The Long Utopia

Brief Description: The fourth novel in Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter s internationally bestselling Long Earth series, hailed as a brilliant science fiction collaboration . . . a love letter to all Pratchett fans, readers, and lovers of wonder everywhere (Io9).2045-2059. Human society continues to evolve on Datum Earth, its battered and weary origin planet, as the spread of humanity progresses throughout the many Earths beyond. Lobsang, now an elderly and complex AI, suffers a breakdown, and disguised as a human attempts to live a normal life on one of the millions of Long Earth worlds. His old friend, Joshua, now in his fifties, searches for his father and discovers a heretofore unknown family history. And the super-intelligent post-humans known as the Next continue to adapt to life among lesser humans. But an alarming new challenge looms. An alien planet has somehow become entangled with one of the Long Earth worlds and, as Lobsang and Joshua learn, its voracious denizens intend to capture, conquer, and colonize the new universe the Long Earth they have inadvertently discovered. World-building, the intersection of universes, the coexistence of diverse species, and the cosmic meaning of the Long Earth itself are among the mind-expanding themes explored in this exciting new installment of Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter's extraordinary Long Earth series."Publisher Marketing: It is the middle of the 21st century. After the cataclysmic upheavals of Step Day and the Yellowstone eruption, humanity is spreading further into the Long Earth. And new challenges emerge. Now an elderly AI, Lobsang is living with Agnes in a far-distant world. He's determined to lead a normal life in New Springfield. But there are rumors, strange sightings in the sky. On this world, something isn't right. . . . Millions of steps away learning about a hidden family Joshua receives an urgent summons from New Springfield. Lobsang has come to understand that what has blighted his Earth is a threat to all the worlds of the Long Earth. To counter this danger will require the combined efforts of humankind, machine, and the super-intelligent Next. And some must make the ultimate sacrifice. . . ." Review Citations:

Library Journal Prepub Alert 01/01/2015 pg. 71 (EAN 9780062297334, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:  Pratchett, Terence David John Terry Pratchett is one of the world's most popular authors. His acclaimed novels are bestsellers in the United States and the United Kingdom, and have sold more than 85 million copies worldwide. In January 2009, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Pratchett a Knight Bachelor in recognition of his services to literature. Sir Terry lives in England. Contributor Bio:  Baxter, Stephen Stephen Baxter has published over forty books, mostly science fiction novels, and many short stories. Published around the world, he has also won major awards in the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and Japan. He has degrees from Cambridge and Southampton Universities. Stephen lives in Northumberland with his wife. Contributor Bio:  Pratchett, Terry Sir Terry Pratchett, OBE, was the author of more than 70 books, including the internationally bestselling Discworld series of novels. His books have been adapted for stage and screen, and he was the winner of multiple prizes, including the Carnegie Medal. In January 2009, Pratchett was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his services to literature. Sir Terry, who lived in England, died in March 2015 at the age of 66.