Returning to the universe of New York Times Notable book This Alien Shore comes a new space opera from an acknowledged master of science fiction. Millenia ago, an overcrowded Earth developed the Hausman Drive, which allowed humans to travel faster than light and colonize the galaxy. Too late, it was discovered that the technology damaged the DNA of those who used it, causing the children of colonists to be born with mutations. Fearful of contagion, Earth cut off all contact with the colonists, leaving them stranded and alone as they struggled to come to terms with what they had become.
Now, in the Second Age of Human Expansion, a new galactic civilization has been established. This time it is based on space stations clustered around natural transit points: the outworlds. One Variant race, the Guerans, has made it a personal mission to locate any surviving colonies and bring them back into the human fold. But ancient bitternesses die hard, and there is no love lost between Terrans and their Variant cousins.
It is technology that unites humanity now. The brainware that each person receives at birth allows direct mental communication with a computer network spanning the outworlds: the outernet. But with that technology comes great risk.
Industry Reviews
Praise for This Virtual Night
"Friedman perfectly balances action and characterization while keeping up a page-turning pace. Readers won't want to put this one down." -Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Master of science fiction Friedman will satisfy your cravings for all things space-opera in this second Alien Shores novel, packed with action and imagined worlds and filled to the brim with sparkling detail." -Newsweek
"The novel is a fun romp and a fast read. Virtual reality, hackers, a diversity of alien races that are offshoots of mankind, politicking, intrigue; that's C. S. Friedman's latest in a nutshell." -Pat's Fantasy Hotlist
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." -The 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." -Science Fiction Chronicle
"Concept and culture-building wise, This Alien Shore is brilliant." -Little Red Reviewer
"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
"Friedman depicts a vast galaxy filled with diverse human kinds." -James Davis Nicoll
"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
