The Burning Light: A Novel

by Bradley P. Beaulieu, Rob Ziegler

Overview

Disgraced government operative Colonel Chu is exiled to the flooded relic of New York City. Something called the Light has hit the streets like an epidemic, leavings its users strung out and disconnected from the mind-network humanity relies on. Chu has lost everything she cares about to the Light. She’ll end the threat or die trying.

A former corporate pilot who controlled a thousand ships with her mind, Zola looks like just another Light-junkie living hand to mouth on the edge of society. She’s special though. As much as she needs the Light, the Light needs her too. But, Chu is getting close and Zola can’t hide forever.

The Burning Light is a thrilling and all-too believable science fiction novella from Bradley P. Beaulieu and Rob Ziegler, the authors of Twelve Kings in Sharakhai and Seed.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780765390851
Publisher:	Tor Publishing Group
Publication date:	11/01/2016
Sold by:	Macmillan
Format:	eBook
Pages:	139
File size:	944 KB

About the Author

BRADLEY P. BEAULIEU and his novels have garnered many accolades and most anticipated lists, including two Hotties–the Debut of the Year and Best New Voice–on Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist, a Gemmell Morningstar Award nomination for The Winds of Khalakovo and more.


ROB ZIEGLER began writing science fiction in 2008. In November of that year, his story “Heirlooms” won the regional short fiction contest. That story proved to be fertile ground, serving as the point of departure for his debut novel, Seed, which was a finalist for the John W. Campbell Memorial Award. He is currently working on his next novel.

When not writing, Rob spends as much time as possible hiking in the mountains with his wife, Cindy. They reside in western Colorado, where they abide by the tutelage of a large and enlightened cat.

ROB ZIEGLER began writing science fiction in 2008. In November of that year, his story “Heirlooms” won the regional short fiction contest. That story proved to be fertile ground, serving as the point of departure for his debut novel, Seed, which was a finalist for the John W. Campbell Memorial Award. He is currently working on his second novel, Angel City.

When not writing, Rob spends as much time as possible hiking in the mountains with his wife, Cindy. They reside in western Colorado, where they abide by the tutelage of a large and enlightened cat.

Editorial Reviews

★ 10/24/2016
Beaulieu and Ziegler take a brief but intense look at a future clash between government forces and the latest addiction. Two centuries in the future, the addictive threat isn’t a simple chemical substance but a “spontaneous sentient entity” called the Burning Light, a “pattern emergent in the primordial human noise” that seeks its own continuance by subsuming humanity. Col. Melody Chu lost her entire family to the Burning Light; her sister is bound to it, and the rest are dead. Zola first felt the touch of the Light in her collective community but was forced to flee an assault by government troops when the Light threatened to overwhelm the entire collective. Now Zola leads a life on the run in drowned New York, pursued by Chu’s squad and hired thugs as the call of the Light grows ever stronger. The authors imbue this novella with the emotional heft of something much grander through sharp characterizations, detailed worldbuilding, vibrant descriptions, and thunderous action pieces. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly

"A gripping tale of spirit and determination set in a truly harrowing future. You must learn the truth behind The Burning Light!" —New York Times bestselling author Jason M. Hough

"[Beaulieu and Ziegler] imbue this novella with the emotional heft of something much grander through sharp characterizations, detailed worldbuilding, violent descriptions, and thunderous action pieces." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Impossible to put down." —RT Book Reviews

"Freaking awesome. Packed with cool ideas, gritty setting, and characters that leap off the page. I wish I'd written it myself." —Ramez Naam, multi-award-winning author of the Nexus Trilogy

"The Burning Light is strange, unnerving, and disturbingly unfamiliar while managing to be utterly compelling and absorbing. It is startlingly good reading." —David Liss, Edgar Award winner

"The Burning Light delivers." —Nerds of a Feather

From the Publisher