Permutations: A Well World Anthology

Permutations: A Well World Anthology iis a triumphant return to Jack L. Chalker’s groundbreaking universe; a series that captivated readers with its imaginative scope and profound themes. The original novel, Midnight at the Well of Souls, has sold over five million copies worldwide, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of science fiction literature. Set on the Well World--a planet-sized supercomputer created by the ancient Markovians to engineer new species--the series explores transformation, identity, and the complexities of existence through the journey of starship captain Nathan Brazil.

This anthology, officially authorized by Chalker’s estate, combines a stellar lineup of contemporary science fiction authors, including Neal Asher, Catherine Asaro, and S.P. Somtow. Each contributor offers a unique perspective, expanding upon the rich tapestry of the Well World and introducing fresh narratives that honor the spirit of the original works. These stories delve into the diverse habitats and species of the Well World, exploring new adventures and philosophical quandaries that will resonate with today’s readers.

For long-time fans and newcomers alike, Permutations serves as both an homage and a gateway into the expansive universe Chalker masterfully created. It’s more than a collection of stories, it’s an invitation to re-experience the wonder and complexity of a world that has inspired countless imaginations. Whether revisiting the Well World or exploring it for the first time, this anthology promises to ignite the awe and curiosity that defines great science fiction.

S.P. SOMTOW, is a Thai-American author known for his significant contributions to the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. Somtow’s literary work is marked by a wide range of awards and honors, reflecting his profound impact on the genres he writes in. He won the World Fantasy Award in 2002 for his novella The Bird Catcher and has been nominated several times for this award. Other accolades include the International Horror Guild Award, the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in 1981, the Locus Award for Best First Novel in 1982 for Starship & Haiku, and nominations for the Hugo and Bram Stoker Awards.

His noteworthy series include Inquestors, Aquiliad, and Valentine. The Inquestors series, comprising titles like Light on the Sound and The Throne of Madness, is a collection of linked stories exploring a unique and complex universe. The ＂Aquiliad＂ series blends historical elements with science fiction, while his Valentine series, starting with Vampire Junction, delves into the horror genre with a unique take on vampire mythology. Somtow’s versatility as a writer is evident in the breadth and depth of his work, making him a celebrated figure in speculative fiction. His ability to weave intricate plots, create compelling characters, and explore complex themes has cemented his place as a prominent figure in the literary world.

​CATHERINE ASARO, renowned for her contributions to the hard science fiction genre, has made a significant mark with her scientifically rigorous and imaginative writing. Asaro’s works stand out for their scientific depth, with novels like Primary Inversion, The Radiant Seas, and Spherical Harmonic featuring complex elements such as quantum mechanical wave functions and Klein bottles. Her writing often includes sophisticated mathematical concepts, notably in her Skolian Empire books, which are based on a paper she wrote on complex variables and special relativity. The novel Spherical Harmonic presents an imagined universe based on Hilbert space described by spherical harmonic eigenfunctions. Asaro’s The Quantum Rose is an allegory to quantum scattering theory, showing her ability to interweave advanced scientific concepts with compelling storytelling.

In addition to her literary accolades, which include the Nebula Award, Reader’s Choice Award, and the Prism Award, Asaro has a PhD in Chemical Physics from Harvard University. This background in physics significantly influences her approach to science fiction, lending authenticity and depth to her stories. Her engagement with scientific concepts is not just limited to her novels; she also explains the mathematics and physics behind her ideas in essays at the end of some of her books, making her works particularly appealing to readers interested in the science behind the fiction.

NEAL ASHER, an influential English science fiction writer, was born in 1961 in Essex, UK. His writing career, particularly in the science fiction genre, took off after 2000 when he secured a three-book contract with Pan Macmillan. Asher’s works are primarily published in the UK but have also found a substantial readership in the United States, Russia, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Czechoslovakia, and Romania. The majority of his novels are set in a future history known as the Polity universe, which features classic science fiction elements like world-ruling AIs, androids, hive minds, and aliens. His narratives often explore themes of technological and physical enhancement, with characters undergoing various augmentations. His works include the Agent Cormac series, The Transformation Trilogy, the Rise of the Jain Trilogy, and standalone novels like Prador Moon, Hilldiggers, and Shadow of the Scorpion. His latest book as of 2023 is War Bodies, a high-octane standalone set in the expansive Polity world.

DAVOD BOOP is a Denver-based speculative fiction author, editor, award-winning essayist, and screenwriter. His diverse career spanned various roles before he turned to fiction, including working as a DJ, film critic, journalist, and actor. His novels, such as the sci-fi/noir She Murdered Me with Science and the Weird Western mosaic novel The Drowned Horse Chronicle, showcase his versatility across genres. David has also edited the bestselling and award-nominated Weird Western anthology series like Straight Outta Tombstone.＂ His short fiction includes media tie-ins for various franchises, such as Predator and Veronica Mars. Boop is a summa cum laude graduate from UC-Denver in Creative Writing,