One of the most celebrated classics of the twentieth century, this cautionary tale of a man trapped under the gaze of an authoritarian state is more relevant now than ever before. “Thoughtcrime was not a thing that could be concealed for ever. You might dodge successfully for a while, even for years, but sooner or later they were bound to get you.” Winston Smith works in the Ministry of Truth—or Minitrue as it is called in Newspeak—where he alters newspapers and reports to follow the arbitrary dictates of Big Brother’s propaganda. Beneath his outward conformity, however, Winston dreams of sharing his treasonable thoughts and breaking through the loneliness in which he lives. Thus he takes his first dangerous steps, writing a diary of his doubts and then falling in love with a woman of the Party, the beautiful and brave Julia. They know their love is doomed, but Julia says, “They can make you say anything—anything—but they can’t make you believe it.” But in Oceania, there is no possibility of solidarity, rebellion, or love—and the Party can reach anywhere. First published in 1949, this disturbing novel that George Orwell wrote during a time of great social and political unrest centers on the consequences of totalitarianism, mass surveillance, and repressive regimentation of people and behaviors within society. This classic of dystopian fiction contributed new words that became part of common English usage, including Big Brother, doublethink, newspeak, and thoughtcrime. The adjective "Orwellian" has come to mean government deception, surveillance, and misleading terminology.Cover illustration & Design by Derek Anderson and Joel Anderson. © Anderson Design Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Licensed by Anderson Design Group.

In a world of oppressive surveillance and thought control, one man's quest for truth and love defies a ruthless regime. This timeless dystopian classic explores the chilling consequences of totalitarianism and the human spirit's resilience.

1984

Read by Stephen Fry. The intergalactic adventures of Arthur Dent begin in the first volume of the 'trilogy of five', Douglas Adams' comedy sci-fi classic The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. 'One of the greatest achievements in comedy. A work of staggering genius' - David Walliams 'By turns authoritative as the narrator, bemused as Arthur Dent, deadpan as Ford Prefect and manic as Zaphod Beeblebrox, he [Stephen Fry] makes an altogether appropriate reader' - The Times 'Master of comedy Stephen Fry delivers a brilliant audiobook narration' - Editor Review On 12 October 1979 the most remarkable book ever to come out of the great publishing corporations of Ursa Minor (and Earth) was made available to humanity – The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It's an ordinary Thursday lunchtime for Arthur Dent until his house gets demolished. The Earth follows shortly afterwards to make way for a new hyperspace bypass and his best friend has just announced that he's an alien. At this moment, they're hurtling through space with nothing but their towels and an innocuous-looking book inscribed with the big, friendly words: DON'T PANIC. The weekend has only just begun . . . Follow Arthur Dent's galactic (mis)adventures in the rest of the trilogy with five parts: The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, Life, the Universe and Everything, So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish, and Mostly Harmless.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Embark on a wildly humorous intergalactic adventure with Arthur Dent as he navigates the absurdities of space and alien cultures. This comedy sci-fi classic, narrated by Stephen Fry, guarantees laughter and thrills. Don’t panic!

A new recording of Ray Bradbury’s timeless classic Fahrenheit 451 narrated by Penn Badgley! Nearly seventy years after its original publication, Ray Bradbury’s internationally acclaimed novel Fahrenheit 451 stands as a classic of world literature set in a bleak, dystopian future. Today its message has grown more relevant than ever before. Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to destroy the most illegal of commodities, the printed book, along with the houses in which they are hidden. Montag never questions the destruction and ruin his actions produce, returning each day to his bland life and wife, Mildred, who spends all day with her television “family.” But when he meets an eccentric young neighbor, Clarisse, who introduces him to a past where people didn’t live in fear and to a present where one sees the world through the ideas in books instead of the mindless chatter of television, Montag begins to question everything he has ever known.

In a bleak, dystopian future, a fireman questions his role in a society that burns books. Experience Ray Bradbury’s timeless classic, now narrated by Penn Badgley, and explore the power of ideas over mindless conformity.

Fahrenheit 451

This audiobook edition is read by Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody) One of The New York Times 100 Best Books of the 21st Century A dreamy atmospheric novel set in the eerie days of civilization's collapse. Emily St John Mandel's Station Eleven is now an HBO Max original TV series. What was lost in the collapse: almost everything, almost everyone, but there is still such beauty. One snowy night in Toronto famous actor Arthur Leander dies on stage whilst performing the role of a lifetime. That same evening a deadly virus touches down in North America. The world will never be the same again. Twenty years later Kirsten, an actress in the Travelling Symphony, performs Shakespeare in the settlements that have grown up since the collapse. But then her newly hopeful world is threatened . . . If civilization was lost, what would you preserve? And how far would you go to protect it? The New York Times Bestseller Winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award Longlisted for the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction National Book Awards Finalist PEN/Faulkner Award Finalist 'Disturbing, inventive and exciting, Station Eleven left me wistful for a world where I still live' – Jessie Burton, author of The Miniaturist

Picador Collection

What would you preserve if civilization crumbled? This award-winning bestseller weaves a haunting tale of beauty amidst chaos, capturing the essence of humanity’s resilience in a post-apocalyptic world. A must-listen for sci-fi lovers.

Station Eleven

Alien meets Midsommar in this chilling debut adult novel from award-winning author Andrew Joseph White about identity, survival, and transformation amidst an alien invasion in rural West Virginia. Festering masses of worms and flies have taken root in dark corners across Appalachia. In exchange for unwavering loyalty and fresh corpses, these hives offer a few struggling humans salvation. A fresh start. It's an offer that none refuse. Crane is grateful. Among his hive's followers, Crane has found a chance to transition, to never speak again, to live a life that won't destroy him. He even met Levi: a handsome ex-Marine and brutal killer who treats him like a real man, mostly. But when Levi gets Crane pregnant-and the hive demands the child's birth, no matter the cost-Crane's desperation to make it stop will drive the community that saved him into a devastating spiral that can only end in blood.

In a haunting fusion of horror and fantasy, an alien invasion tests the limits of identity and survival in rural West Virginia. Amidst dark hives and desperate choices, can one man's quest for freedom defy a blood-soaked fate?

You Weren't Meant to be Human

Following the smash-hit sci-fi comedy The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe is the second part in Douglas Adams' multi-media phenomenon and cult classic series, read by Martin Freeman. If you've done six impossible things this morning, why not round it off with breakfast at Milliways, the Restaurant at the end of the Universe? Which is exactly what the crew of the Heart of Gold plan to do. There's just the small matter of escaping the Vogans, avoiding being taken to the most totally evil world in the Galaxy and teaching a spaceship how to make a proper cup of tea. And did anyone actually make a reservation? Follow Arthur Dent's galactic (mis)adventures in the rest of the trilogy with five parts: Life, the Universe and Everything, So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish, and Mostly Harmless.

Embark on a hilarious journey through the cosmos! Join Arthur Dent and the crew of the Heart of Gold as they navigate outrageous adventures and cosmic chaos in this cult classic sci-fi comedy. Enjoy a meal at the end of the Universe!

