Sunward: A Novel

Name: Sunward: A Novel
Author: William Alexander
ISBN: 9781668058060

William Alexander

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Sunward: A Novel

William Alexander

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Sunward: A Novel won the 2026 Philip K. Dick Award Finalist. A debut science fiction novel by National Book Award–winning writer William Alexander, this story of found family follows a planetary courier training adolescent androids in a solar system grappling with interplanetary conflict after a devastating explosion on Earth's moon. Captain Tova Lir chose a life as a courier rather than get involved in her family's illustrious business in politics. Set in humanity's far future, hiring a planetary courier is essential for delivering private messages across the stars. Encouraged by friends, Tova begins mentoring baby bots, juvenile AI who are developmentally in their teens, and trains them how to interact within society essentially becoming their foster mom. Her latest charge, Agatha Panza von Sparkles, named herself on their first run from Luna to Phoebe station. But on their return, they encounter a derelict spaceship and a lurking assassin, igniting a thrilling chase across the solar system. Tova and Agatha's daring actions leave Agatha's mind vulnerable, relying on Tova's former AI pupils for help. As Tova starts gathering her scattered family around her, she is chased through the solar system by forces who want her captured and her family erased.

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