Search Worlds Without End

It's referred to as 'The Outbreak,' and it happened just over three months ago, casting the world (or at least this part of it) into a state of powerlessness and chaos. The Salton Academy has become a rare sanctuary for those few students who remained behind over fall break. As winter approaches, cracks are revealed in the academy's foundations as it's discovered someone is stealing food, another is taking advantage of a captive audience, and yet others have banded together and are thinking about mutiny, even murder. One thing's for certain -- a supply run must be made soon, or everyone will starve before winter's end. Oh yes, and then there's the matter of the headmaster's son and his undead dog...

From fairy tale forest to gloomy gothic moor, from gleaming epidemiologist's lab to the sandy shores of Neverland, Seanan McGuire's short fiction has been surprising, delighting, confusing, and transporting her readers since 2009. Now, for the first time, that fiction has been gathered together in one place, ready to be enjoyed one twisting, tangled tale at a time. Her work crosses genres and subverts expectations.

This is a box of strange surprises dredged up from the depths of the sea, each one polished and prepared for your enjoyment. So take a chance, and allow yourself to be surprised.

Simon Lewis has been a human and a vampire, and now he is becoming a Shadowhunter. The events of City of Heavenly Fire left him stripped of his memories, and Simon isn't sure who he is anymore. So when the Shadowhunter Academy reopens, Simon throws himself into this new world of demon-hunting, determined to find himself again. Whomever this new Simon might be.

But the Academy is a Shadowhunter institution, which means it has some problems. Like the fact that non-Shadowhunter students have to live in the basement. At least Simon's trained in weaponry - even if it's only from hours of playing D&D.

Join Simon on his journey to become a Shadowhunter, and learn about the Academy's illustrious history along the way, through guest lecturers such as Jace Herondale, Tessa Gray, and Magnus Bane. Written by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, and Robin Wasserman, these moving and hilarious short stories are perfect for the fan who just can't get enough of the Shadowhunters.

Contents:

• Welcome to Shadowhunter Academy - novella by Sarah Rees Brennan and Cassandra Clare
• The Lost Herondale - novelette by Cassandra Clare and Robin Wasserman
• The Whitechapel Fiend - novelette by Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson
• Nothing but Shadows - novella by Sarah Rees Brennan and Cassandra Clare
• The Evil We Love - novella by Cassandra Clare and Robin Wasserman
• Pale Kings and Princes - novelette by Cassandra Clare and Robin Wasserman
• Bitter of Tongue - novelette by Sarah Rees Brennan and Cassandra Clare
• The Fiery Trial - novelette by Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson
• Born to Endless Night - novella by Sarah Rees Brennan and Cassandra Clare
• Angels Twice Descending - novelette by Cassandra Clare and Robin Wasserman

Cadet Worf arrives at Starfleet Academy as the first Klingon to gain entrance since the Federation-Klingon, Peace Treaty. Raised on Earth by human parents, Worf wonders whether he is still a Klingon, the proud member of an honorable warrior race, or is he more "human"? Command-level classes fill his schedule, but nothing prepares him for his fellow cadets, among them his human foster brother. Intelligent, ambitious, and confident, the Academy cadets make life difficult for the young warrior. Worf must win over his classmates -- including the always logical Vulcans and the fierce Brikar -- even though they are still trained to think of him as the enemy. Then a routine trip to a training satellite turns into an unexpected disaster, and Worf must unite the cadets and risk his life before a terrible accident destroys the entire mission.

Mysterious space raiders are threatening the joint Federation-Klingon colony on the remote planet of Dantar, and pitting the two sides against each other. Worf and his fellow first year cadets -- Zak, Tania, Soleta, and Mark -- have accompanied their teacher to observe the negotiation process, but soon find themselves in the middle of an intergalactic dispute. For just as Worf and the other cadets arrive, they discover the Klingon Empire has sent its own diplomatic team, including Klingon cadets, to investigate the attacks. As the cadets from Starfleet Academy come face to face with their Klingon counterparts, tensions quickly mount as each side accuses the other of staging the raids. And while a deadly space battle rages overhead, Worf faces his ultimate test as his Klingon heritage and future in Starfleet collide.

Deadly space raiders have destroyed the colony on Dantar, and Worf, his friends from Starfleet Academy and cadets from the Klingon Empire must fight to survive. As suspicion grows between the Klingon and Star Fleet cadets, the camp quickly becomes a battleground, with Worf in the middle.

