Descendant Machine

From the award-winning author comes a gripping, fast-paced and fascinating science fiction adventure. Vividly imagined and sharply written, fans of Ann Leckie and Becky Chambers will be engrossed.

When Nicola Mafalda’s scout ship comes under attack, she’s left deeply traumatised by the drastic action it takes to keep her alive. Months later, when an old flame comes to her for help, she realises she has to find a way to forgive both the ship and her former lover. Reckless elements are attempting to reactivate a giant machine that has lain dormant for thousands of years. To stop them, Nicola and her crew will have to put aside their differences, sneak aboard a vast alien megaship, and try to stay alive long enough to prevent galactic devastation.


Genre: Science Fiction

"Descendent Machine has all the huge concepts that define great space operas tightly packed into a thrilling page-turner of a novel. The sheer breadth of ideas Powell manages to fit into the story is made all the more impressive by the deft pacing and focused characters. I devoured this book in a couple of days and had great fun doing it." - Nicholas Binge

"Hits the ground running and doesn't stop until its universe-shaking final confrontation. Once again, Gareth Powell is writing at the top of his very considerable game. More like this, please." - Dave Hutchinson

"Gareth Powell rocks again! Descendant Machine is big concept made accessible by a masterful writer. Fun, weird, fast-paced, and thoroughly entertaining! Grab this now!" - Jonathan Maberry

"A fast-paced and incisive story from one of the best British SF writers." - Adrian Tchaikovsky