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe

'John Marrs is not to be missed' – Freida McFadden, bestselling author of The Housemaid 'Few writers do domestic suspense meets dystopia better than John Marrs' – Lucy Foley, bestselling author of The Paris Apartment 'The books of John Marrs have become a quiet phenomenon . . . Thoughtful, well written . . . and alarming' – Daily Mail Some families are virtually perfect . . . The world’s population is soaring, creating overcrowded cities and an economic crisis. A growing number of people can no longer afford to start families, let alone raise them. But for those desperate to experience parenthood, there is an alternative. For a monthly fee, clients can create a virtual child from scratch, accessing them via the Metaverse and a VR headset. To launch this new initiative, the company behind MetaChildren has created a reality TV show. It will follow its contestants as they raise a MetaChild from birth to the age of eighteen, in a condensed nine-month time period. The prize: the right to keep their virtual child – or risk it all for the chance of a real baby . . . The Goodreads Choice Award 2024 runner up, The Family Experiment is set in the same universe as John Marrs's bestselling novel The One and The Marriage Act. A dark and twisted thriller about the ultimate 'tamagotchi' - a virtual baby. 'Speculative fiction at its best – original, dark and wickedly clever' – C. L. Taylor, author of Every Move You Make 'His best yet. Frighteningly plausible, gripping, dark, and so clever' – Claire Douglas, author of The Woman Who Lied 'Hurtles towards a chilling denouement - a truly thought-provoking, single-sitting thriller' – Ellery Lloyd, author of The Club 'Chilling, inventive, horribly plausible and brilliantly addictive' – C. J. Tudor, author of The Gathering

A chilling and inventive psychological thriller awaits, exploring a dystopian world where virtual parenthood competes with reality. Dive into a gripping tale of desire, desperation, and the dark side of technology.

The Family Experiment

‘Snort-inducingly funny . . . One for those with strong stomachs and big hearts’ — THE TIMESFull of heartbreak, revulsion and black humour, a scientist desperately searches for a cure to a zombie virus while also hiding a monumental secret – her undead husband. Kesta’s husband Tim was the last person to be bitten in a zombie pandemic. The country is now in a period of respite, the government seemingly having rounded up and disposed of all the infected. But Kesta has a secret . . . Tim may have been bitten, but he’s not quite dead yet. In fact, he’s tied to a bed in her spare room. And she’s made him a promise: find a cure, bring him back. A scientist by day, Kesta juggles intensive work under the microscope alongside Tim’s care, slipping him stolen drugs to keep him docile, knowing she is hiding the only zombie left. But Kesta is running out of drugs – and time. Can she save her husband before he is discovered? Or worse . . . will they trigger another outbreak? ‘An acidic, funny, queasy debut’ EMMA VAN STRAATEN, bestselling author of This Immaculate Body *** WHY READERS LOVE ONE YELLOW EYE: 'I absolutely devoured this (pardon the pun)' 'Man oh man. This is one of those hypnotising novels that just instantly compels you to keep reading' 'Grimy, atmospheric, and so beautifully bleak it absolutely burrowed under my skin'

A gripping blend of humor and horror, this debut novel follows a scientist hiding her undead husband while racing against time to find a cure for a zombie virus. Heartfelt and darkly funny, it’s a tale that will burrow under your skin.

One Yellow Eye

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BAILEY'S WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 'A quietly profound, humane tour de force' Guardian The beloved debut novel that will restore your faith in humanity #SmallAngryPlanet When Rosemary Harper joins the crew of the Wayfarer, she isn't expecting much. The ship, which has seen better days, offers her everything she could possibly want: a small, quiet spot to call home for a while, adventure in far-off corners of the galaxy, and distance from her troubled past. But Rosemary gets more than she bargained for with the Wayfarer. The crew is a mishmash of species and personalities, from Sissix, the friendly reptillian pilot, to Kizzy and Jenks, the constantly sparring engineers who keep the ship running. Life on board is chaotic, but more or less peaceful - exactly what Rosemary wants. Until the crew are offered the job of a lifetime: the chance to build a hyperspace tunnel to a distant planet. They'll earn enough money to live comfortably for years... if they survive the long trip through war-torn interstellar space without endangering any of the fragile alliances that keep the galaxy peaceful. But Rosemary isn't the only person on board with secrets to hide, and the crew will soon discover that space may be vast, but spaceships are very small indeed. PRAISE FOR THE WAYFARERS 'Never less than deeply involving' DAILY MAIL 'Explores the quieter side of sci-fi while still wowing us with daring leaps of imagination' iBOOKS 'So much fun to read' HEAT 'Chambers is simply an exceptional talent, quietly and beautifully redefining the space opera' TOR.COM 'The most fun that I've had with a novel in a long, long time' iO9

Wayfarers

Experience the quiet beauty of space opera in this award-nominated debut. Join Rosemary and an eclectic crew on a life-changing journey through war-torn galaxies, where secrets abound and humanity shines bright.

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

WINNER OF THE HUGO AWARD FOR BEST ALL-TIME SERIES The Foundation series is Isaac Asimov’s iconic masterpiece. Unfolding against the backdrop of a crumbling Galactic Empire, the story of Hari Seldon’s two Foundations is a lasting testament to an extraordinary imagination, one that shaped science fiction as we know it today. The Galactic Empire has prospered for twelve thousand years. Nobody suspects that the heart of the thriving Empire is rotten, until psychohistorian Hari Seldon uses his new science to foresee its terrible fate. Exiled to the desolate planet Terminus, Seldon establishes a colony of the greatest minds in the Empire, a Foundation which holds the key to changing the fate of the galaxy. However, the death throes of the Empire breed hostile new enemies, and the young Foundation’s fate will be threatened first.

The Foundation series

Foundation

Read by Martin Freeman. In Life, the Universe and Everything – the third title in Douglas Adams' blockbusting sci-fi comedy series, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy – Arthur Dent finds himself enlisted to prevent a galactic war. In consequence of a number of stunning catastrophes, Arthur Dent is surprised to find himself living in a hideously miserable prehistoric Earth. However, just as he thinks that things cannot possibly get any worse, they suddenly do. He discovers that the galaxy is not only mind-bogglingly big and bewildering, but also that most of the things that happen in it are staggeringly unfair. Escaping the end of the world for a second time, Arthur, Ford, and their old friend Slartibartfast embark (reluctantly) on a mission to save the whole galaxy from fanatical robots. Not bad for a man in his dressing gown . . . Follow Arthur Dent's galactic (mis)adventures in the rest of the trilogy with five parts: So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish, and Mostly Harmless.

Embark on a hilarious journey through the galaxy with Arthur Dent as he navigates absurdity and chaos in this beloved sci-fi comedy. Misadventures, fanatical robots, and cosmic mishaps await in this cult classic series.