It's Geordi La Forge's first year at Starfleet Academy, and it isn't going well. He's been all over the galaxy with his Starfleet officer parents, and his blindness has not been a handicap, thanks to his VISOR. But somehow he's always picked last for competitive teams, and deep down he wants to be just like all the other confident students. When he defeats the top-ranked team in an elimination game, Geordi wins the respect of his classmates, and the hatred of the other team's captain, Jack Pettey. Pettey threatens revenge, and his opportunity arrives with training exercises on the planet Saffair. Geordi's team faces Pettey's, and without supervision on the uninhabited world Pettey will stop at nothing to win.

Geordi LaForge and his fellow cadets are headed to Atlantis Station, the underwater research base located near a volcano in the Atlantic Ocean. Up until now Geordi has spent most of his life in space with his Starfleet officer parents and he is more than ready to explore this strange, new world deep underwater.

The first stop for the cadets is the above-ground complex on Isla del Fuego, where the students barely escape a small volcanic eruption. They finally arrive at the underwater station shaken and fighting among themselves, but determined to carry out their assignments.

Then suddenly an earthquake rocks the station and the cadets are trapped in their lab with tempers running high. Now, as debris blocks their path back to the aquashuttle, Geordi and the others, together, must race against time and the dangers of the freezing seawater to escape the station before it disappears into an underwater abyss.

An android is found in the ruins of a colony on Omicron Theta. The crew of the "Tripoli" reactivate the android and discover his name is Data, a name that suits his incredible curiosity. With the encouragement of his new friends, Data applies to Starfleet AcademyTM and is accepted. Cadet Data begins his journey to Starfleet Academy aboard the science vessel, "Yosemite." Even as he looks forward to the Academy, he struggles to find his own identity and to fit in with the other cadets.

But Data's worries are cut short when the "Yosemite" is suddenly attacked by an unknown vessel and suffers severe damage. When power is restored, Data discovers that the adult crew has mysteriously disappeared, and only Data and the other Academy-bound cadets are left to face the wrath of a new alien race, who are demanding that Data and his cadet crew surrender their ship, or be destroyed.

Cadet Data is among a handful of first-year cadets selected to observe a super-Jovian planet ignition -- the collision of two huge gas-giant planets resulting in the formation of a new star. They will watch this occurrence from a safe distance aboard the "Republic."

But a distress call from an alien space station draws their starship off course to an asteroid belt near the colliding planets. The rescue team soon finds itself under siege by deadly attackers, and Data and his group are separated from the main team. With time running out, Data must defeat the invaders and rescue the aliens before the collision destroys the space station and the "Republic."

Jean-Luc Picard has failed his entrance exam to Starfleet Academy. Now all his plans for the future are gone, and he must make the best of his life in his parents' vineyard. Pressure from his father to become more involved in the family business and the constant fighting with his older brother, Robert, make this life difficult. Jean-Luc's best friend, Louis, tries to cheer him up with an exciting trip, but the future captain's dream of the stars still haunts him. A chance to re-apply to the Academy arises and Jean-Luc must use all his skills to pass the challenging tests. But the greatest risk he faces is the wrath of his father.

Cadet Jean-Luc Picard is struggling through his first year at the Academy. He's near the top of his classes, right behind Roger Wells. Jean-Luc is determined to do everything better and bigger than Roger. But privately he has doubts. And the lack of communciation from home only reminds him of how badly he left things with his father.

Then Jean-Luc and his friend, Marta, discover they've been selected to fly with the Nova Command team, a special training mission through the solar system. Jean-Luc tries to ignore the presence of Roger, but the pressure builds between the two cadets. When the mission leader falls ill and the ship receives a distress call, Jean-Luc and the other cadets must decide whether to obey orders or attempt a rescue as the ship heads for disaster.

Beverly Howard is in big trouble at the Academy. They've just begun their first year as Starfleet Medical Cadets, and already Beverly and her roommate Claire Voy are one step from probation. Commander Max Wiley, who teaches the holodeck simulation course in Medical Emergencies, caught them skipping class to visit an excavation in nearby San Francisco. He took them to the Admiral's office and has put them on notice. One more slip and they're out!

When Claire's partner in her Medical Emergencies class is injured, Commander Wiley blames Claire for the accident. But was it an accident? It is the Commander's word against Claire's. Wiley has no reason to lie-- or does he? Beverly's own investigation takes her from the computer labs to the Admiral's office. Now Claire's future hangs in the balance unless Beverly and Data can find a way to clear her-- without being expelled themselves!

