- Table View
- List View
The Robot Who Looked Like Me: Stories
by Robert Sheckley&“If the Marx Brothers had been literary fantasists, they would have been Robert Sheckley.&” —Harlan Ellison In &“The Robot Who Looked Like Me,&” a busy man and a busy woman find a way to carve out time to romance each other—by having look-alike robots made to do the job—who then run away together. The twelve other stories in this collection are &“Slaves of Time,&” &“Voices,&” &“A Supplicant in Space,&” &“Sneak Previews,&” &“Zirn Left Unguarded, the Jenghik Palace in Flames, John Westerly Dead,&” &“Welcome to the Standard Nightmare,&” &“The Never-Ending Western Movie,&” &“What Is Life?&”, &“I See a Man Sitting on a Chair, and the Chair Is Biting His Leg,&” &“Is That What People Do?&”, &“Silversmith Wishes,&” and &“End City.&” From the very beginning of his career, Robert Sheckley was recognized by fans, reviewers, and fellow authors as a master storyteller and the wittiest satirist working in the science fiction field. Open Road is proud to republish his acclaimed body of work, with nearly thirty volumes of full-length fiction and short story collections. Rediscover, or discover for the first time, a master of science fiction who, according to the New York Times, was &“a precursor to Douglas Adams.&”
The Robot's Twilight Companion
by Tony DanielFrom the touching sadness of a robot sometimes lost, sometimes found, sometimes just doing its job digging into the depths of the planet, to the disjointedness of society when the world is almost but not quite overrun by nano-machines, to two lives, in different ways, overtaken by contemplation of the requirements imposed by its environment, on lunar architecture. Several of the stories in this book are related to each other, others are not. Here is Highly detailed and imaginative Science fiction reflecting the author's view of a future where romance, ecological stability, survival and scientific study are hard won, if ever, on earth and beyond.
The Robotic Imaginary: The Human and the Price of Dehumanized Labor
by Jennifer RheeTracing the connections between human-like robots and AI at the site of dehumanization and exploited labor The word robot—introduced in Karel Čapek&’s 1920 play R.U.R.—derives from rabota, the Czech word for servitude or forced labor. A century later, the play&’s dystopian themes of dehumanization and exploited labor are being played out in factories, workplaces, and battlefields. In The Robotic Imaginary, Jennifer Rhee traces the provocative and productive connections of contemporary robots in technology, film, art, and literature. Centered around the twinned processes of anthropomorphization and dehumanization, she analyzes the coevolution of cultural and technological robots and artificial intelligence, arguing that it is through the conceptualization of the human and, more important, the dehumanized that these multiple spheres affect and transform each other.Drawing on the writings of Alan Turing, Sara Ahmed, and Arlie Russell Hochschild; such films and novels as Her and The Stepford Wives; technologies like Kismet (the pioneering &“emotional robot&”); and contemporary drone art, this book explores anthropomorphic paradigms in robot design and imagery in ways that often challenge the very grounds on which those paradigms operate in robotics labs and industry. From disembodied, conversational AI and its entanglement with care labor; embodied mobile robots as they intersect with domestic labor; emotional robots impacting affective labor; and armed military drones and artistic responses to drone warfare, The Robotic Imaginary ultimately reveals how the human is made knowable through the design of and discourse on humanoid robots that are, paradoxically, dehumanized.
The Robots Of Gotham
by Todd McAultyA group of misfit humans and machines fight to stop a conspiracy to exterminate humanity in a future Chicago ruled by a brutal artificial intelligence.The future is ruled by intelligent machines. After a brutal war leaving at least one quarter of the United States still under occupation, the remnants of the American government are negotiating for a permanent peace with a coalition of sophisticated but fascist machines that have besieged the country.Barry Simcoe, a businessman from Canada, is in occupied Chicago when his hotel is attacked by a rogue, thirty-foot-tall war drone. In the aftermath, he meets a Russian medic and a badly damaged robot called 19 Black Winter. Together, the trio stumble on a deep conspiracy driven by America’s conquerors that reveal a vicious plan, setting them in a race against time to protect the nation from a fate worse than subjugation.Praise for The Robots of Gotham“This debut novel beautifully combines a postapocalyptic man-versus-machine conflict and a medical thriller . . . This is thrilling, epic SF.” —New York Times“An epic novel . . . full of action, political intrigue, and unexpected twists. Todd McAulty has given us a fresh, compelling take on life during a robot apocalypse.” —Jeff Abbott, New York Times–bestselling author of Blame“A page-turner that kept me riveted from the opening lines to the final chapter. Highly recommended!” —David B. Coe, author of The Case Files of Justis Fearsson series
The Robots of Dawn: The Caves Of Steel, The Naked Sun, The Robots Of Dawn (The Robot Series #4)
by Isaac AsimovA millennium into the future two advances have altered the course of human history: the colonization of the Galaxy and the creation of the positronic brain. Isaac Asimov's Robot novels chronicle the unlikely partnership between a New York City detective and a humanoid robot who must learn to work together.Detective Elijah Baiey is called to the Spacer world Aurora to solve a bizarre case of roboticide. The prime suspect is a gifted roboticist who had the means, the motive, and the opportunity to commit the crime. There's only one catch: Baley and his positronic partner, R. Daneel Olivaw, must prove the man innocent. For in a case of political intrigue and love between woman and robot gone tragically wrong, there's more at stake than simple justice. This time Baley's career, his life, and Earth's right to pioneer the Galaxy lie in the delicate balance. From the Paperback edition.
