Netherspace
Netherspace 1
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
Aliens came to Earth forty years ago. Their anatomy proved unfathomable and all attempts at communication failed. But through trade, humanity gained technology that allowed them to colonise the stars. The price: live humans for every alien faster-than-light drive.
Kara’s sister was one of hundreds exchanged for this technology, and Kara has little love for aliens. So when she is drafted by GalDiv – the organisation that oversees alien trades – it is under duress. A group of colonists have been kidnapped by aliens and taken to an uncharted planet, and an unusual team is to be sent to negotiate. As an ex-army sniper, Kara’s role is clear. But artist Marc has no combat experience, although the team’s pre-cog Tse is adamant that he has a part to play. All three know that success is unlikely. For how will they negotiate with aliens when communication between the species is impossible?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this near-future thriller, humans have made contact and opened trade with aliens but are unable to properly communicate with them or fathom their way of thinking. A clumsy system of barter has opened up mysterious new technologies and space travel, as well as the widespread use of artificial intelligence and emergent psychic abilities, but it's also reduced Earth to a loose confederation of city-states. When aliens kidnap a ship full of human religious fanatics, Earth's Galactic Division assembles a small team an artist, an assassin, and a precognitive to negotiate for their return. But attempting to comprehend alien motivation is a near-impossible task. As the three specialists brave the dangers of netherspace travel, deal with traitors in their own crew, and journey to a mysterious new world, they begin to unravel the secret that's drawn numerous alien species to Earth for centuries. Lane (Night Break) and Foster deliver a tense, provocative story, which puts a truly original spin on the idea of intergalactic interaction. It's plausible, unpredictable, and thoroughly entertaining as it sets the stage for future installments and even more questions.