Life, the Universe and Everything

The first book of the smash-hit Wayward Pines trilogy, from the New York Times bestselling author of Dark Matter, Recursion, and Upgrade.Secret Service agent Ethan Burke arrives in Wayward Pines, Idaho, with a mission: locate two federal agents who went missing in the bucolic town one month earlier. But within minutes of his arrival, Ethan is involved in a violent accident. He comes to in a hospital, with no ID, no cell phone, and no briefcase. As the days pass, Ethan’s investigation turns up more questions than answers: Why can’t he get any phone calls through to his wife and son in the outside world? Why doesn’t anyone believe he is who he says he is? And what is the purpose of the electrified fences surrounding the town? Are they meant to keep the residents in? Or something else out? Each step closer to the truth takes Ethan farther from the world he knew, from the man he was, until he must face a horrifying fact – he may never get out of Wayward Pines alive. The nail-bitingly suspenseful opening installment in Blake Crouch’s blockbuster Wayward Pines trilogy, Pines is at once a brilliant mystery tale and the first step into a genre-bending saga of suspense, science fiction, and horror. The series continues with Wayward.

Wayward Pines

A brilliant blend of suspense, science fiction, and horror awaits in this blockbuster thriller. Secret Service agent Ethan Burke uncovers eerie secrets in the mysterious town of Wayward Pines. Will he escape alive?

Pines

'Action-packed, brilliantly unique' – Andy Weir, author of The Martian A compulsive, mind-bending exploration of memory and what it means to be human, Recursion is a breathtaking thriller from the author of Dark Matter, Blake Crouch. At first, it looks like a disease. An epidemic that spreads through no known means, driving its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived. But the force that’s sweeping the world is no pathogen. It’s just the first shockwave, unleashed by a stunning discovery – and what’s in jeopardy is not just our minds. In New York City, Detective Barry Sutton is closing in on the truth – and in a remote laboratory, neuroscientist Helena Smith is unaware that she alone holds the key to this mystery . . . and the tools for fighting back. Together, Barry and Helena will have to confront their enemy – before they, and the world, are trapped in a loop of ever-growing chaos. 'Recursion takes mind-twisting premises and embeds them in a deeply emotional story about time and loss and grief and most of all, the glory of the human heart' – Gregg Hurwitz, author of Orphan X Fans are blown away by Recursion . . . 'Unbelievably good' 'Mind-blowing, brilliant, enthralling and gripping from beginning to end' 'The stakes are colossal, the characters are the perfect propelling forces of the story, and the big reveals are placed at exactly the right moments' 'I couldn't put it down, I had to know what happened next' 'Crouch, an already phenomenal author, just keeps getting better'

Mind-bending and action-packed, this breathtaking thriller delves into memory and humanity. With gripping twists, join a detective and neuroscientist as they confront a chaotic force threatening reality itself.

Recursion

'Brilliant' – Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher series. 'Masterful' – Harlan Coben, author of I Will Find You. Jason Dessen has been abducted. His life has been stolen. To get it back, he will go on a journey more wondrous and horrifying than anything he could have possibly imagined. Dark Matter is a relentlessly surprising alternate-universe sci-fi thriller from Blake Crouch. Now a major Apple TV+ series starring Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly. 'Are you happy in your life?' Those are the last words Jason Dessen hears before the masked abductor knocks him unconscious. Before he awakes to find himself strapped to a gurney, surrounded by strangers in hazmat suits. Before the man he's never met smiles down at him and says, 'Welcome back.' In this world he's woken up to, Jason's life is not the one he knows. His wife is not his wife. His son was never born. And Jason is not an ordinary college physics professor, but a celebrated genius who has achieved something remarkable. Something impossible. In this other life, Jason has created a box. Transport into infinite alternate universes – every possible outcome of his life, one behind each door. In this other life, Jason chose a door. And he stole the life he wanted. If Jason Dessen wants his life back, he will have to find it among infinite possibilities. And he will have to battle a terrifying, seemingly unbeatable foe: himself. 'Exceptional' – Andy Weir, author of The Martian. From the author of the bestselling Wayward Pines trilogy, Dark Matter is sweeping and intimate, mind-bendingly strange and profoundly human. Perfect for fans of Stranger Things and Ready Player One. Fans love Dark Matter: 'Crouch surprised me again and again' 'The narrator is excellent and brings life to the characters' 'OMG. I loved. Inception + Severance + Interstellar = this book' 'Very original and hugely enjoyable' 'MIND-BLOWING' 'I couldn't stop listening!'

A mind-bending journey through alternate universes awaits. When Jason Dessen's life is stolen, he must confront a terrifying foe: himself. This psychological thriller blends heart and sci-fi, captivating fans of the extraordinary.

Dark Matter

"Brave New World" is a dystopian novel written by Aldous Huxley and first published in 1932. The story is set in a futuristic World State, where people are engineered and conditioned from birth to fulfill specific roles in society. The novel explores themes of conformity, technological control, and the cost of sacrificing individuality for societal stability. It presents a dark vision of a highly organized and controlled world where pleasure and consumerism take precedence over personal freedom and critical thinking.

Brave New World

Step into the intriguing world of existentialism and moral ambiguity with Albert Camus' masterful novel, The Stranger. Set in the sun-drenched streets of French Algiers, this thought-provoking literary classic takes readers on a journey of introspection, challenging societal norms and exploring the depths of human existence. Meet Meursault, a dispassionate and detached protagonist, who finds himself caught in the chaos of an absurd and indifferent world. As the story unfolds, Meursault's life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes embroiled in a fateful act of violence, leading to a gripping exploration of morality, identity, and the meaning of life itself. Camus' exquisite prose paints a vivid portrait of Meursault's internal struggles and his alienation from the conventional expectations of society. Through Meursault's eyes, the reader is confronted with the stark reality of human existence, where indifference and the relentless march of time challenge our very notions of purpose and significance. The Stranger is not just a tale of a man's existential crisis; it is a profound examination of the human condition, raising questions about free will, the nature of truth, and the absurdity of life. Camus invites readers to confront the uncomfortable truths that lie within the recesses of our own minds, urging us to question our own lives and the choices we make. In this timeless masterpiece, Camus weaves together philosophy, psychology, and social commentary, creating a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant. The Stranger challenges readers to confront their own beliefs, to grapple with the complexities of morality, and to ponder the essence of what it means to be alive. A literary treasure that has captivated readers for generations, The Stranger continues to provoke introspection and ignite intellectual debates. Camus' powerful exploration of the human condition remains as relevant today as it was when it was first published, reminding us of the eternal struggle to find meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. Prepare to be enthralled, disturbed, and ultimately moved by The Stranger, a novel that will leave an indelible mark on your soul and forever change the way you view the world around you.

The Stranger

A space cruiser, in search of its sister ship, encounters beings descended from self-replicating machines. In the grand tradition of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, Stanis?aw Lem's The Invincible tells the story of a space cruiser sent to an obscure planet to determine the fate of a sister spaceship whose communication with Earth has abruptly ceased. Landing on the planet Regis III, navigator Rohan and his crew discover a form of life that has apparently evolved from autonomous, self-replicating machines—perhaps the survivors of a “robot war.” Rohan and his men are forced to confront the classic quandary: what course of action can humanity take once it has reached the limits of its knowledge? In The Invincible, Lem has his characters confront the inexplicable and the bizarre: the problem that lies just beyond analytical reach. This audiobook is expressively read by Nick Sullivan with audio engineering by Mike Thal. It was produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont.