The Rock
by Robert DohertyIn Australia, strange electronic transmissions are emanating from Ayer's Rock, the stone hill arising out of the Outback. When top level scientific and military advisors from the U.S. and Russia drill for clues, they discover an unusual black wall hidden deep inside. Mysterious occurences at the site of an explosion led to the discovery of the same type wall in Siberia.
The Rock Gods of Jackson, Tennessee
by Rafer RobertsThe heartwarming coming-of-age tale of four high school outcasts who start a band to gain fame and popularity...but have to defend their hometown from a hungry horde of monsters instead.It&’s 1989 and Marty Ward—Jackson, Tennessee&’s number one juvenile delinquent—never wanted to join the Rock Gods. After all, who wants to play with nerds like Jonny, Lenny, and Doug? But after the high schoolers stumble into the gig of a lifetime—opening for local rock legend Tommi Tungstun—the four outcasts must put aside their differences and play together if they want to achieve their dreams of fame, freedom, and popularity. Standing in these future superstars&’ way are: their parents, their teachers, a school full of jerks and bullies, a townful of bad bosses, sanctimonious preachers, and corrupt politicians, each other, and a rampaging horde of mutated monsters tearing through Jackson and eating everything in their path. Wait. Monsters?!?! Indeed! A secretive pharmaceutical company has converted the old perfume factory on the edge of town into an animal testing facility. Their newest concoction, a marvel of science designed as a cure, has disastrous results...transforming hundreds of pigs into horrifying demons with an appetite for human flesh. When the pigs attack, it&’s left up Marty, Jonny, Lenny, and Doug to save the city and everyone in it. If they can&’t figure out how to work together, they&’ll be pig food. But, if they can join together as a band, as friends, as family…they&’ll become Legends.
The Rock Rats (The Asteroid Wars)
by Ben BovaMartin Humphries - the fabulously wealthy, coldly ruthless owner of the greatest space-based industrial giant - has been checked, but his malice and ambition remain. He still dreams of bankrupting the rival space exploration company Astro Manufacturing and bringing the independent prospectors who are beginning to stake claims on large and small rocks of the Asteroid Belt under his control. And most of all, he wants to capture the love of beautiful Amanda Cunningham, the woman who spurned his money, and take his revenge on Lars Fuchs, the space prospector who both defied Humphries and married Amanda.His weapons will be piracy, sabotage and murder. .
The Rock of Ivanore
by Laurisa White ReyesThe annual Great Quest is about to be announced in Quendel, a task that will determine the future of Marcus and the other boys from the village who are coming of age. The wizard Zyll commands them to find the Rock of Ivanore, but he doesn't tell them what the Rock is exactly or where it can be found. Marcus must reach deep within himself to develop new powers of magic and find the strength to survive the wild lands and fierce enemies he encounters as he searches for the illusive Rock. If he succeeds, he will live a life of honor; if he fails, he will live a life of menial labor in shame. With more twists and turns than a labyrinth, and a story in which nothing is at it seems, this tale of deception and discovery keeps readers in suspense until the end.Middle readers will find that The Rock of Ivanore fits nicely among the traditional fantasies they so enjoy. They will also appreciate its fresh and inventive take on the genre.
