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Sunward

By William Alexander
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Brief Description
A 2026 Philip K. Dick Award Finalist A debut science fiction novel by National Book Award-winning writer William Alexander, this story of found family follows a planetary courier training adolescent androids in a solar system grappling with interplanetary conflict after a devastating explosion on Earth's moon.... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$5100

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A 2026 Philip K. Dick Award Finalist

A debut science fiction novel by National Book Award-winning writer William Alexander, this story of found family follows a planetary courier training adolescent androids in a solar system grappling with interplanetary conflict after a devastating explosion on Earth's moon.

Captain Tova Lir chose a life as a courier rather than get involved in her family's illustrious business in politics. Set in humanity's far future, hiring a planetary courier is essential for delivering private messages across the stars.

Encouraged by friends, Tova begins mentoring baby bots, juvenile AI who are developmentally in their teens, and trains them how to interact within society, essentially becoming their foster mom. Her latest charge, Agatha Panza von Sparkles, named herself on their first run from Luna to Phoebe station. But on their return, they encounter a derelict spaceship and a lurking assassin, igniting a thrilling chase across the solar system.

Tova and Agatha's daring actions leave Agatha's mind vulnerable, relying on Tova's former AI pupils for help. As Tova starts gathering her scattered family around her, she is chased through the solar system by forces who want her captured and her family erased. This debut science fiction novel by National Book Award-winning author William Alexander is a must-read for fans of Becky Chambers and Ursula K. Le Guin. Lovers of poignant science fiction, where the bonds of found family, the evolution of AI, and the building distrust of centuries of bias come together in this visionary look at humanity's future.

Sunward is a captivating exploration of connection, survival, and the complexities of a future shaped by past mistakes and technological advancement.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781668058053

Publisher: S&s/Saga Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 16 September 2025

Imprint: S&s/Saga Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 142.0mm

Height: 213.0mm

Weight: 191g

Pages: 224

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Sci-Fi & Fantasy Science Fiction William Alexander

About the Author

William Alexander writes unrealisms for readers of all ages. His work has won the National Book Award, the Eleanor Cameron Award, the Librarian Favorites Award, the Teacher Favorites Award, two CBC Best Children's Book of the Year Awards, and two Junior Library Guild Selections. As a small child he honestly thought that his Cuban American family came from the lost island of Atlantis.

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