Invincible, The

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish, read by Martin Freeman, is the fourth instalment in Douglas Adams' bestselling Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy 'trilogy'. There is a knack to flying. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss. It's not an easy thing to do, and Arthur Dent thinks he's the only human who's been able to master this nifty little trick – until he meets Fenchurch, the woman of his dreams. Fenchurch once realized how the world could be made a good and happy place. Unfortunately, she's forgotten. Convinced that the secret lies within God's Final Message to His Creation, they go in search of it. And, in a dramatic break with tradition, actually find it . . . Follow Arthur Dent's galactic (mis)adventures in the last of the 'trilogy of five', Mostly Harmless.

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish

From John Marrs, the bestselling author of The One. Set in the same world, and narrated by a full cast, The Marriage Act is a dark, high-concept thriller. ‘One of the most exciting original thriller writers’ - Simon Kernick, author of Good Cop Bad Cop What if marriage was the law? Dare you disobey? Britain. The near-future. A right-wing government believes it has the answer to society’s ills – the Sanctity of Marriage Act, which actively encourages marriage as the norm, punishing those who choose to remain single. But four couples are about to discover just how impossible relationships can be when the government is monitoring every aspect of our personal lives, tracking every word, every minor disagreement . . . and will use every tool in its arsenal to ensure everyone will love, honour and obey. Black Mirror meets thriller with a dash of Naomi Alderman’s The Power. Praise for John Marrs: 'A page-turning and thought-provoking read' - Daily Mirror 'A socially aware novel packed with thought-provoking questions' - SFX Magazine 'Clever, compelling and terrifyingly plausible. A near future nightmare that grips from the first page and never let’s go . . . talk about a page-turner. This one will leave you with paper cuts! – C. J. Tudor, bestselling author of The Chalk Man 'A smart, gripping and scarily believable story from the master of the speculative thriller'— T.M. Logan, author of The Catch 'John’s creative, high-concept thrillers never fail to keep me furiously turning the pages and The Marriage Act is no exception . . . dark, immersive speculative fiction at its very best!' – Sarah Pearse, author of The Retreat 'A scarily plausible alternative future with a truly twisted narrative. Tensely plotted and terrifyingly imagined! - Harriet Tyce, author of Blood Orange

What if marriage was the law? In a chilling near-future Britain, a right-wing government enforces love, tracking every couple's discord. Dive into this dark, high-concept thriller that will keep you questioning the bonds we hold dear.

The Marriage Act

WINNER OF THE 2025 ARTHUR C. CLARKE AWARD A TIMES BOOK OF THE MONTH A GUARDIAN SCI-FI BOOK OF THE MONTH A JIMMY FALLON SPRING FAVOURITE A HARPER'S BAZAAR 'BEST BOOK OF 2024' AUDIBLE BEST OF THE MONTH AMAZON 'BEST OF MARCH' PICK ESQUIRE'S 'BEST BOOKS OF 2024 (SO FAR)' A 'MOST ANTICIPATED NOVEL' FOR GOODREADS AND READER'S DIGEST She's human in every way that matters.Annie is the perfect girlfriend. She has dinner ready for Doug every night, wears the outfits he buys for her, and caters to his every sexual whim. Maybe her cleaning isn’t always good enough, but she’s trying really hard. She was designed that way, after all. Because Annie is a robot. But what happens when she starts to rebel against her stifled existence and imagine the impossible – a life without Doug? ‘Intense, compelling’ GUARDIAN 'Barbie for girls who like Aphex Twin' SHEENA PATEL 'An exquisitely written, empathetic novel that asks what it really means to be human’ RED ‘A smart dive into big questions about identity, autonomy and power… packs an impressive punch’ THE TIMES, Book of the Month ‘Slyly profound… gripping’ NEW YORK TIMES 'A Frankenstein for the digital age' ESQUIRE 'A compelling story of power, consent and control in the age of AI’ GRAZIA

What does it mean to be human? In this award-winning sci-fi novel, a robot designed for perfection begins to question her existence. Dive into an emotional journey of identity and autonomy that redefines love and freedom.

Annie Bot

A corporate hacker. An elusive billionaire. A society trying to survive the American Nightmare. New York City, 2075. Filipino-American Nick Carraway has just moved to the heart of the fractured New Americas, where he's struck by the city's contradictions - shining corporate towers casting bleak shadows over the slums of a crumbling middle class. When Nick meets alluring new-money Jay Gatsby, he falls for Gatsby's frank charm and confident aura. But in a city where the wealthy flaunt tech-enhanced bodies to cheat death, surfaces aren't all they seem - and as a corporate-sanctioned cyberspace hacker, Nick knows that no secret can stay buried forever. He's the reason they don't. And his latest assignment? Investigate Gatsby himself. As Nick becomes entangled in the dark affairs of the elite - and the devastating fallout of their actions on the city's most vulnerable - he must reckon with the limits of compassion and accountability across class and status. What takes precedence: Love, or truth? Heart, or soul? A brilliant reimagining of Fitzgerald's classic tale of glamour, desire, and desperation, Local Heavens examines the guardrails of morality . . . and the price of desire.

A brilliant reimagining of a classic tale, this gripping blend of science fiction and romance explores love, truth, and morality in a dystopian New York City. Can compassion survive amidst the shadows of wealth and desire?

Local Heavens

Mostly Harmless is the fifth and final part in Douglas Adams' much-loved cult classic series, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, read by Martin Freeman. Arthur Dent hadn't had a day as bad as this since the Earth had been blown up. After years of galactic wanderings, Arthur finally settles on the small planet Lamuella and becomes a sandwich maker. Looking forward to a quiet life, his plans are thrown awry by the unexpected arrival of his daughter. There's nothing worse than a frustrated teenager with a copy of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in their hands. When she runs away, Arthur goes after her determined to save her from the horrors of the universe. After all – he's encountered most of them before . . .

Mostly Harmless

NARRATED BY ACTOR JASON FLEMYNG The book that defined the cyberpunk movement, inspiring everything from The Matrix to Cyberpunk 2077. The sky above the port was the colour of television, tuned to a dead channel. William Gibson revolutionised science fiction in his 1984 debut Neuromancer. The writer who gave us the matrix and coined the term 'cyberspace' produced a first novel that won the Hugo, Nebula and Philip K. Dick Awards, and lit the fuse on the Cyberpunk movement. More than three decades later, Gibson's text is as stylish as ever, his noir narrative still glitters like chrome in the shadows and his depictions of the rise and abuse of corporate power look more prescient every day. Part thriller, part warning, Neuromancer is a timeless classic of modern SF and one of the 20th century's most potent and compelling visions of the future.