The Rocket's Shadow (Rick Brant, # #1)
by John BlaineThis exciting book introduces readers to Rick Brant, the son of a famous scientist, in the first of his amazing adventures in the new and exciting age that is upon us - the age of electronics. The Stoneridge Grant of two million dollars is no mean prize, and on Spindrift Island the group of scientists headed by Rick Brant's father work desperately to complete their moon rocket experiment in time. But someone in that closely knit group is a traitor - unknown and unscrupulous - who menaces the success of the experiment at every turn. As the time grows shorter, the unknown saboteur and his elusive accomplices strike with increasing boldness. Then Rick stumbles upon a clue which starts him on an investigation of his own. Tracking down the first tangible clue to the identity of the villains, Rick plunges into danger and is rescued in the nick of time by Scotty, a young ex-marine. The boys become fast friends and Scotty joins the Spindrift Island group to help guard the moon rocket. From then on the boys share the risks; and there are plenty before Rick and Scotty finally manage to unmask the traitor and save the experiment. Adventure lovers who enjoy Rick Brant's thrilling exploits in this breathtaking story will want to continue his career in the other books in this new series of action packed electronic adventures which will be running neck and neck with science's latest discoveries.
The Rocks Beneath
by M A WaltersHumanity has become a despot lot, controlled now by the once disembodied Minders. The disembodied are now taking form and gaining power. Gilta, one of the disembodied, is ready to wage war against the last of Crootu's human rebels. Their sparks will ignite the world around them. The planet Crootu is beautiful, yet baneful. Its moods shift from killing pollen blooms to vast dry wastelands with their very old and strange rocks beneath; a haunted wasteland that affect the consciousness and the dreams of all. Around Crootu's equator runs the 'slip,' a fast moving ring of particle energy wind that Command employs to hide and move its' ships within. This slip is now being taken charge by something old...and deadly. Between these far and strange places, humanity dances the dance of life and death while remembering better times and daring to hope for new ones.
The Rod of Light: The Soul of the Robot Book 2 (SOUL OF THE ROBOT)
by Barrington J. BayleyRobot evolution has advanced to the point that intelligent robots have liberated themselves from servitude, defending themselves from servitude, defending themselves against the humans who work to exterminate them using super-machines.The ultimate hope of the most powerfully intelligent robots lies in the attainment of human consciousness. And they are willing to steal men's souls if they must, to get this final elusive quality for themselves.Only one free robot, Jasperodus, has been granted true consciousness - a soul - by his maker, now long dead. Brought into the soul research project by force, Jasperodus faces a moral dilemma: to release his secret and bring about the final downfall of humanity to a new race of super-robots, or to keep his own kind forever from the light of consciousness. And the mechanized armies of the humans press ever forward, seeking the robot hideout.
The Rod of Light: The Soul of the Robot Book 2 (Soul Of The Robot Ser.)
by Barrington J. BayleyRobot evolution has advanced to the point that intelligent robots have liberated themselves from servitude, defending themselves from servitude, defending themselves against the humans who work to exterminate them using super-machines.The ultimate hope of the most powerfully intelligent robots lies in the attainment of human consciousness. And they are willing to steal men's souls if they must, to get this final elusive quality for themselves.Only one free robot, Jasperodus, has been granted true consciousness - a soul - by his maker, now long dead. Brought into the soul research project by force, Jasperodus faces a moral dilemma: to release his secret and bring about the final downfall of humanity to a new race of super-robots, or to keep his own kind forever from the light of consciousness. And the mechanized armies of the humans press ever forward, seeking the robot hideout.
The Rogue (Traitor Spy Trilogy #2)
by Trudi CanavanDiscover the magic of Trudi Canavan with her brand new novel in the Traitor Spy Trilogy...Living among the Sachakan rebels, Lorkin does his best to learn about their unique magic. But the Traitors are reluctant to trade their secrets for the Healing they so desperately want.Meanwhile, Sonea searches for the rogue, knowing that Cery cannot avoid assassination forever --- but the rogue's influence over the city's underworld, however, is far greater than she feared.And in the University, two female novices are about to remind the Guild that sometimes their greatest enemy is found within...
