Area X has claimed the lives of members of eleven expeditions. The twelfth expedition consisting of four women hopes to map the terrain and collect specimens; to record all their observations, scientific and otherwise, of their surroundings and of one another; and, above all, to avoid being contaminated by Area X itself.

"Bringing together characters from Oryx and Crake and The Year of the Flood, this thrilling conclusion to Margaret Atwood's speculative fiction trilogy confirms the ultimate endurance of humanity, community, and love. Months after the Waterless Flood pandemic has wiped out most of humanity, Toby and Ren have rescued their friend Amanda from the vicious Painballers. They return to the MaddAddamite cob house, which is being fortified against man and...

Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance, all graduates of the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened and members of the Benedict Society, embark on a scavenger hunt that turns into a desperate search for the missing Mr. Benedict.

Bold fiction that transcends boundaries and borders.

In these nine stunningly original, provocative, and poignant stories, Ted Chiang tackles some of humanity's oldest questions along with new quandaries only he could imagine. In "The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate," a portal through time forces a fabric seller in ancient Baghdad to grapple with past mistakes and second chances. In "Exhalation," an alien scientist makes a shocking discovery with ramifications that are literally universal. In "Anxiety...

Forbidden planet: Leslie Nielsen plays the commander who brings his space cruiser crew, and Robby the Robot, to the green-skied world that's home to Dr. Morbius and his daughter, and to a mysterious terror. Invisible boy: A ten-year-old boy and Robby the Robot team up to prevent a Super Computer from controlling the Earth from a satellite.

While residents of the planet Valo prepare to welcome visitors from all over the galaxy for the Republic Fair, Jedi Padawan Ram Jomaran discovers that someone has knocked out Valo's communications tower, and as the dreaded Nihil unleash a surprise attack, it's up to Ram to face the enemy and send a call for help to the Republic.

"The mighty engines of Anchorage have been rusted and dead for years. The derelict city no longer roams the Ice Wastes, but has settled on the edge of the land that was once America. Tom and Hester are happy in the safety of a static settlement, but their daughter Wren is ripe for rebellion. A dangerously charming submarine pirate offers her escape - but he wants something in return. The ancient Tin Book that she steals for him ignites a conflict...

Born of an initiative at the Center for Science and the Imagination at Arizona State University, this remarkable collection unites a diverse group of celebrated authors, prominent scientists, and creative visionaries--among them Cory Doctorow, Gregory Benford, Charlie Jane Anders, David Brin, and Neal Stephenson--who contributed works of "techno-optimism" that challenge us to imagine fully, think broadly, and do Big Stuff. Inside this volume you will...

Presents twenty-five contemporary short stories that probe the depths of human experience and relationships.