From the multi BSFA award-winner comes a stunningly inventive action-packed science-fiction epic adventure. A brand-new series for fans of Becky Chambers and Ann Leckie.

Seventy-five years from today, the human race has been cast from a dying Earth to wander the stars in a vast fleet of arks - each shaped by its inhabitants into a diverse and fascinating new environment, with its own rules and eccentricities.

When her sister disappears while responding to a mysterious alien distress call, Eryn insists on being part of the crew sent to look for her. What she discovers on Candidate-623 is both terrifying and deadly. When the threat follows her back to the fleet and people start dying, she is tasked with seeking out a legendary recluse who may just hold the key to humanity’s survival.

‘Powell balances plot, action, and character development perfectly. This promising start will especially appeal to James S.A. Corey fans.’ - Publishers Weekly, starred review

‘With a strong heroine, some really imaginative supporting characters (including a talking cat), and a story that packs a serious emotional wallop, the novel spotlights Powell’s gifts for character-building and plotting. He’s already won two best-novel awards from the British Science Fiction Association, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see this one getting a nomination, too.’ - Booklist

‘Gareth Powell drops you into the action from the first page and then Just. Keeps. Going. This is a pro at the top of his game.’ -John Scalzi

‘A headlong, visceral plunge into a future equal parts fascinating and terrifying.’ - Adrian Tchaikovsky

‘A gripping, fast-paced space opera that poses the unique question: what if instead of saving humanity, aliens decided to save the Earth?’ - Stina Leicht, author of Persephone Station

‘A grand scale adventure packed with fun banter, snappy prose, and masterful science.’ - Essa Hansen, author of Nophek Gloss

‘An interstellar intelligence has a plan for Earth’s future, but is humanity a part of it? Fast-paced and thoughtful, Stars and Bones leaves the reader well-fed with hearty helpings of mystery, suspense, adventure, and terror.’ - Marina Lostetter, author of Noumenon

‘Gareth Powell’s Stars and Bones is shocking and beautiful - an electric, epic, and sometimes gruesome look at humanity facing its biggest challenge yet. Powell keeps the pressure on and doesn’t let go. I enjoyed it immensely.’ - Karen Osborne, author of Architects of Memory

‘A vividly imagined, propulsive read. Filled with a loveable cast of characters. Powell’s writing creates a rich tapestry of their voices and inner lives. I think readers will be thrilled by this story.’ - Temi Oh, author of Do You Dream of Terra-Two?

‘Big ships, big ideas and big emotions. Thrilling space opera which is epic in scope, yet always rooted at the human level, as all the best sci-fi is.’ - Emma Newman, author of Planetfall

‘An interstellar collision of massive ideas and startling originality.’ - Zack Jordan, author of The Last Human

‘Stars and Bones crafts a future that finds hope in dark places.’ - Valerie Valdes, author of Chilling Effect