The Rogue Agent: The Accidental Sorcerer, Witches Incorporated, Wizard Squared (Rogue Agent)
by K. E. MillsBOOK 1: THE ACCIDENTAL SORCERERGerald Dunwoody is a wizard. Just not a particularly good one. He's blown up a factory, lost his job, and there's a chance that he's not really a Third Grade wizard after all. So it's off to New Ottosland to be the new Court Wizard for King Lional. It's a shame that King Lional isn't the vain, self-centered young man he appeared to be. With a Princess in danger, a talking bird who can't stay out of trouble, and a kingdom to save, Gerald soon suspects that he might be out of his depth. And if he can't keep this job, how will he ever become the wizard he was destined to be...BOOK 2: WITCHES INCORPORATEDIt's a case of espionage, skullduggery and serious unpleasantnessAnd it's also Gerald's first official government assignment. He's hunting down a deadly saboteur, and time is quickly running out. Old enemies and new combine forces to thwart him. Once again, innocent lives are on the line. He needs his friends. He can't do this alone. But Princess Melissande and Reg have troubles of their own. With the help of Monk Markham's brilliant, beautiful sister, they've opened a one-stop-shop witching locum agency, where magical problems are solved for a price. Problem is, the girls are struggling to keep the business afloat. Things are looking grim for Witches Incorporated - and that's before they accidentally cross paths with Gerald's saboteur. Suddenly everybody's lives are on the line and Gerald realizes, too late, that there's a reason government agents aren't supposed to have friends... BOOK 3: Wizard SquaredWhen the staff of Witches Incorporated receive a visitor from an alternate reality, they are shocked to learn that life in the parallel world next door is anything but a bed of roses... and it's all because of Gerald Dunwoody. At a crucial moment in time, their Gerald turned left... but the alternate reality Gerald turned right. Now the parallel world next door is in the grip of terror, staring down the barrel of a thaumaturgical war -- a war that threatens to spill across the dimensions and plunge every reality into a nightmare. The only person who can stop a rogue wizard gone mad is another rogue wizard. But what do you do when another rogue wizard can't be found?
The Rogue Crew
by Brian JacquesIn his acclaimed and beloved Redwall series, New York Times bestselling author Brian Jaques "shows no signs of letting up or slowing down the action." (VOYA) Visit the gentle critters of Mossflower Wood with The Rogue Crew...In which the brave hares of the Long Patrol team up with the fearless sea otters of the Rogue Crew to defend Redwall Abbey from the terror of both land and sea--the pirate Razzid Wearat...
The Rogue Crew
by Brian JacquesIn his acclaimed and beloved Redwall series, New York Times bestselling author Brian Jaques "shows no signs of letting up or slowing down the action." (VOYA) Visit the gentle critters of Mossflower Wood with The Rogue Crew...In which the brave hares of the Long Patrol team up with the fearless sea otters of the Rogue Crew to defend Redwall Abbey from the terror of both land and sea--the pirate Razzid Wearat...
The Rogue Crew (Redwall, Book #22)
by Brian JacquesThe murderous and evil Razzid Wearat and his crew of vermin are on a mission to seize Redwall Abbey for themselves, and Abbot Thibb and his Redwallers must defend their home with the help of the hares of the Long Patrol and the Rogue Crew of sea otters.
The Rogue Crown: A Novel (The Five Crowns of Okrith #3)
by A.K. MulfordThe action moves west in A.K. Mulford’s romantic, action-packed epic fantasy series, The Five Crowns of Okrith, as young fae warrior Bri investigates the murder of her queen while protecting the beautiful princess she may be falling for.Determined to uncover who killed the Western Queen, fae warrior Briata Catullus sets out on a mission to defeat the witch hunters and safeguard her princess. But when she arrives at the Western Court, things are even worse than she feared. The icy reception from the fae is the least of her problems—they’ve heard the prophecy that Bri will seize the crown from its sovereign, and the last thing they want is for her to usurp the throne. No, the witch hunters are out for royal blood, and it will take everything Bri has to keep them at bay.It doesn’t help that, still grieving the loss of her mother, Princess Abalina Thorne is reluctant to allow Bri into her confidence, only agreeing to let her serve as one of her guards at the behest of the princess’ cousin.As the threat of the witch hunters grows, they find themselves thrown together, working closely to uncover the secret plot of their enemies. Along the way, the princess realizes that Bri is one of the few people she can trust. But Bri is determined to forge her own path and prove the prophecy wrong, not letting the beautiful Lina distract her from defeating the witch hunters. She has a duty to the princess, a duty to the Western Court, and a duty to her own destiny.But what about the duty to her heart?
The Rogue Hunter (Argeneau #10)
by Lynsay SandsSamantha Willan is a workaholic lawyer. She's grateful for some rest and relaxation in cottage country, and after a recent breakup she wants to stay as far away from romance as possible. Then she meets her irresistible new neighbor. There's something strange and mysterious about his eyes. Is it just her imagination, or are they locked on her neck?Garrett Mortimer is a rogue hunter. His last assignment united Lucian Argeneau with his lifemate, and Mortimer is hoping this one will be less . . . adventurous. He's here to track down a reported rogue, but fun in the sun is every bloodsucker's nightmare. Worse, he can't seem to get his mind off Samantha, especially when he spies her skinny-dipping in the lake. After eight hundred years as a bachelor, is he ready to turn a volatile attraction into a lasting love affair?
