John Scalzi and Lindsay Ellis (ONLINE)

This event is online.

Do you love political turmoil, daring heroines, fast-paced stories, unknown worlds, and the threat of complete ecological and societal collapse?

Outside of news headlines, we mean.

This is science fiction you can’t miss. On Thursday, August 6th, two absolute stars present new novels that offer all of the above.

Kepler’s is proud to host Hugo-award winning author and science fiction legend John Scalzi in a conversation with Lindsay Ellis, as both writers share powerful books that will take you out of this world. Scalzi joins us online to share the last installment in his acclaimed Interdependency series, The Last Emperox. Ellis, the Hugo finalist, renowned media critic and Youtube video essayist, presents her brand-new and highly anticipated debut novel Axiom’s End.

Don’t miss these hilarious, creative and wickedly intelligent authors as they present the books that everyone should read in 2020. For every person who loves smart science fiction and all things nerdy, this will be a night to remember. RSVP early to guarantee your spot in the webinar.

THE BOOKS:

You already know Scalzi’s witty, inventive writing and previous plaudits for books like Redshirts and The Old Man’s War. Compulsively readable, with the trademark humor and that makes him a fan favorite, Scalzi’s Interdependency series offers a topical tale about the death of worlds and political corruption. In an empire spanning star systems, scientists have long warned of pending ecological disaster, as a natural resource which enables interstellar travel teeters on the verge of collapse. Greedy, powerful actors have downplayed the danger for years—and a new leader, Emperox Grayland, now has to turn back time on their destructive denialism while faced with a ticking clock and a complex network of enemies. The Last Emperox is the final installment of one woman’s herculean effort to save not just one world, but all of them.

Ellis’ Axiom’s End features a similarly outgunned, complex heroine as she stumbles onto the edge of a government coverup. What is the political machinery hiding from us now? Aliens, it turns out. Cora Sabino’s heroine offers a refreshing taste on the first-contact novel, as a young woman estranged from her Julian Assange-esque whistleblower father unintentionally gets caught up in his political battles. Cora becomes the key translator and ally to a very otherworldly, very top-secret alien being named Ampersand. This smart, playful political novel offers keen insights into empathy, communication, and their limits, all within a reimagined historical telling of the year 2007. And the financial crisis? Also aliens.

If you’re a fan of either creator for their work, this is one incredible conversation and two dynamic storylines that you’re sure to love. If you’re new to both Scalzi and Ellis but love the genre, prepare to meet your new favorites. Be sure to RSVP before the world ends!

**Please consider joining with a book or donation to support the production of this event and make it possible for us to continue bringing you great conversations. Registration will close one hour before the event; please reserve your spot early to guarantee access, as registrations are limited.**