The epic story of humanity writ large across the galaxy: “A tour de force . . . an award caliber novel . . . a profound contribution to science fiction” (Barry Malzberg, author of Beyond Apollo). In the twenty-fifth century, settlements are established on Mars and the inner planets, but the stars are still light-years away, just a twinkle in humanity’s eyes. Hyperspace is a myth—until it’s not. A young scientist devises a theory for an engine that propels a ship at faster-than-light speed—and suddenly the galaxy is there for the taking. It’s a story that’s been told before in the annals of human history. And here, Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author Mike Resnick has it all covered, from our first alien contact and the colonization of new planets to the exploitation of resources by miners and merchants and the politicians who pave the way. Here is humanity in all its glory, its rise and inevitable fall as power and oppression give way to defiance and anarchy. Ambitious in scope, Birthright shows that the nature of humans doesn’t change, just the size of the playing field . . .

The pursuit of a legendary beast pushes a hunter to his breaking point in this classic science fiction adventure by a five-time Hugo Award–winning author. “I applaud The Soul Eater . . . a rarity in science fiction . . . any sensitive reader should be profoundly moved.” —Wilson Tucker You name it, he’ll kill it. Professional game hunter Nicobar Lane will travel anywhere in the galaxy to kill almost any creature for the right price. But when the richest woman in the Deluros system requests the Dreamwish Beast, he refuses. It’s not her—he just doesn’t believe in the animal, whether you call it a Dreamwish Beast, a Starduster, Straigor, or Deathdealer. It’s simply a fable meant to scare children, and not worth his time . . . Then, an inexplicable sighting on a routine hunt changes everything. The more Lane investigates what he thinks he saw, the more his obsession grows. Suddenly the hunt for the Dreamwish Beast is on. But Lane is left wondering if he is closer to reaching greatness—or his own death . . . The perfect choice for readers of Alan Dean Foster, Timothy Zahn, and Joe Haldeman.

A beleaguered PI searches for a missing unicorn in a city full of strange creatures in this classic humorous fantasy by a five-time Hugo Award winner. It's New Year's Eve, and private investigator John Justin Mallory is drowning his sorrows in whiskey. His wife ran off with his partner, his business is in bad shape, and the mob is out to get him. He begins to wonder if he's had enough to drink when his next client walks in. Mürgenstürm the elf is missing his unicorn, and if he doesn't get it back by dawn, his guild will kill him. Mallory's search soon leads him into a fantastical world—a shadowy side of Manhattan full of strange creatures including goblins, trolls, cat people, ghosts in the Stock Exchange, and gnomes in the subway. But in this world of new friends and unusual rules, there's also a malevolent demon named Grundy. He will do anything to get his hands on the unicorn, and if he succeeds, Mallory's client won't be the only being who suffers . . . A terrific choice for fans of Alan Dean Foster. "[An] enchanting blend of fantasy and hard-boiled detection. . . . The crisp dialogue and imaginative setting will have many fantasy readers wanting to revisit Manhattan's magical side." — Publishers Weekly "It's clever, funny, and exciting, with a likable hero, plenty of offbeat supporting characters, and that beguiling blend of fantasy and mystery." — Booklist

There is only one thing that Jefferson Nighthawk, the original Widowmaker, really wanted to do and that was retire on a far away planet and raise a garden. There were still two clones of him to keep the peace and carry on his legend. Unfortunately for him, his two clones have come to a disagreement. When a widowmaker takes on a widowmaker everyone runs for cover. There is only one man who can stand up to the clones of the Widowmaker... the Widowmaker himself.

The Old Testament Messiah was no Prince of Peace. He was to be a warrior king who would raze kingdoms and burn cities to the ground. The Messiah has finally come--and the world will never be the same.