Landing a coveted position with the Starfleet Academy Band, first-year cadet Will Riker befriends band roadie Geordi LaForge and threatens to quit the band if the older band members will not stop teasing him.

Before she was an officer aboard the "U.S.S. Enterprise.".. No one ever said Starfleet Academy would be easy, but Cadet Deanna Troi never expected it to be this hard, either. She's been taken prisoner by pirates on the "Borocco-Kai," and now she's weaponless and helpless. Of course, its only a test: a holodeck exam all freshmen must pass. But for Deanna, the stakes are even higher than usual. She's opted to take the test early because it seemed like the only way to save her future at the Academy. Her telepathic abilities, natural aloofness, and an overbearing mother have made her time at the Academy more tenious than she imagined.

Geordi LaForge has been given the chance of his lifetime! He's been chosen to join the training vessel Benjamin Franklin as assistant engineer, an opportunity rarely given to plebes. Geordi is determined to live up to Commander Sanchez's expectations. Their mission is to chart a neglected sector of the asteroid belt that lies between Mars and Jupiter.

That night, Sanchez calls up s history of the old starship and Ben's first commander, the heroic Ike Ikushima, who died saving his crew from disaster. The next night Geordi sees Ikushima's ghost, arm raised, pointing directly at him! When he tells Sanchez, everyone begins to doubt Geordi's reliability... until the ghost reappears, pointing a warning finger at them all! What does it mean? Is the ship haunted? Is it an alien invasion? The cadets are about to make history themselves-- if they escape with their lives!

Starfleet Academy Cadet Data is sent to the planet Arunu as part of a class research team investigating ancient ruins. Suddenly the mission is sabotaged and Data must use his relentless logic to save his friends and the entire galaxy.

Kirk and McCoy accompany Spock to the Vulcan Academy Hospital seeking experimental treatment for a badly wounded Enterprise crew member. Spock's mother is also a patient in the hospital, and Kirk soon becomes involved in the complex drama of Spock's family...

Suddenly, patients are dying, and Kirk suspects the unthinkable -- murder on Vulcan! But can he convince the Vulcans that something as illogical as murder is possible? Until the Killer is caught, everyone is in danger!

Contents:

• 1 - Jedi Search - novel by Kevin J. Anderson
• 249 - Dark Apprentice - novel by Kevin J. Anderson
• 477 - Champions of the Force - novel by Kevin J. Anderson

Many years ago humans made a discovery in the far reaches of the solar system - a huge statue of an alien creature, with a description that defied all efforts of translation. But except for a set of footprints on Jupiter's moon, there is no trace of the race that has left it behind.

A spellbinding epic adventure of discovery, catastrophe, and survival from one of the most masterful storytellers in speculative fiction.

In the year 2204, tragedy and terror forced a scientific team to prematurely evacuate Maleiva III. Twenty-one years later, the opportunity for scientists to study this galactic rarity -- a life-supporting planet -- is about to vanish forever, as a rogue gas giant has invaded the planetary system on a deadly collision course with the world they are now calling Deepsix.

A superluminal pilot for the Academy of Science and Technology, Priscilla "Hutch" Hutchins is the only even remotely qualified professional within lightyears of Deepsix. With less than three weeks left before the disaster, she and a small scientific team -- including Randall Nightingale, a survivor of the original expedition who was made the scapegoat for its failure -- must descend to the surface, and glean whatever they can about the doomed planet's lifeforms and lost civilizations.

There is more to this strange and complex world, however, than anyone could have imagined: hidden predators stone cities under the ice remnants of a warlike, primitive society, yet with inexplicable hints of an impossible technology buried in the rubble ... and in orbit around the soon to be demolished planet. The deeper Hutch and her team delve, the more puzzles are revealed within puzzles, and startling discoveries lead only to greater and more perplexing questions.

But then the unthinkable occurs. An earthquake destroys the explorers' only means of escape. As scientists and sightseers who have come to witness the spectacular end of Deepsix watch helplessly from miles above, Hutch and her people must survive somehow on a hostile planet going rapidly mad. And with the clock ticking relentlessly toward an unavoidable apocalypse, they must find some way, any way, to get off before Deepsix plunges like a pebble into the limitless depths of the rampaging gas giant.

