by Julie E. Czerneda
August 11, 2020
432 pages
Publisher: DAW (August 11, 2020)
Book 2 of 3 in the Web Shifter's Library Series
Book 2 of 3 in the Web Shifter's Library Series
The second book in the Web Shifter's Library series returns to the adventures of Esen, a shapeshifting alien who must navigate the perils of a hostile universe.
Relationships get complicated when you don’t know who—or what—you really are. Esen must find a way to rescue a hapless group of chimeras, beings who are a new and unique blend of species she knows, when she can’t become one herself. When Evan Gooseberry tries to help, he is shattered to learn he himself isn’t entirely Human and begins to suspect his new friend Esen isn’t what she seems.
Complicating matters, a mysterious contagion has killed the crew of the ship that brought the chimeras—and Evan—to Botharis. Everyone’s been quarantined inside the All Species’ Library of Linguistics and Culture, including over a hundred disgruntled alien scholars.
The risks climb as Skalet and Lionel continue their quest to solve the disappearance of Paul’s mother’s ship, the Sidereal Pathfinder, only to find themselves caught in a tangle of loyalties as Skalet is betrayed by her own Kraal affiliates, who infiltrate the Library.
All of which would be quite enough for one Web-being’s day, but Paul Ragem hopes to rekindle the romance of his first love. A shame Esen hasn’t told him who’s hiding in their greenhouse.
"As always, there are plenty of oddball alien hijinks, misunderstandings, and intrigues, all illustrating how badly the library is needed while providing excellent entertainment."—Locus
"Search Image had one of my favorite settings so far (an all-inclusive alien library), and an abundance of interesting aliens. Czerneda’s worldbuilding and attention to biological detail is amazing, and something I always look forward to in her books." —The Obsessive Bookseller
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A love of reading turned into a love of writing for Julie E. Czerneda. A former biologist, then writer and editor of non-fiction, in 1997 DAW Books published Julie's first sf novel, "A Thousand Words for Stranger" and she hasn't stopped since. Her work has received international acclaim, multiple awards,and best-selling status. You'll find her work in anthologies as well, as she enjoys working with other writers. Julie is a popular speaker, whether on writing, science, or the use of science fiction to promote scientific literacy. Her recent adventures included being Guest of Honour for the national conventions of New Zealand and Australia, as well as Master of Ceremonies for Anticipation, the Montreal Worldcon.
Her first novel led to The Clan Chronicles, a nine-book (3 trilogy) series concluding in "To Guard Against the Dark." Fear not, fans of Sira, Morgan, and the gang. They're back in The Clan Chronicles: Tales from Plexis, an anthology from DAW containing original stories by other authors in Julie's world, as well as a framing novella of hers.
Julie's also released two new titles about her most popular character, Esen, beginning The Web Shifter's Library series. Next up, a standalone fantasy, "The Gossamer Mage."
For more on Julie's work and upcoming events, please visit www.czerneda.com
For more on Julie's work and upcoming events, please visit www.czerneda.com
Oh, and when not writing or at conventions? Julie and her photographer husband grab their canoe and disappear into the glorious wilderness surrounding their central Ontario home.