These 61 essays and articles include Mike Resnick's work for galaxyonline.com, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, book introductions, and much, much more! Features an introduction by Robert J. Sawyer

Mike Resnick's second collection of essays, anecdotes, speeches, and convention reports (not to mention lists and obituaries), written for science fiction fan magazines, includes topics as diverse as Edgar Rice Burroughs, Teddy Roosevelt, My Most Memorable Collecting Experience, Where Do You Get Those Crazy (Novel) Ideas?, Bathrooms I Have Known, and much more.

A hard-bitten thief must protect a powerful little girl from danger in this classic science fiction trilogy opener by a five-time Hugo Award winner. Mouse may be a tough, cynical, professional thief, but when she sees a little girl in need of rescuing, she knows she must help. But just who exactly is this innocent-looking child? Penelope Bailey is potentially the most powerful weapon in the galaxy. Three governments want her captured. Almost two hundred men and women are out to collect the bounty on her head. It’s a miracle Penelope has evaded her pursuers thus far, but Carolos “Iceman” Mendoza knows the secret to her survival . . . As the bounty hunters get closer to their target, Mouse begins to grasp just how important it is to keep Penelope safe. Little did Mouse know, Penelope was more than equipped for the obstacles ahead, and it was Mouse who was going to be in greater need of rescuing . . . Perfect for readers of Alan Dean Foster, Timothy Zahn, and Joe Haldeman “One of those rare novels that pulls you in so quickly and effectively that you’ll end up reading it in a single sitting.” —Science Fiction Chronicle

A young detective probes a puzzling murder on board an intergalactic pleasure palace in this science fiction mystery by a five-time Hugo Award–winning author. Welcome to the Velvet Comet, whose business is its patrons' pleasure. Owned by the vast Vainmill Syndicate, the space station caters to the rich and famous, boasting casinos, upscale restaurants, a two-mile-long shopping mall, and a team of highly trained sex workers. It's a well-oiled machine, functioning twenty-four hours a day—until one of its guests is murdered. The Syndicate dispatches its chief detective, Andrew Jackson Crane, to solve the case—and prevent a publicity nightmare. But the ambitious detective must navigate a twisted path to bring the killer to justice. The Comet's madam, the Black Pearl, is under orders to aid Crane's work—but with more than five hundred self-centered patrons remaining on board, she has other worries. The Dragon Lady, the Comet's head of security, is torn between her loyalties and her judgment. And the Comet's computer, which should be most helpful in the investigation, is actually more interested in psychoanalyzing Crane. But what's even more troubling to Crane is that the killer hasn't left the station. Perhaps they all have more work to do . . . "As good as its predecessor and in some ways even better. Well plotted, good characterizations, and an exotic setting. As good a mystery novel as it is science fiction." — Science Fiction Chronicle The perfect choice for readers of Alan Dean Foster, Timothy Zahn, and Joe Haldeman.

A religious fanatic wages war on an intergalactic bordello in this classic space opera by a five-time Hugo Award–winning author. The crown jewel of the Vainmill Syndicate's Entertainment and Leisure Division is Velvet Comet. This exclusive, extravagant, and exotic pleasure palace, orbiting Deluros VIII, is the go-to place for the rich and famous to play, relax, and indulge. But one of the guests has come for an entirely different purpose . . . The Reverend Thomas Gold—or Doctor Gold, as he prefers—is the leader of a fanatical religious sect. He is also a very vocal enemy of the Syndicate, eager to have them close the hedonistic Comet for good. But then Doctor Gold meets the Comet's two most popular employees, Titania and Oberon: two beautiful, blue-skinned, elfin Andrican aliens. They love their jobs, but Doctor Gold only sees their enslavement and declares their liberation to be his latest crusade. And so begins a war that will either end in the Comet's destruction . . . or his. The perfect choice for readers of Alan Dean Foster, Timothy Zahn, and Joe Haldeman. Praise for the Tales of the Velvet Comet series "A goodie. . . . Buy it, and join me in wondering what Mike will do with the next volumes in the series." — Analog on Eros Ascending "Well plotted, good characterizations, and an exotic setting. As good a mystery novel as it is science fiction." — Science Fiction Chronicle on Eros at Zenith