From the acclaimed author of Infinity Beach comes the ultimate survival adventure -- a riveting, relentlessly suspenseful, awesomely possible tale with a firm foundation in hard science which showcases the best and the worst aspects of complex human nature. It is yet another stunning achievement by Jack McDevitt, proving without a doubt that he is indeed the true heir to Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke.

Something-or somebody-has left a series of satellites in orbit around various planets in the galaxy. Now a crew sets off to discover the origin of the satellites-and learn if mankind is no longer alone among the stars.

A civilization-destroying omega cloud has switched direction, heading straight for a previously unexplored planetary system -- and its alien society. And suddenly, a handful of brave humans must try to save an entire world -- without revealing their existence.

To boost waning interest in interstellar travel, a mission is sent into deep space to learn the truth about "moonriders," the strange lights supposedly being seen in nearby systems. But the team soon discovers that their odyssey is no mere public-relations ploy, for the moonriders are not a harmless phenomenon. They are very, very dangerous-in a way that no one could possibly have imagined.

When a young physicist unveils an efficient star drive capable of reaching the core of the galaxy, veteran star pilot Priscilla "Hutch" Hutchins finds herself back in the deepest reaches of space, and on the verge of discovering the origins of the deadly omega clouds that continue to haunt her.

Priscilla Hutchins has been through many experiences.This is the story of her first unforgettable adventure.…

Priscilla "Hutch" Hutchins has finally realized her lifelong dream: She's completed a nerve-bending qualification flight for a pilot's license.

Her timing is far from optimal, however. Faster-than-light travel has only recently become a reality, and the World Space Authority is still learning how to manage long-range missions safely. To make matters worse, efforts to prepare two planets for colonization are killing off native life-forms, outraging people on Earth.So there's not a lot of demand for space pilots.

Priscilla thinks her career may be over before it has begun. But her ambition won't be denied, and soon she is on the bridge of an interstellar ship, working for the corporation that is responsible for the terraforming.

Her working conditions include bomb threats, sabotage, clashes with her employers - and a mission to a world, adrift between the stars, that harbors a life-form unlike anything humanity has ever seen. Ultimately, she will be part of a life-and-death struggle that will test both her capabilities and her character....

From Nebula Award winner Jack McDevitt comes the eighth installment in the popular The Academy series--Priscilla "Hutch" Hutchins discovers an interstellar message from a highly advanced race that could be her last chance for a mission before the program is shut down for good.

Hutch has been the Academy's best pilot for decades. She's had numerous first contact encounters and even became a minor celebrity. But world politics have shifted from exploration to a growing fear that the program will run into an extraterrestrial race more advanced than humanity and war.

Despite taking part in the recent scientific breakthrough that rejuvenates the human body and expands one's lifespan, Hutch finds herself as a famous interstellar pilot with little to do, until a message from an alien race arrives.

The message is a piece of music from an unexplored area. Despite the fact that this alien race could pose a great danger and that this message could have taken several thousand years to travel, the program prepares the last interstellar ship for the journey. As the paranoia grows, Hutch and her crew make an early escape--but what they find at the other end of the galaxy is completely unexpected.

Battles for ancient kingdoms are nothing compared to the battles of a classroom!

Awakening from magical stasis after a thousand years, the Dark Lord Leonis suddenly finds himself in the body of a ten-year-old boy! He quickly meets Riselia, a girl confronting the Voids, creatures that have nearly exterminated humanity. Determined to uncover the mysteries of this strange new era, Leonis enrolls in Excalibur Academy, a school that trains students to fight back against these enigmatic monsters. Could the Voids hold some connection to Leonis's past?

A MYSTERIOUS HIJACK ON THE HIGH SEAS!

When a princess visits the Seventh Assault Garden, Leonis believes it's a chance to expand his influence as a Dark Lord. Unfortunately, the celebrations are cut short by a Void attack. Things get only more treacherous when a rebel group seizes control of the princess's ship! Leonis and the rest of his squad plan to retake the vessel, but there appears to be more at work than a simple insurrection. And why does Regina seem to know so much about the princess?

RISELIA'S HOMECOMING.

Six years ago, Riselia lost her home and family during the Void Stampede that destroyed the Third Assault Garden. Only she and Regina were thought to have survived, yet the floating city has mysteriously reappeared--and it's broadcasting a distress signal. Leonis and the girls of the eighteenth platoon are sent to investigate, but they end up stumbling into a situation far more perilous than they expected. Even the power of the greatest Dark Lord may not be enough to save them this time!