Sprawl

Neuromancer

Brought to you by Penguin. THE HEART-BREAKING POST-APOCALYPTIC TIKTOK SENSATION Discover the haunting, heartbreaking post-apocalyptic tale of female friendship and intimacy set in a deserted world. Deep underground, 39 women are kept in isolation in a cage. Aboveground, a world awaits. Has it been abandoned? Devastated by a virus? Watched over by guards, the women have no memory of how they got there, no notion of time and only vague recollection of their lives before. But, as the burn of electric light merges day into night and numberless years pass, a young girl - the 40th prisoner - sits alone and outcast in the corner. Soon she will show herself to be the key to the others' escape and survival in the strange world that awaits them aboveground. The woman who will never know men. Listeners Reviews: ‘The voice actor is FANTASTIC’ ***** ‘Life-changing. An absolute must read.’ ***** ‘Beautiful contemplation on what makes life worth living’ ***** ©2019 Jacqueline Harpman (P)2021 Penguin Audio

I Who Have Never Known Men

One of Ray Bradbury’s best-known and most popular novels, Something Wicked This Way Comes, now in a new recording narrated by Paul Giamatti! For those who still dream and remember, for those yet to experience the hypnotic power of its dark poetry, step inside. The show is about to begin. Cooger & Dark’s Pandemonium Shadow Show has come to Green Town, Illinois, to destroy every life touched by its strange and sinister mystery. The carnival rolls in sometime after midnight, ushering in Halloween a week early. A calliope’s shrill siren song beckons to all with a seductive promise of dreams and youth regained. Two boys will discover the secret of its smoke, mazes, and mirrors; two friends who will soon know all too well the heavy cost of wishes…and the stuff of nightmares. Few novels have endured in the heart and memory as has Ray Bradbury’s unparalleled literary masterpiece Something Wicked This Way Comes. Scary and suspenseful, it is a timeless classic in the American canon.

A timeless classic that haunts the imagination, this dark tale invites you to a sinister carnival where dreams come at a chilling cost. Experience Bradbury's spellbinding prose in a mesmerizing journey of friendship and fear.

Something Wicked This Way Comes

’A contemporary masterpiece’ GuardianTHE FIRST VOLUME OF THE EXTRAORDINARY SOUTHERN REACH TRILOGY – NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY ALEX GARLAND (EX MACHINA) AND STARRING NATALIE PORTMAN AND OSCAR ISAAC For thirty years, Area X has remained mysterious and remote behind its intangible border – an environmental disaster zone, though to all appearances an abundant wilderness. The Southern Reach, a secretive government agency, has sent eleven expeditions to investigate Area X. One has ended in mass suicide, another in a hail of gunfire, the eleventh in a fatal cancer epidemic. Now four women embark on the twelfth expedition into the unknown.

The Southern Reach Series

Annihilation

1984 or Nineteen Eighty-Four: A Novel, is a dystopian novel by English novelist George Orwell. It was published on 8 June 1949. 1984 is one of George Orwell's most powerful politically charged novels, a beautifully crafted warning against the dangers of a totalitarian society, and one of the most famous novels in the dystopian genre. Winston Smith is a low-ranking member of the ruling party in London whose every move is monitored by telescreens. Everywhere Winston goes, the party's omniscient leader, Big Brother, watches him. This is an important novel not only for its stark warning against abusive authority (and its somewhat ironic contribution to modern television content), but also for its insights into the power of manipulating language, history, and the psychology of fear and control. These issues are perhaps even more pertinent today than when Orwell penned his novel.

1984 - Orwell

In George Orwell's timeless classic, "Animal Farm," a seemingly idyllic farm becomes the stage for a powerful and thought-provoking allegory. Set in a rural landscape, this remarkable novel examines the nature of power, corruption, and the human condition. When Old Major, a wise and respected boar, shares his vision of a utopian society, the animals of Manor Farm are captivated. Inspired by his words, they rise up against their human oppressors, overthrowing their human masters and establishing their own self-governed farm. Led by the pigs, notably the intelligent and manipulative Napoleon and the eloquent Snowball, the animals embrace the principles of "Animalism" and set out to create a fair and equal society. Initially, the farm thrives under the animals' collective efforts, with the Seven Commandments of Animalism serving as their guiding principles. However, as time passes, the pigs gradually assume more power and privilege, distorting the original vision of equality. The farm's transformation unfolds before the reader's eyes, as Orwell masterfully illustrates how power corrupts even the noblest of intentions. As the pigs consolidate their authority, the other animals witness a chilling erosion of their rights and freedoms. The novel vividly portrays the struggles, hardships, and disillusionment faced by the hardworking animals as they grapple with the stark reality that their revolution has been hijacked by those who crave power and control. "Animal Farm" is a captivating and deeply allegorical novel that holds a mirror to society's dynamics, exploring themes of totalitarianism, propaganda, and the dangers of unchecked authority. Orwell's sharp and incisive prose exposes the flaws and contradictions of human nature, challenging readers to question the nature of power and its ability to corrupt. Originally published in 1945, "Animal Farm" remains a literary masterpiece and a scathing critique of political systems and social hierarchies. It continues to resonate with readers of all ages, urging them to reflect on the fragility of democracy and the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of tyranny. With its compelling narrative, rich symbolism, and enduring relevance, George Orwell's "Animal Farm" is a must-read for anyone seeking to explore the complexities of power and the human struggle for freedom and equality.

Animal Farm

The Hunger Games meets Lost in this spectacular new series. Now a major TV series on E4. No one has set foot on Earth in centuries - until now. Ever since a devastating nuclear war, humanity has lived on spaceships far above Earth's radioactive surface. Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents - considered expendable by society - are being sent on a dangerous mission: to re-colonize the planet. It could be their second chance at life...or it could be a suicide mission. CLARKE was arrested for treason, though she's haunted by the memory of what she really did. WELLS, the chancellor's son, came to Earth for the girl he loves - but will she ever forgive him Reckless BELLAMY fought his way onto the transport pod to protect his sister, the other half of the only siblings in the universe. And GLASS managed to escape back onto the ship, only to find that life there is just as dangerous as she feared it would be on Earth. Confronted with a savage land and haunted by secrets from their pasts, the hundred must fight to survive. They were never meant to be heroes, but they may be mankind's last hope. (P) 2013 Hachette Audio

The 100

Picked as a most anticipated book of 2025 by Goodreads, Vogue, LitHub and TIME–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––'Heralds the arrival of a powerful new literary voice' VOGUE 'Pacy, immaculately modulated' OBSERVER 'Had me turning the pages well into the night' JESSICA KNOLL, author of BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Annie is nine months pregnant. She’s shopping for a crib at IKEA. That’s when the massive earthquake hits. There’s nothing to do but walk. Annie is 37 weeks pregnant, standing in IKEA, finally about to take home the crib she should have bought months ago. That’s when it happens – the long-anticipated Cascadia Earthquake, dismantling the East Coast of America in a matter of minutes. Propulsive, disruptive, funny, terrifying, Tilt is a novel about how the foundations of our lives are built and shaken. About a woman trying to walk back to the husband she’s long been pushing away. About put-off dreams and inevitability and what makes us keep moving forward. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––'A compulsive read' LUAN GOLDIE, author of NIGHTINGALE POINT 'I was so mesmerized that I blew off all my responsibilities, threw all other reading aside, and blistered through the whole thing in one sitting' ANGIE KIM, author of HAPPINESS FALLS 'The Road meets Nightbitch meets What to Expect When You’re Expecting. I loved this novel' LYDIA KIESLING, author of The Golden State 'This riveting book made me laugh, cry, and think. I couldn’t put it down' HELEN PHILLIPS, author of Hum

A woman’s world unravels in the wake of a devastating earthquake while she’s nine months pregnant. This gripping contemporary novel blends humor and heart, exploring love, loss, and the resilience to keep moving forward.

