Short Stories/Novellas

While escaping a rotting city that betrayed her dreams, an expectant mother and her young child must discover the truth about her husband's murder, utilizing the memories trapped in his augmented reality glasses.

When the Magistrate of the Rhakotis District calls Heron of Alexandria—the greatest inventor the city has ever known—to help him solve a curious disturbance involving the Temple of Bacchus and an agitated numerologist, he learns the true cost of numbers. This is a "Heron of Alexandria" short story.

Visiting the galaxy's only Cageless Zoo should be a special treat for Melandre and her children. Except she's still trying to reckon with her husband's recent death and how she's going to raise two highly independent children on her own. As their visit quickly falls to chaos, Melandre learns that family is the only thing left she has to rely on.

Breaking into an impenetrable alpine fortress. Double-crossing a dangerous friend. Stealing the world's most illegal substance because you're bored. Just another day in the life of the world's most talented - and dysfunctional - reality thief. But this time Zel Aurora may learn her abilities have limits. This story is a novelette.

When the Magistrate of the Rhakotis District calls Heron of Alexandria—the greatest inventor the city has ever known—to help him solve the mystery of a dismembered human forearm, he learns what value there is in the weight of gold. This is a "Heron of Alexandria" short story.

Earth lies abandoned. When the Makers left for the stars, civilization descended into ruin. Asp, one of the last remaining sentient cities, fights against the ravages of time, but his resources are dwindling. When at last he swallows his pride and seeks the help of the primitive peoples that remain, he learns the true meaning of courage.

When the Magistrate of the Rhakotis District calls on Heron of Alexandria—the greatest inventor the city has ever known—to help him solve the murder of a young noble in love, he learns what dangers lurk in trusting the gods.

When the Magistrate of the Rhakotis District calls Heron of Alexandria—the greatest inventor the city has ever known—to help him solve the mystery of a rain of frogs, he learns what value there is in the virtues of madness. This is a "Heron of Alexandria" short story.

When the Magistrate of the Rhakotis District must solve a dubious crime involving a wretched family of Alexandrian nobility without the help of Heron - the greatest inventor the city has ever known - he learns the true horror of family curses.