Bold sci-fi writer Sean Monaghan's epic stories sweep readers away into vast new worlds.On planet Pross, under a bright sun, in cool, hazy air, Captain Arlon Stoddard receives a mysterious signal from outer space. A signal that demands investigation. With his courageous crew, Arlon launches into action.Exploring a dangerous space derelict, though, takes a special kind of restrained but reckless courage.A profound phenomenon of a story, Behemoth Busters takes the cre...

Crafty writer Sean Monaghan's stories mix thrills and action, all with a deft human touch.Reluctant bagman Eric Yonger waits for his handoff at a lonely overpass with the sweet scents of long grass and the endless hum and swish of traffic sweeping by. When Minette arrives for the handoff, though, Eric knows the whole job needs a rethink.His job relies on anonymity. But he knows Minette.And that whole history might just come crashing down on him.A cunning and...

The best short science fiction and fantasy published by authors from Aotearoa New Zealand in 2018, collected together for the first time.This inaugural edition of the Year's Best Aotearoa New Zealand Science Fiction & Fantasy brings together the very best short speculative fiction published by Kiwi authors in 2018.Explore worlds of hope and wonder, and worlds where hope and wonder are luxuries we wasted long ago; histories given new life, and futures you mi...

Accomplished sci-fi writer Sean Monaghan's remarkable stories entertain right from the opening words.Rocket jockey Anynda Parson braves the brisk cold of the launch pad, among the calls of wild birds, the swirls of rampant grass and the harsh tang of volatile fuels. The moments before the rocket race blast off invigorate her with a mix of eager tension and nervous energy. She lives for the races.But flying a rocket brings danger. Danger which thrusts racers into split-secon...

Versatile writer, Sean Monaghan's deft touch with intriguing characters and challenging situations promises a great read.Former cop and current private investigator Gus Mindell lives for the complications of his cases. His dusty office, good coffee, and the grit and the dirt of the seedy underworld make for the career of a lifetime.But when he takes a call about an innocent missing model-maker, Gus finds himself teaming up with Liv and drawing on a whole batch of new skills...

Prolific sci-fi writer Sean Monaghan delivers another one-two knockout story, with a genuine emotional heart.Experienced astronaut Creg Boston feels right at home on the rugged lunar surface, driving his trusty tractug as he explores for mining sites. In the sweet cool of the cockpit, the quiet of the isolation, the happy chugging, whirring sounds of the tractug, Patty, the vehicle's able AI, keeps Creg alert, and keeps him company.But when the tractug lurches into a lunar ...

Dazzling action writer Sean Monaghan's economical, evocative stories always enthrall and engage.Expert designer Gabriel loves spending time with Claire on the drive between his hometown and hers. The conversations, and the smells and sounds of the countryside uplift and energize him.When his busted old car gives its final gasp, though, Gabriel and Claire need a little help.And help at that particular spot brings its own particular dangers.An intense, challen...

South Dakota. Sunset.One dark day in July, Brad crashes his busted light plane in a dusty cornfield. Not great for his weekend plans.Not great for anything.Passing by, Cole Wright stops to lend a hand.Which might just plunge them both into something more dangerous than plane wrecks.A standalone Cole Wright story.

Can human connections form in a world of artificial intelligence?In remote Fordholm, draped in ice and snow, Mette Gilbert faces research challenges that defy imagination.And she truly needs more than imagination to set the world right.—"By its very definition," Mette said, "'breach' means 'uncontained'."—Can Mette put things right before time runs out?Dark and compelling, overrun delivers the heartfelt emotions and complex situations we expect from ...

Delivery artist Usla Miles loves stretching her new grafted wings. She flies high and fast. Pursuers stand no chance.Usla's job consists of making deliveries. Genetic datasets. Vital work in a desperate world.Some imagine that they know better. Imagine That control might require murder.In a future wracked with destruction and desperation, Ursla brings a little hope to those on the margins.But only if she survives the night.A tale of a society in the ...

Cassie hears patterns. Sees patterns. Everywhere. Perhaps too many patterns.But that makes her one of the best interstellar signal analysts around.When the AI interpreter starts throwing extra data her way, Cassie might have more patterns than even she can cope with.And the implications of the signal might change everything.For everyone.A story that asks the question: Do we know our place in the universe?

Grandpa Jim's old farm cottage lies empty and cold. Paint faded and chipped and cracked.Mel arrives not knowing the state of the place. Or the state of her feelings. Grandpa Jim always seemed mysterious, even distant.Even more distant now.A short story about reslience and relationships and trust, that asks the question, can we ever truly know our family?