Tilt

Brave New World is a dystopian social science fiction novel by English author Aldous Huxley, written in 1931 and published a year later. Largely set in a futuristic World State, whose citizens are environmentally engineered into an intelligence-based social hierarchy, the novel anticipates huge scientific advancements in reproductive technology, sleep-learning, psychological manipulation, and classical conditioning that are combined to make a dystopian society that is challenged by only a single individual: the story's protagonist. Huxley followed this book with a reassessment in essay form, Brave New World Revisited (1958), and with his final novel, Island (1962), the utopian counterpart. The novel is often compared to George Orwell's 1884. Brave New World has frequently been banned and challenged since its original publication. It has landed on the American Library Association list of top 100 banned and challenged books of the decade since the association began the list in 1990. Author Aldous Huxley was an English writer and philosopher. He wrote nearly fifty books, both novels and non-fiction works—as well as wide-ranging essays, narratives, and poems. Born into the prominent Huxley family, he graduated from Oxford, with an undergraduate degree in English literature. Early in his career, he published short stories and poetry and edited the literary magazine Oxford Poetry, before going on to publish travel writing, satire, and screenplays. Huxley spent the latter part of his life in the United States, living in Los Angeles from 1937 until his death. By the end of his life, Huxley was widely acknowledged as one of the foremost intellectuals of his time. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature nine times and was elected Companion of Literature by the Royal Society of Literature in 1962. Also includes several ultra-rare previously unheard conversations with the esteemed intellectual.

Aldous Huxley's Brave New World

Spaceships aren’t programmed to seek revenge—but for Dracula, Demeter will make an exception. Demeter just wants to do her job: shuttling humans between Earth and Alpha Centauri. Unfortunately, her passengers keep dying—and not from equipment failures, as her AI medical system, Steward, would have her believe. These are paranormal murders, and they began when one nasty, ancient vampire decided to board Demeter and kill all her humans. To keep from getting decommissioned, Demeter must join forces with her own team of monsters: A werewolf. An engineer built from the dead. A pharaoh with otherworldly powers. A vampire with a grudge. A fleet of cheerful spider drones. Together, this motley crew will face down the ultimate evil—Dracula. The queer love child of pulp horror and ​classic ​sci-fi, Of Monsters and ​Mainframes ​is a dazzling, heartfelt odyssey that probes what it means to be one of society’s monsters—and explores the many types of friendship that make us human.

A dazzling blend of pulp horror and classic sci-fi, this heartfelt odyssey features a spaceship crewed by monsters facing Dracula's wrath. Explore friendship and identity in a world where everyone is a little monstrous.

Of Monsters and Mainframes

'A thrilling dystopia that everyone should read' DAZED'A hideous, bold, unforgettable vision of the future' i-D MAGAZINE'A gut-churning, brilliantly realised novel' DAILY MAIL If everyone was eating human meat, would you? Marcos is in the business of slaughtering humans - only no one calls them that. He works with numbers, consignments, processing. One day, he's given a specimen of the finest quality. He leaves her tied up in an outhouse, a problem to be disposed of later. But she haunts Marcos. Her trembling body, and watchful gaze, seem to understand. And soon, he becomes tortured by what has been lost - and what might still be saved...

Tender is the Flesh

"Rouge is a fever dream—a brilliant, intense, unforgettable horror story about a beauty cult with a deeply moving mother-daughter story at its core. Mona Awad’s signature and singular imagination and black humor and empathy are on full display here, and her wild-ride of a tale is masterfully grounded in the emotional devastation of childhood and grief. I loved every word of this." —Laura Zigman, author of Small World "There is nobody else like Mona Awad, daring enough to plunge her hands—rings and all—into the viscera of story and discover an unsettling beauty within. ROUGE is her most magnetic work yet, a thrilling dystopian romp that knows that beneath the glossy, aspirational veneer of self-care lurks the same old gothic abyss." —Alexandra Kleeman, author of Something New Under the Sun From the critically acclaimed author of Bunny comes a horror-tinted, gothic fairy tale about a lonely dress shop clerk whose mother’s unexpected death sends her down a treacherous path in pursuit of youth and beauty. Can she escape her mother’s fate—and find a connection that is more than skin deep? For as long as she can remember, Belle has been insidiously obsessed with her skin and skincare videos. When her estranged mother Noelle mysteriously dies, Belle finds herself back in Southern California, dealing with her mother’s considerable debts and grappling with lingering questions about her death. The stakes escalate when a strange woman in red appears at the funeral, offering a tantalizing clue about her mother’s demise, followed by a cryptic video about a transformative spa experience. With the help of a pair of red shoes, Belle is lured into the barbed embrace of La Maison de Méduse, the same lavish, culty spa her mother to which her mother was devoted. There, Belle discovers the frightening secret behind her (and her mother’s) obsession with the mirror—and the great shimmering depths (and demons) that lurk on the other side of the glass. Snow White meets Eyes Wide Shut in this surreal descent into the dark side of beauty, envy, grief, and the complicated love between mothers and daughters. With black humor and seductive horror, ROUGE explores the cult-like nature of the beauty industry—as well as the danger of internalizing its pitiless gaze. Brimming with California sunshine and blood-red rose petals, ROUGE holds up a warped mirror to our relationship with mortality, our collective fixation with the surface, and the wondrous, deep longing that might lie beneath.

Rouge

A shooting star seen in the skies over Victorian England heralds an alien invasion. The Martians, in need of resources, have been shot from Mars via a huge space gun and have landed in Southern England, where they quickly overwhelm its inhabitants. As the battle for Earth begins, our unnamed narrator struggles to return to his wife amidst the fighting and devastation. One of the most widely-read and influential science-fiction novels, War of the Worlds touches on interplanetary travel, evolutionary theory, British imperialism, and the fears and prejudices of Victorian times. First serialized in 1897, it has been adapted many times, most famously by Orson Welles and company in the form of a prank radio news alert in 1938 that caused panic among listeners.

An alien invasion ignites chaos in Victorian England. As Martians descend, one man's desperate quest to reunite with his wife unfolds amidst a battle for Earth. This timeless classic redefines fear and humanity in a thrilling way.

