Dust

A Philip K. Dick Award nominee
The inhabitants of a broken ship orbiting a doomed sun have already come to terms with the fact that their metallic world is slowly falling apart with age. But when the servant releases a captive noblewoman, the old way of life and order comes to an end.

Ariana, Princess of the House of Power, was known for her cruelty. But she cut off the angel’s wings on the battlefield only after the enemy had surrendered — showing utter dishonor as well. Now the captive angel, Perseval, thirsts not just to kill Ariana, but to consume her memories and her mind. There is no doubt that such a horrific fate will cause war between the Houses — and that is precisely what Ariana herself wants. But her plan can still be resisted.

Perseval recognizes the young servant assigned to care for her immediately, because this is Rian — her sister lost in childhood. Soon they will escape, hoping to stop the looming war and save both of their Houses, but the dangerous journey through the crumbling body of a dying ship will not go unnoticed. Because at the center of the turned-about world, they will find Jacob Dust — everything that remains of God. And he knows they will meet very soon.

“Bэр takes as the basis the classic science fiction plot — the generation ship — and, seasoning it with family politics in the style of Roger Zelazny, as well as behind-the-scenes intrigue in the spirit of Mervyn Peake, creates a delightful story where science is advanced enough to resemble magic.” — Booklist

“A clearly constructed story with fast plot development and wonderful characters, lots of science, and a brilliant idea… Its neat structure, ease, and lack of anything unnecessary reminded me of Silverberg’s novels. This is an excellent book you’ll enjoy immensely.” — Sfcrownest

“Bэр proves that she is one of the most talented writers working in this genre today.” — Romantic Times

“Extraordinary. Exactly the kind of brilliantly detailed, tightly constructed, gripping book with fantastic characters that readers are looking for.” — Booklist

“In this complex coming-of-age story, the author proves that one of the oldest science fiction tropes — the generation ship stuck in space — can still be unusual and incredibly interesting.” — Publishers Weekly

“A novel with deep meaning and a resolution dictated by love, which ultimately drowns out all extraneous thoughts.” — The Washington Post Book World

“The author’s language is sharp, strong, and playful, and the technologies are modern and skillfully woven into the narrative. The cultures Bэр creates are a magnificent blend of futurism and anachronism. The plot is unpredictable, and the characters interact easily. It’s a wonderful new take on the canon of generation ships — and you’ll have a lot of fun if you pay attention to this novel.” — SciFi

“A novel with great pacing and plot, well-written main characters, gripping action, and an elegant, engaging style.” — SFReviews

“Bэр is a wonderful writer who leaves many of her contemporaries in the dust.” — Fantasy Book Critic Blogspot

“Narration, pace, and the gradual unveiling of mysteries — flawless.” — Fantasy & Science Fiction