Synopses & Reviews
Herself a biologist, Julie E. Czerneda has earned a reputation in science fiction circles for her ability to create beautifully crafted, imaginative, yet believably realized alien races. In Survival, the first novel in her new series, Species Imperative, she draws upon this talent to build races, characters, and a universe which will draw readers into a magnificent tale of interstellar intrigue, as an Earth scientist is caught up in a terrifying interspecies conflict. Senior co-administrator of the Norcoast Salmon Research Facility, Dr. Mackenzie Connor, Mac to her friends and colleagues, was a trained biologist, whose work had definitely become her life. And working at Norcoast Base, set in an ideal location just where the Tannu River sped down the west side of the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast was the perfect situation for Mac. She and fellow scientist Dr. Emily Mamani were just settling in to monitor this year's salmon runs when their research was interrupted by the unprecedented arrival of Brymn, the first member of the alien race known as the Ohryn to ever set foot on Earth.
Brymn was an archaeologist, and much of his research had focused on a region of space known as the Chasm, a part of the universe that was literally dead, all of its worlds empty of any life-forms, though traces existed of the civilizations that must once have flourished in the region. Brymn had sought out Mac because she was a biologist -- a discipline strictly forbidden among his own people -- and he felt that through her expertise she might be able to help him discover what had created the Chasm. But Mac had little interest in alien races and in studies that ranged beyond Earth, and as politely as she was capable of, she tried to make it clear that she was unwilling to abandon her own work.
However, the decision was soon taken out of her hands when a mysterious and devastating attack on the Base resulted in the abduction of Emily, and forced Mac to flee for her life with Brymn and the Earth special agents who were escorting him. Suddenly, it appeared that Earth itself might be under attack by the legendary race the Ohryn called the Ro, the beings they thought might be the destructive force behind the Chasm. Cut off from everything and everyone she knew, Mac found herself in grave danger and charged with the responsibility of learning everything she could that might possibly aid Earth in protecting the human race from extinction...
Review
“An enchanting and gentle fable,
rich with detail and characters you will love.” — Charles de Lint
"A warm and intricate fantasy opus with large themes woven into a charming story." — Charlaine Harris
“Science fiction author Czerneda will charm fantasy readers with multidimensional characters, a vivid setting, and powerful themes of hope and renewal.” — Publishers Weekly
"Known for her powerful and insightful sf novels, Czerneda brings the same exacting sensibility to her brilliant fantasy debut. Her characters are both charming and believable, and Jenn, her friend Wisp, and the soldier Bannan stand out as memorable and utterly real.... Fans of L.E. Modesitt Jr. and Charles de Lint will love this fantastic and magical fable." — Library Journal
"I was captivated by Julie Czerneda's A Turn of Light. Yep, she used her writerly powers and sucked me right in. Many fantasy novels out there are about magic. Few, like Julie's, embody it." — Kristen Britain (for A Turn of Light)
"Luminous and beguiling. With Marrowdell and its enchanting inhabitants, Julie Czerneda has conjured a world that readers can sink into and disappear. I lost myself to this tale that is, by turns, lovely, lyrical, and thrilling. This book is a feast for the mind and the heart." — Lesley Livingston
“A Turn of Light is a gorgeous creation. Julie Czerneda's world and characters are richly layered and wonderful—full of mystery, hope and, most of all, heart. Come spend some time in Marrowdell. It's worth the journey. And be polite to the toads.” — Anne Bishop (for A Turn of Light)
Review
"Julie Czerneda has a sixth-degree black belt in advanced biology, and uses it to amazing effect. Her aliens feel truly and delightfully different. I mean, how can you not love a species who demonstrates their emotional state by the color of their mucus?" —Jim C. Hines, author of
Libriomancer (for
Species Imperative)
"This novel bears the hallmarks of Czerneda's earlier books: strong, complex, and appealing characters and a thoughtful, intricate plot.... Czerneda is a masterful storyteller and one of the best of the recent voices in science fiction." —VOYA (for Survival)
"There are some elements of hard science fiction here, with interplanetary travel and alien threats, but the focus on biology rather than technology is a refreshing and original approach." —RT Book Reviews (for Survival)
"With Survival, Czerneda has begun the Species Imperative series with a very big bang and an engrossing prelude.... Just what readers have come to expect from this gifted and insightful author." —SF Site (for Survival)
"Czerneda's characterizations, both human and alien, are as intricate and entertaining as the twisty plot. Fans of SF adventure and intrigue—and of C.J. Cherryh's masterfully drawn alien cultures, in particular—are in for a treat." —Publishers Weekly (for Migration)
"Fascinating characters, including some delightfully wacky aliens, mixed with thrilling action make this an exciting read." —Locus (for Migration)
"A creative voice with a distinctive vision. A writer to watch." —CJ Cherryh, Hugo Award-winning author of Downbelow Station
Synopsis
When her Field Base is mysteriously attacked, Dr. Mackenzie Connor must flee for her life. Joining forces with an alien archaeologist, she escapes to his planet on a quest to find a defense against the unknown agressor-before they launch a full-scale invasion of Earth.