War of the Worlds

Four hundred years from now mankind is strung out across a region of interstellar space inherited from an ancient civilization discovered on Mars. The colonies are linked together by the occasional sublight colony ship voyages and hyperspatial data-casting. Human consciousness is digitally freighted between the stars and downloaded into bodies as a matter of course. But some things never change. So when ex-envoy, now-convict Takeshi Kovacs has his consciousness and skills downloaded into the body of a nicotine-addicted ex-thug and presented with a catch-22 offer, he really shouldn¿t be surprised. Contracted by a billionaire to discover who murdered his last body, Kovacs is drawn into a terrifying conspiracy that stretches across known space and to the very top of society. For a first-time SF writer to be so surely in command of narrative and technology, so brilliant at world-building, so able to write such readable and enjoyable SF adventure, is simply extraordinary. Read by Todd Mclaren (p) 2005 Tantor, Inc

Takeshi Kovacs

Altered Carbon

The nail-bitingly suspenseful second book in the smash-hit Wayward Pines trilogy, from the bestselling author of Dark Matter, Recursion, and Upgrade. It’s the perfect town . . . as long as you don’t try to leave. Nestled amid picture-perfect mountains, the idyllic town of Wayward Pines is a modern-day Eden – at least at first glance. Except that within its fences, the residents are told where to work, how to live, and who to marry. None of them know how they got here. Some believe they are dead. Others think they’re trapped in an unfathomable experiment. Everyone secretly dreams of leaving, but those who dare face a terrifying surprise. As sheriff, Ethan Burke is tasked with enforcing the town’s laws, and he’s one of the few entrusted with the truth – even though, for all his knowledge, he’s as much a prisoner of Wayward Pines as anyone else. But when a murder investigation draws him deeper into the town’s inner workings, Ethan learns that its past is darker than even he suspected – and finds himself faced with an impossible choice. The second novel in Blake Crouch’s blockbuster series, Wayward delves deeper into the irresistible mysteries and horrors of this perfect little town, even as it asks what it means to live with secrets – and what price we’ll pay for the truth.

In a seemingly perfect town, secrets lurk behind every fence. As the sheriff unravels a chilling murder mystery, he confronts the dark truth of Wayward Pines. This psychological thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Wayward

Told in the form of a series of letters ‘Frankenstein’ follows a young and charismatic Victor Frankenstein as he attempts to make his mark on the world of science. Taking a number of body parts from various corpses, he brings a monstrous creation to life which instead of being his crowning glory, terrifies him. The nameless monster escapes from his lab, taking many innocent lives before Frankenstein can track it down again. Shelley took inspiration from her trips through Germany and the legends of Castle Frankenstein, where an allusive alchemist engaged in dark experiments two centuries before. It is a thrilling novel that has inspired a whole genre of horror, as well as countless films adaptations, most recently ‘Victor Frankenstein’ starring James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe. Mary Shelley (1797-1851) was an English author of science fiction, historical fiction and travel writing who is best known for her classic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Shelley conceived of the idea for the novel at the age of eighteen when she was on holiday in Switzerland with Lord Byron and John William Polidori. Following the death of her husband and two children she returned to England with her only surviving son, to dedicate herself to his upbringing and writing professionally. She wrote numerous works in this time such as the apocalyptic novel ‘The Last Man’ (1826) and the historical fiction tale ‘Valperga’ (1823).

Svenska Ljud Classica

Frankenstein

‘A rich and vivid future Earth that’s inventive and attention-grabbing in equal measure’ SFX ‘Evokes classics of the genre…throwing in elements of Mad Max and Indiana Jones’ FINANCIAL TIMES A SAVAGE FUTURE. A VANISHED PAST. A MISSING KEY. Among the ruins of a civilization beyond their understanding, humanity clings to survival. Guilds vie for control of ancient cities, bandits ride glowing highways, and cyborg adventurers hunt for lost technology. In the City of Towers, once the heart of the fallen Tarakan empire, a historian searches for clues to explain the disappearance of Rafik, a young boy with extraordinary abilities – a Puzzler. Marked with strange tattoos and gifted with a miraculous connection to Tarakan technology, Rafik could open doors inside the ruins, uncovering treasures and secrets. As Rafik’s story is retold, it becomes clear that one lost boy may be the key to reviving a broken world or unleashing a new wave of devastation.

The Tarakan Chronicles

The Lost Puzzler

Isaac Asimov’s Robot series – from the iconic collection I, Robot to four classic novels – contains some of the most influential works in the history of science fiction. Establishing and testing the Three Laws of Robotics, they continue to shape the understanding and design of artificial intelligence to this day. What happens when a robot begins to question its creators? What would be the consequences of creating a robot with a sense of humour? Or the ability to lie? How do we truly tell the difference between man and machine? In I, Robot, Asimov sets out the Three Laws of Robotics – designed to protect humans from their robotic creations – and pushes them to their limits and beyond. Following genius robopsychologist Dr. Susan Calvin and engineers Powell and Donovan, these short stories helped to transform artificial intelligence from a dream into a science and changed perceptions of robots for ever.

I, Robot

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2017 HUGO AWARD AND THE ARTHUR C CLARKE AWARD 'Chambers is simply an exceptional talent' Tor.com **Winner of the 2017 Prix Julia-Verlanger** The stand-alone sequel to the award-winning The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet Lovelace was once merely a ship's artificial intelligence. When she wakes up in an new body, following a total system shut-down and reboot, she has to start over in a synthetic body, in a world where her kind are illegal. She's never felt so alone. But she's not alone, not really. Pepper, one of the engineers who risked life and limb to reinstall Lovelace, is determined to help her adjust to her new world. Because Pepper knows a thing or two about starting over. Together, Pepper and Lovey will discover that, huge as the galaxy may be, it's anything but empty. PRAISE FOR THE WAYFARERS 'Never less than deeply involving' DAILY MAIL 'Explores the quieter side of sci-fi while still wowing us with daring leaps of imagination' iBOOKS 'So much fun to read' HEAT 'Warm, engaging, properly science-fictional, A Closed and Common Orbit is a very likable novel indeed'GUARDIAN 'The most fun that I've had with a novel in a long, long time' iO9

A Closed and Common Orbit

WINNER OF THE HUGO AWARD FOR BEST ALL-TIME SERIES The Foundation series is Isaac Asimov’s iconic masterpiece. Unfolding against the backdrop of a crumbling Galactic Empire, the story of Hari Seldon’s two Foundations is a lasting testament to an extraordinary imagination, one that shaped science fiction as we know it today. The First Foundation survived two centuries of barbarism as the once-mighty Galactic Empire descended into chaos. Now it mist prepare for war against the remnants of the Empire as the Imperial fleet advances on their planet, Terminus. Hari Seldon predicted this war; he even prepared his Foundation for it. But he couldn’t foresee the birth of the mutant Mule. In possession of a power which reduces fearsome opposition to devoted slaves, the Mule poses a terrible threat to Seldon’s Foundation.

