Lander

Liminal Sky - Oberon Cycle Book 2

by J. Scott Coatsworth

Sometimes the world needs saving twice.

Xander and Jameson thought they’d fulfilled their destiny when they brought the worlds of Oberon and Titania back together, but their short-lived moment of triumph is over.

Reunification has thrown the world into chaos. A great storm ravaged Xander's kingdom of Gaelan, leaving the winged skythane people struggling to survive. Their old enemy, Obercorp, is biding its time, waiting to strike. And to the north, a dangerous new adversary gathers strength, while an unexpected ally awaits them.

In the midst of it all, Xander’s ex Alix returns, and Xander and Jameson discover that their love for each other may have been drug-induced.

Are they truly destined for each other, or is what they feel artificial? And can they face an even greater challenge when their world needs them most?

Published:
Publisher: Other Worlds Ink (https://www.otherworldsink.com)
Illustrators:
Gus Li
Cover Artists:
J. Scott Coatsworth, Sleepy Fox Studio
Genres:
action-adventure, gay, M/M, sci-fi
Tags:
future, gay romance, generation ship, science fiction

The Rising Tide

Liminal Sky - Ariadne Cycle Book 2

by J. Scott Coatsworth

The Earth is dead.

Five years after the Collapse, the remnants of humanity travel through the stars inside Forever: a living, ever-evolving, self-contained generation ship.

When Eddy Tremaine and Andrissa “Andy” Hammond find a hidden world-within-a-world under the mountains, the discovery triggers a chain of events that could fundamentally alter or extinguish life as they know it, culminate in the takeover of the world mind, and end free will for humankind.

Eddy, Andy, and a handful of other unlikely heroes must find the courage and ingenuity to stand against the rising tide. Otherwise they might be living through the end days of human history.

"Quality, innovative worldbuilding grounds this volume in the “Liminal Sky” series. Fans of The Expanse will find plenty to enjoy here as different groups with widely varying goals and beliefs come together in a struggle to survive the vastness of space and one another." -Library Journal

Published:
Publisher: Other Worlds Ink (https://www.otherworldsink.com)
Illustrators:
Gus Li
Cover Artists:
J. Scott Coatsworth, Sleepy Fox Studio
Genres:
action-adventure, gay, lgbtq, sci-fi
Tags:
artificial intelligence, future, generation ship, science fiction

The Shoreless Sea

Liminal Sky - Ariadne Cycle Book 3

by J. Scott Coatsworth

As the epic trilogy hurtles toward its conclusion, the fight for the future isn’t over yet. It could lead to a new beginning, or it might spell the end for the last vestiges of humankind.

The generation ship Forever has left Earth behind, but a piece of the old civilization lives on in the Inthworld—a virtual realm that retains memories of Earth's technological wonders and vices. A being named Lilith leads the uprising, and if she succeeds in setting its inhabitants free, they could destroy Forever.

But during the generation ship's decades-long voyage, humanity has evolved. Liminals with the ability to connect with the world mind and the Inthworld provide a glimmer of hope. They'll have to face not only Lilith’s minions, but also the mistrust of their own kind and persecution from a new government as homotypicals continue to fear what they can't understand.

The invasion must be stopped, the Inthworld must be healed, and the people of Forever must let go of their past and embrace what they’re meant to become.

Published:
Publisher: Other Worlds Ink (https://www.otherworldsink.com)
Illustrators:
Gus Li
Cover Artists:
J. Scott Coatsworth, Sleepy Fox Studio
Genres:
action-adventure, sci-fi
Tags:
future, generation ship, nonbinary

Be the Sea

by Clara Ward

In November 2039, marine scientist Wend Taylor heaves themself aboard a zero-emissions boat skippered by elusive nature photographer Viola Yang. Guided by instinct, ocean dreams, and a shared birthday in 1972, they barter stories for passage across the Pacific. Aljon, Viola’s younger cousin, keeps a watchful eye and an innovative galley. Story by story, the trio rethink secrets, flying dreams, and how they experience their own minds.

When they reach Hawaiʻi and prepare to part ways, opportunity and mystery pull them closer together. Both scientific and personal discoveries take shape as they join with ex-lovers, lost friends, and found family. Wend must navigate an ever-shifting future, complicated by bioengineered microbes and a plot to silence scientists, entangled with inexplicable dreams and a calling to Be the Sea.

Published:
Publisher: Atthis Arts (https://www.atthisarts.com/)
Editors:
E.D.E. Bell
Cover Artists:
Matthew Spencer
Genres:
cli-fi, contemporary, fantasy, fiction, hopepunk, lgbtq, sci-fi
Tags:
ace, climate change, contemporary, future, Hawaii, neurodivergent, nonbinary, scientist, seaside, transgender
Reviews:Dawn Vogel on History That Never Was wrote:

“An amazing sci-fi novel… An eclectic cast of queer and disabled characters… If you enjoy optimistic stories that take into account the realities of our world but present innovative solutions, you’ll enjoy Be the Sea.“

Alex Brown on Punk-Ass Book Jockey wrote:

“I’m not a big sci-fi person, but if more of it left me feeling as good as this one did, I’d call myself a huge fan.”


