her wonder whether they're a friend or enemy and how the missing yacht factors in.

When Blayden returns in a freighter instead of his yacht and the nanites are revealed, Cher and other interested parties must alter their plans and improvise quickly.

But who controls these powerful constructs, and what was their intent? Are the nanites the ultimate tools for construction, salvation for humanity, or an unstoppable weapon poised to alter the balance of power?