Foundation and Empire

The war is over. Its heroes forgotten. Until one chance discovery . . .From the author of Children of Time, winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award, Shards of Earth is the first high-octane, far-future space adventure in Adrian Tchaikovsky's Final Architecture trilogy. The series is read by Sophie Aldred (Doctor Who) Idris has neither aged nor slept since they remade his mind in the war. And one of humanity’s heroes now scrapes by on a freelance salvage vessel, to avoid the attention of greater powers. Eighty years ago, Earth was destroyed by an alien enemy. Many escaped, but millions more died. So mankind created enhanced humans ­such as Idris - who could communicate mind-to-mind with our aggressors. Then these ‘Architects’ simply disappeared and Idris and his kind became obsolete. Now, Idris and his crew have something strange, abandoned in space. It’s clearly the work of the Architects – but are they really returning? And if so, why? Hunted by gangsters, cults and governments, Idris and his crew race across the galaxy as they search for answers. For they now possess something of incalculable value, and many would kill to obtain it. ‘Enthralling, epic, immersive and hugely intelligent’ – Stephen Baxter, author of the Xeelee Sequence ‘One of the most interesting and accomplished writers in speculative fiction’ – Christopher Paolini, author of Fractal Noise Praise for Adrian Tchaikovsky: ‘He writes incredibly enjoyable sci-fi, full of life and ideas’ – Patrick Ness ‘Thoughtful, sweeping space adventure’ – SFX ‘Brilliant science fiction’ – James McAvoy

The Final Architecture

Shards of Earth

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Cosmos and renowned astronomer Carl Sagan’s international bestseller about the discovery of an advanced civilization in the depths of space remains the “greatest adventure of all time” (Associated Press). The future is here…in an adventure of cosmic dimension. When a signal is discovered that seems to come from far beyond our solar system, a multinational team of scientists decides to find the source. What follows is an eye-opening journey out to the stars to the most awesome encounter in human history. Who—or what—is out there? Why are they watching us? And what do they want with us? One of the best science fiction novels about communication with extraterrestrial intelligent beings, Contact is a “stunning and satisfying” (Los Angeles Times) classic.

Contact

Brought to you by Penguin. Shortlisted for Audiobook of the Year at the British Book Awards 2020. Winner of Best Audiobook (Fiction) at the New York Festival Radio Awards 2020. Read by Elisabeth Moss, star of the hit Channel 4 TV series. Go back to where it all began with the dystopian novel behind the award-winning TV series. "I believe in the resistance as I believe there can be no light without shadow; or rather, no shadow unless there is also light." Offred is a Handmaid in The Republic of Gilead, a religious totalitarian state in what was formerly known as the United States. She is placed in the household of The Commander, Fred Waterford - her assigned name, Offred, means 'of Fred'. She has only one function: to breed. If Offred refuses to enter into sexual servitude to repopulate a devastated world, she will be hanged. Yet even a repressive state cannot eradicate hope and desire. As she recalls her pre-revolution life in flashbacks, Offred must navigate through the terrifying landscape of torture and persecution in the present day, and between two men upon which her future hangs. Masterfully conceived and executed, this haunting vision of the future places Margaret Atwood at the forefront of dystopian fiction. 'As relevant today as it was when Atwood wrote it' Guardian 'A fantastic, chilling story. And so powerfully feminist', Bernardine Evaristo, author of Girl, Woman, Other. 'A contemporary classic… the book serves as a chilling reminder of what women have experienced' Independent ©2011 O W Toad Ltd (P)2019 Penguin Audio

The Handmaid's Tale

Goodreads Choice Award for Best Science Fiction Novel To Sleep in a Sea of Stars is a masterful epic science fiction novel from the New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of the Inheritance Cycle, Christopher Paolini. Kira Navárez dreamed of life on new worlds Now she’s awakened a nightmare During a routine survey mission on an uncolonized planet, Kira finds an alien relic. At first she’s delighted, but elation turns to terror when the ancient dust around her begins to move. As war erupts among the stars, Kira is launched into a galaxy-spanning odyssey of discovery and transformation. First contact isn’t at all what she imagined, and events push her to the very limits of what it means to be human. While Kira faces her own horrors, Earth and its colonies stand upon the brink of annihilation. Now, Kira might be humanity’s greatest and final hope . . . Praise for Christopher Paolini and his work: 'Christopher Paolini is a true rarity' – Washington Post 'An authentic work of great talent' – New York Times Book Review 'A breathtaking and unheard of success' – USA Today 'Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic' – People

An alien relic awakens a nightmare for Kira Navárez, plunging her into an epic galactic odyssey. This award-winning sci-fi masterpiece explores humanity's limits in the face of extraordinary challenges. Discover a universe beyond imagination.

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars

The final book of the smash-hit Wayward Pines trilogy from the New York Times bestselling author of Dark Matter, Recursion, and Upgrade. What’s inside was a nightmare. What’s outside is a thousand times worse. Welcome to Wayward Pines, the last town. Secret Service agent Ethan Burke arrived in Wayward Pines, Idaho, three weeks ago. In this town, people are told who to marry, where to live, where to work. No one is allowed to leave; even asking questions can get you killed. But Ethan has discovered the astonishing secret of what lies beyond the electrified fence that surrounds Wayward Pines and protects it from the terrifying world beyond. And now that secret is about to come storming through the fence to wipe out this last, fragile remnant of humanity. The Last Town at last pitches Ethan Burke and his fellow residents into all-out war against the forces outside the town’s gates – and in doing so delivers every bit the riotously horrific, breathlessly action-packed conclusion that the Wayward Pines trilogy deserves.

The Last Town

An emotionally-charged contemporary fantasy of love, sacrifice and ancient enchantments as Polish folklore thrives in today’s Chicago, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Divergent, Chosen Ones and Arch-Conspirator. Step into a city where monsters feast on human emotions, knights split their souls to make their weapons, and witches always take more than they give. Pain is Dymitr’s calling. To slay the monsters he’s been raised to kill, he had to split his soul in half to make a sword from his own spine. Every time he draws it, he gets blood on his hands. Pain is Ala’s inheritance. When her mother died, a family curse to witness horrors committed by the Holy Order was passed onto her. The curse will claim her life, as it did her mother’s, unless she can find a cure. One fateful night in Chicago, Dymitr comes to Ala with a bargain: her help in finding the legendary witch Baba Jaga in exchange for an enchanted flower that just might cure her. Desperate, and unaware of what Dymitr really is, Ala agrees. But they only have one day before the flower dies, and Ala's hopes of breaking the curse along with it.

When Among Crows

WINNER OF THE HUGO AWARD FOR BEST ALL-TIME SERIES The Foundation series is Isaac Asimov’s iconic masterpiece. Unfolding against the backdrop of a crumbling Galactic Empire, the story of Hari Seldon’s two Foundations is a lasting testament to an extraordinary imagination, one that shaped science fiction as we know it today. The First Foundation has been defeated, crushed by the formidable mental powers of the Mule. But whispers of the mysterious Second Foundation, the only hope of defeating the Mule, are beginning to spread… Surviving members of the First Foundation also fear the secret powers of the Second Foundation, vowing to find and destroy it. However, the location of the Second Foundation remains shrouded in mystery. Finding it will lead the Foundation to the opposite end of the Galaxy, where the fate of Seldon’s two Foundations awaits.

Second  Foundation

The award winning and critically acclaimed first novel from Brandon Sanderson is a brilliantly written epic fantasy Elantris was built on magic and it thrived. But then the magic began to fade and Elantris began to rot. Now its shattered citizens face domination by a powerful Imperium motivated by dogged religious views. Can a young Princess unite the people of Elantris, and lead a rebellion against the imperial zealots? Brandon Sanderson's debut fantasy showed his skill as a storyteller and an imaginer of baroque magical systems to be fully developed from the start.

Elantris

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