The Gift of Joy

Eighteen stories, five original to this collection plus thirteen that have appeared previously in various venues, including both pieces featured in the science journal Nature and the BSFA Award shortlisted title story. Eighteen tales that take you to distant futures and disturbing tomorrows, to strange new worlds and others that may seem uncomfortably familiar.

“Planetary escapades and vivid battle action rub shoulders with charming yet eerie rural tales and with perilous urban nightmares.” Ian Watson

“Ian Whates has a way with words and a storyteller's sensibility… Definitely one to watch.” Jon Courtenay Grimwood.

“Darkly funny tales of the unexpected, with a deft science-fictional turn of the knife.” Ken MacLeod

“It is his characters who live through the story and make the reader need to know just how it’s all going to pan out, human characters who may seem familiar but then there’s that one thing, that shifted alteration that changes the world and changes the reader too.” Michael Cobley in Interzone.