The Ceph

Book excerpt: Revenant One person’s utopia is another’s dystopia, and discontent never dies. Ten years after the Arrival, the oceans teem with life; the air is clear, and the land is lush. Children of Earth, in all their forms, are free to live and grow. Music, the Arts, Science, and fascinating hybrids of all three flourish. Disease and hunger are part of the past. Humans work in harmony with the Ceph and the other beings of the Civilization to find their niche in a universe far greater than they thought possible. What lies beneath the surface of Earth’s idyll? A serpent lurks in the garden. Seemingly all-powerful, the Ceph and heir Ansible allies are not gods. Their past mistakes and long-forgotten arrogance created an enemy whose thirst for vengeance they can only slake with death. If anyone can be made a traitor, who can be trusted? Stella, the crew of the Money Shot, and Ansibles Pearl & Eldest lead humans and Ceph of the Alliance against beings who would inflict a slavery on Earth and the rest of the galaxy that makes slaughter seem merciful. Unexpected allies join the existential battle, while terror from within humanity threatens yet another path to doom. Will life and freedom win over conquest and death?