Synopsis
What would you risk for family?
In the second installment of Nights Edge, Bannan Larmensu, the truthseer who won Jenn Nalynns heart, learns his brother-in-law was sent as a peace envoy to Channen, capitol of the mysterious domain of Mellynne, and has disappeared. When Bannans young nephews arrive in Marrowdell, he fears the worst, that his sister, the fiery Lila, has gone in search of her husband, leaving her sons in his care.
The law forbids Bannan from leaving Marrowdell and travelling to Mellynne to help his sister. In this world. As a turn-born, Jenn Nalynn has the power to cross into the magical realm of the Verge, and take Bannan with her. Once there, they could find a way into Mellynne.
If they survive. The Verge is wild and deadly, alive with strange magic. Dragons roar and kruar wait in ambush, and the powerful turn-born who care for their world do not care for Jenn Nalynn.
Shes willing to try. Wisp and Scourge -- and the house toads -- offer their help.
But what none of them know is that magic is rife in Channen, magic that flows from the Verge itself. And not even a turn-born will be safe there.
Synopsis
A threat to entire worlds. Where on that scale does one woman fall?
Dr. Mackenzie "Mac" Connors goal in life is to be left in peace to study her salmon and their migration. She has no interest in the Interspecies Union, space travel, or the mysterious Chasm, an expanse of dead worlds filled with the ruins of alien civilizations. The only cloud on Macs horizon is having to meet with the Oversight Committee to defend any research intrusions into the protected zones on shore.
But what Mac wants no longer matters. Theres another, darker, migration underway, this time across space. What created the Chasm has awakened once more, to follow its imperative to feed on living worlds. How can it be stopped?
Aliens have asked Mac to find that answer. She knows it may mean sacrificing all she loves, including Earth itself. Shes determined to find another way.
But, first, she must survive.
The Chasm of the past was only a trial run, for this species intent on replacing all life with its own. And theyve learned her name.
Synopsis
Despite good intentions, the Om-ray of Cersi can't resist moving through space using the M-hir dimension. To prevent the disruption of the Agreement and the destruction that it would unleash, the M-hiray, as they now call themselves, agree to leave Cersi forever to establish their own haven within the Trade Pact worlds-only to learn that not everybody wants peace.
About the Author
Julie E. Czerneda is a biologist and writer whose science fiction has received international acclaim, awards, and best-selling status. She is the author of the popular "Species Imperative" trilogy, the "Web Shifters" series, the "Trade Pact Universe" trilogy and her new "Stratification" novels. She was a finalist for the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. Her stand-alone novel, In the Company of Others, won Canada's Prix Aurora Award and was a finalist for the Philip K. Dick Award for Distinguished SF. Julie lives with her husband and two children in the lake country of central Ontario, under skies so clear they could take seeing the Milky Way for granted, but never do. You can find her at www.czerneda.com.