Potential Energy

by Kim Fielding

When interstellar smuggler Haz Taylor loses his ship, his money, and his tattered reputation, drinking himself to death on a backwater planet seems like his only option. Then the Coalition offers him a contract to return a stolen religious artifact. Sounds simple enough, but politics can be deadly—and the artifact’s not enthusiastic about being returned.

Haz didn’t sign up to be prisoner transport, but he’s caught between a blaster and hard vacuum. Still, that doesn’t mean he can’t show his captive some kindness. It costs him nothing to give Mot the freedom to move about the ship, to eat when he’s hungry… to believe that he’s a person. It’s only until they reach Mot’s planet. Besides, the Coalition would hate it, which is reason enough.

Then he finds out what awaits Mot at home, and suddenly hard vacuum doesn’t look so bad. Haz is no hero, but he can’t consign Mot to his fate. Somewhere under the space grime, Haz has a sliver of principle. It’s probably going to get him killed, but he doesn’t have much to live for anyway….

Published:
Genres:
action-adventure, fiction, gay, lgbtq, M/M, sci-fi
Tags:
future, gay romance, MM

The Gauntlet Runner

Liminal Sky: Tharassas Cycle Book 2

by J. Scott Coatsworth

A guard and a thief. What could go wrong?

Aik has fallen hopelessly in love with his best friend. But Raven's a thief, which makes things … complicated. Oh, and Raven has just been kidnapped by a dragon.

Now Aik is off on a quest of his own, to hunt down the foul beast and make them give back his … friend? Lover? Soulmate? The whole not-knowing thing just makes everything harder.

Meanwhile, the world of Tharassas is falling apart, besieged by earthquakes, floods, and strange creatures no one has ever seen before. Aik's ex, Silya has gone back to Gullton to try to save her people as the Hencha Queen, and Aik's stuck in a caravan with her mother and a damnable magical gauntlet that won't let him be. He has to find Raven, before it’s too late.

Things were messy before … but now they're much, much worse.

Published:
Publisher: Other Worlds Ink (https://www.otherworldsink.com)
Cover Artists:
Sleepy Fox Studio
Genres:
action-adventure, fantasy, fiction, gay, lgbtq, M/M, romance, sci-fi, YA/Adult Crossover, young adult
Tags:
bad breakup, future, gay romance, MM, quest, thief
Excerpt:

Transform the World

14 Si-Fi Writers Change the Planet

by J. Scott Coatsworth

Fourteen Ways to Change the Planet

Income inequality is worse than it was in the Roaring Twenties. Corporations are moving fast and breaking things, and the social contract seems to be falling apart, aided by social media disruption and division on steroids.

There has to be a better way.

We asked fourteen sci-fi writers to come up with innovative ways the world could work better. Universal basic income, smaller communities, AI voting, and learning to live in harmony with nature are just a few of the ideas explored inside these pages. So buckle up and settle in for a look at the world of the future.

The world’s not going to transform itself.

Published:
Publisher: Other Worlds Ink (https://www.otherworldsink.com)
Editors:
Jaime Lee Moyer
Cover Artists:
J. Scott Coatsworth
Genres:
action-adventure, cli-fi, fiction, gay, hopepunk, lgbtq, M/M, sci-fi
Tags:
climate change, future, gay romance, lesbian, MM, series
Excerpt:
Reviews:D. Donovan on Midwest Book Review wrote:

“A satisfyingly diverse set of visions of the future that come from a single question: how could the world work better?... Libraries and readers looking for especially diverse, thought-provoking sci-fi forays into not only what works, but why, will find Transform the World a potent gathering of forces that juxtapose tales of hope, social inspection, and a feeling of peaceful opportunity into the sci-fi short story world.”


Spells and Stardust

by J. Scott Coatsworth

Spells & Stardust is Scott's first anthology - eight sci fi and fantasy shorts that run the gamut from regeneration to redemption.

The Bear at the Bar: A gay fish out of water tale with a pinch of magic.

Tight: What happens when your lover disappears in midair?

Morgan: The year when everything changed.

Re-Life: What if you were reborn in a strange new future?

A New Year: They met every eleven years. And each time, Hank's life changed.

Repetition: What if you wanted to go back in the closet?

Gargoyle: Sometimes you get what you deserve. Sometimes it happens on All Hallows Eve.

Avalon: A few bright moments in the sun, stolen from outside time.

Most of these stories have been previously published in various anthologies and journals. This is the first time they have all been collected in one place.

Published:
Publisher: Other Worlds Ink (https://www.otherworldsink.com)
Cover Artists:
J. Scott Coatsworth, Sleepy Fox Studio
Genres:
fantasy, fiction, gay, lgbtq, M/M, romance, sci-fi
Tags:
elf, future, gay romance, MM
Excerpt:
Reviews:Babs on Amazon wrote:

"There is a little bit of something in this bundle of short stories for everyone. I had read most of the stories individually and enjoyed everyone. I appreciated the new ones I hadn't read. I think anyone would like this bundle who is into a little magic, Sci-fi and paranormal. Good book that can be read and then set aside to do something else and then come back to start another good story."