The Rogue Hunter: Book Ten (ARGENEAU VAMPIRE #10)
by Lynsay SandsSamantha Willan is a workaholic lawyer. She's grateful for some rest and relaxation in cottage country, and after a recent break-up she wants to stay as far away from romance as possible. Then she meets her irresistible new neighbour. There's something strange and mysterious about his eyes. Is it just her imagination, or are they locked on her neck?Garrett Mortimer is a rogue hunter. His last assignment united Lucian Argeneau with his life mate, and Mortimer is hoping this one will be less ... adventurous. He's here to track down a reported rogue, but fun in the sun is every bloodsucker's nightmare. Worse, he can't seem to get his mind off Samantha, especially when he spies her skinny-dipping in the lake. After eight hundred years as a bachelor, is he ready to turn a volatile attraction into a lasting love affair?
The Rogue Retrieval (Gateways to Alissia #1)
by Dan KoboldtIn the tradition of Terry Brooks' Landover series, Piers Anthony Xanth books, and Terry Pratchett's Discword novels, scientist and blogger Dan Koboldt weaves wonder, humor, and heart into his debut novel, The Rogue Retrieval. Sleight of hand…in another landStage magician Quinn Bradley has one dream: to headline his own show on the Vegas Strip. And with talent scouts in the audience wowed by his latest performance, he knows he’s about to make the big-time.What he doesn’t expect is an offer to go on a quest to a place where magic is all too real.That's how he finds himself in Alissia, a world connected to ours by a secret portal owned by a powerful corporation. He’s after an employee who has gone rogue, and that’s the least of his problems. Alissia has true magicians…and the penalty for impersonating one is death. In a world where even a twelve-year-old could beat Quinn in a swordfight, it's only a matter of time until the tricks up his sleeves run out.
The Rogue World
by Matthew J. KirbyPerfect for fans of the Percy Jackson and Seven Wonders series, The Rogue World is the third book in an epic, fast-paced middle grade adventure trilogy by acclaimed author Matthew J. Kirby.After the shattering new discoveries they made in Egypt, Eleanor and her mother, Samantha, have been separated: Samantha working with the sinister Dr. Watkins to ensure the survival of only a small number of humans, and Eleanor and her friends uniting in the desperate hope of saving the entire planet. They are preparing for a trek to the icy Himalayas, where they believe they’ll find the Master Concentrator and a chance to end the threat of the rogue planet—one way or the other. But that’s when something happens that none of them expected: an alien spacecraft crash lands on earth, throwing the globe into crisis and changing everything for Eleanor. She has just begun to understand the mysterious power that sets her apart from everyone else on the planet; now, everything rests on her ability to control the same alien intelligence that has pushed us to the brink of extinction.
The Rogue's Hour
by Scott CiencinA man without a past, Rileigh is pursued through the port city of Qeynos by a necromancer and a shadow night. After hiding aboard a ship, he finds himself embroiled in a quest to retrieve four stolen objects of power that once belonged to a dragon.
The Rogue: Book 2 of the Traitor Spy (Traitor Spy #2)
by Trudi CanavanFollowing The Ambassador's Mission comes this second thrilling novel in the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling Traitor Spy Trilogy from the fantasy phenomenon Trudi Canavan.Kyralia is facing threats at home and abroad, as a rogue killer stalks its capital's streets, while the neighbouring kingdom of Sachaka is breeding a rebellion that could destabilise the entire region.High Lord Akkarin and Sonea's son Lorkin has a legacy of heroism to live up to, but despite his good intentions, his incarceration in Sachaka's rebel traitor stronghold could destroy the tenuous peace between the two countries. Angered by Lorkin's seeming defection the Sachakans blame the Kyralian ambassador, Danny--and they are a savage people when roused.And back home, in the University, two young novices are about to remind the Guild that sometimes their greatest enemy comes from within . . .Set in the same world as her global bestselling Black Magician Trilogy, Trudi Canavan's Traitor Spy Trilogy is a gripping fantasy adventure filled with danger and forbidden magic.ESCAPE TO A NEW WORLD.DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF TRUDI CANAVAN.'It's easy to see why Trudi Canavan's novels so often make the bestseller lists. Her easy, flowing style makes for effortless reading . . . Delightful worldbuilding . . . Vivid and enjoyable' SFXThe Traitor Spy Trilogy: The Ambassador's Mission The Rogue The Traitor Queen