AN OLD FRIEND RETURNS

With a holiday called the Holy Light Festival fast approaching, the girls of the eighteenth platoon decide to host a haunted café in their dorm. The event is meant to celebrate the arrival of the Sixth Assault Garden, home to Elfiné's older sister, Clauvia. The mischievous woman is part of a research team that recently made an incredible discovery in the northern tundra--a massive creature sealed in impervious ice. Much to his astonishment, Leonis recognizes the winged beast as an old rival he never managed to beat. When the monster is set loose to wreak havoc, will Leonis manage to take it down in time?

THE GODDESS'S CALL

A recent rash of incidents has seen Holy Swords spiraling out of control and becoming twisted weapons known as Demon Swords. No one is sure as to the cause, but every Holy Swordsman affected claims to have heard the voice of a goddess, a detail that catches Leonis's attention. However, there's no time to investigate, as he and the rest of the eighteenth platoon are sent on a mission with other students to eradicate a Void Hive that crops up in Necrozoa--the site where Riselia found Leonis. So many Voids appearing in such a conspicuous place... could this be connected to the Demon Swords and Leonis's past?

THE PRICE OF VENGEANCE

Nine years ago, Sakuya lost her home and sister to a powerful Void Lord. She's dedicated her life to fighting the Voids ever since. However, when a group of the Sakura Orchid's greatest fighters, the Kenki Gathering, contact her with a plan to use the Seventh Assault Garden as bait for the Void Lord, she's left in a difficult position. While she wants revenge, it can't come at the cost of her new home, but Sakuya can't stop the Kenki Gathering by herself. Fortunately, she knows someone who might be able to help... a Dark Lord!

TO CAMELOT!

An unexpected invitation to the prestigious Holy Sword Blade Dance Festival sends the members of the eighteenth platoon on a trip to the First Assault Garden--Camelot. It's hardly a relaxing trip for the group, though. The First Assault Garden is home to the Phillet Company, and Elfiné is determined to uncover more about its mysterious Demon Sword Project. To that end, she asks for Leonis to help her infiltrate a massive casino. Naturally, matters of espionage are no trouble for the Undead King, but things get more complicated when Veira arrives in a frenzy. Someone has managed to take control of the Dragon Lord as well as another Dark Lord...

The Holy Sword Dance Festival is fast approaching, and while Riselia and the other girls of the eighteenth platoon are training hard, Leonis is still missing. He and two other Dark Lords have been spirited away to some strange dimension ruled by Voids and are forced to search the desolate landscape for a way home. Meanwhile, the sinister forces behind the D Project plot to bring Camelot to ruin. A world apart, Riselia and Leonis desperately wish to see each other again, but will they survive long enough for a reunion?

Leonis and Riselia finally reunite amidst disaster in the imperial city. And although the Voids are being pushed back, they have a new problem: Leonis's minion, Rakshasa Nightmare. Meanwhile, Prince Alexios, hoping to defeat the Voids once and for all, searches for any surviving Dark Lords and unwittingly contacts Leonis! During all this trouble, a mysterious person known as the Queen of the Realm of Shadows plots from the dark...

Tired of ceaseless war destroying humans, spirits, and demons alike, the Demon King of Tyranny, Anos Voldigoad, reincarnates to restore peace. Two thousand years have passed...but who could have known that his descendants' complacency would cause magic to regress so much? After receiving an invitation to the illustrious Demon King Academy, a school tasked with locating the reincarnated founding ancestor, Anos resolves to enroll, only to discover that his magic is off the charts - literally! With power too great to be measured, the former Demon King is branded a misfit. How will he convince demonkind that the school's founder stands before them? Thus begins a misfit's climb to the top of the demon hierarchy!

With the fraudulent Demon King's trap foiled, peace has been restored...for now. Anos, however, is still none the wiser about his opponent's greater scheme. Speaking of schemes, the Demon Sword Tournament is fast approaching, and Anos is set up to enter - accompanied by a mysterious transfer student known as the "Demon Swordsmaster." Is this part of a petty prank on the misfit, or is it another of Avos Dilhevia's nefarious plots? Either way, Anos knows what to do - cut the crap and crush the competition! Rejoin Anos in the Magical Age for a sword tournament like no other in the second volume of The Misfit of Demon King Academy!