Mary on Amazon wrote:

"This is a fantastic collection of eight of the author's short stories, all in one book. I had previously read several of the stories separately, and I can't choose a favorite because I loved them all. All the stories have some fantasy, or unusual relationship or a sudden twist that you didn't see coming."


Homecoming

by J. Scott Coatsworth

Spaceman meets wolfman.

When his own world is destroyed, Aldiss and his crew barely manage to escape, leaving friends and lovers behind. What was meant to be an exploratory trip back to the home world becomes a mad dash for survival.

When they awaken from deep sleep on Earth, abandoned by humanity five centuries before, they must quickly learn about their new home. While exploring the region around the ship, Aldiss meets Hari, a human-wolf hybrid, whose people harbor secrets which just might cost the crew their lives.

Will Hari and Aldiss uncover the secrets of the past and find common ground? Or are Aldiss and his team doomed to failure?

Published:
Publisher: Other Worlds Ink (https://www.otherworldsink.com)
Cover Artists:
J. Scott Coatsworth
Genres:
action-adventure, dystopian, fiction, lgbtq, M/M, romance, sci-fi
Tags:
future, gay romance, MM, novella, spaceman, werewolf
Excerpt:
Reviews:Paul on Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words wrote:

“This book clicks on just about every level... a ride worth taking.”

Mike Bode wrote:

"A good read for a long afternoon with an engaging bread crumb trail of clues to lead you to a satisfied ending."

Adele S. on Amazon wrote:

"Once I started this it took me little more than an hour to finish it. The world building was flawless & there was a great pace to the writing. It's a fantastic story through & through. I'd love to read more from this universe. To see if other clans have survived, whether anyone else made it away from Antana & to see how the Earth continues to rebuild."


Androids and Aliens

by J. Scott Coatsworth

Androids & Aliens is Scott's third short story collection - eight sci fi and sci-fantasy shorts that run the gamut from cyborgs to (comedic) alien invasions:

Rise: The rise in sea levels caused by climate change swallowed Venice beneath the lagoon half a century ago. But what if we could bring it back?

Ping: I was a real estate agent by day, and a museum curator in the evening at a sci-fi museum. What I saw one night changed everything.

What the Rain Brings: Miriam struggles to make a living in post-climate-change Vancouver. But her friend Catalina has it even worse in the Arizona desert. So Miri hatches a plan.

High Seven: Zan dreams of making full reals - immersive live virtual reality skins - but his low score may doom him to a life of cheap coding.

Full Real: Dek's given up his life of spying for the city. But one more case awaits him. Will he regret it more if he takes it, or turns it down?

Shit City: The Bay Area is being walloped by a hurricane, and seventeen-year-old Jason Vasquez has been relocated to a refugee city in the Nevada Desert. Will it be temporary shelter, or change his life?

Firedrake: Kerry has always wondered about his deadly powers. But a mysterious bunch of violet roses starts him on the path to discovery - even if he's not sure he's going to like what he finds.

The Last Human Heart: I'm one of the Remainers, the few cyborg humans still living on this busted planet. But if my still-human heart finally gives out, I may not live to find out the truth about who I am.

This is the first time all of these stories have all been collected in one place, and the first publication of the Pacific Climate Tryptich - What the Rain Brings, High Seven, and Full Real - in any form.

Published:
Publisher: Other Worlds Ink (https://www.otherworldsink.com)
Editors:
Allison Behrens
Cover Artists:
J. Scott Coatsworth, Sleepy Fox Studio
Genres:
cli-fi, dystopian, fiction, lgbtq, romance, sci-fi
Tags:
future, gay romance, lesbian, second chance
Excerpt:
Reviews:Mike on Amazon wrote:

I'm having a hard time finding good sci-fi to read after finishing most of the old and modern classics, so I'm glad I stumbled onto this book. These stories remind me of stuff I used to read in magazines like Analog and Asimov. The worlds this book creates are compelling enough that some of these stories made me angry that they aren't full length novels or even series. I've never quite understood the magic formula that makes really good short stories impactful and complete despite their length and yet make you yearn for more at the same time. Whatever it is, Coatsworth nails it.

Wallace Rinkelhaus on Amazon wrote:

I love Scott Coatsworth's latest collection of "eight sci fi and sci-fantasy shorts that run the gamut from cyborgs to (comedic) alien invasions" (back cover). I laughed and I cried, for broken and missing hearts, for hearts recovered, and love found and lost. I loved the golden threat of hope here, even if bad things happen. Thanks to climate change, hurricanes devastate the Bay area, and EF6 tornadoes completely an Idaho town. The US implodes.

In "Firedrake," Kerry, one of the Changed, has to deal his powers of fire-making. Then he receives violet roses--from who and why? And he begins a journey of self-discovery. "What the Rain Brings," Miriam is doing her best to survive, and help those who need it, in "post-climate change Vancouver' (backcover). But her friend, Catalina, is caught in a nightmare in Arizona. Can she help her? These are love stories, queer love stories, that celebrate the human spirit, and offer hope.

These stories are a tonic for the soul. Recommended.