Discover life-changing worlds, old and new, with this eBook collection of seventeen excerpts from Del Rey and Bantam Books, featuring many of the biggest names and most exciting voices in science fiction and fantasy today. Maybe you’re finally ready to take the plunge into an epic saga such as George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire or Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander. Maybe your inner Star Wars fan lights up at the thought of new novels that expand the canon of the original trilogy. Maybe you’ve been waiting for a sneak peek at the triumphant return of Robin Hobb or Peter F. Hamilton. Or maybe you’re curious about one of the exciting debuts, genre-bending trilogies, or short-story collections that come along every so often and upend everything you think you know about fiction. There’s really no good reason not to check out this sampler. Ranging from space opera and high fantasy to alternate history and twisted fairy tales, this one-of-a-kind eBook includes excerpts from: THE ABYSS BEYOND DREAMS by Peter F. Hamilton CLASH OF EAGLES by Alan Smale THE DARWIN ELEVATOR by Jason M. Hough FOOL’S ASSASSIN by Robin Hobb A GAME OF THRONES by George R. R. Martin HALF A KING by Joe Abercrombie THE LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA by Scott Lynch OLD VENUS, edited by George R. R. Martin & Gardner Dozois OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon RED RISING by Pierce Brown ROGUES, edited by George R. R. Martin & Gardner Dozois A STUDY IN SILKS by Emma Jane Holloway STAR WARS: HEIR TO THE JEDI by Kevin Hearne STAR WARS: LORDS OF THE SITH by Paul S. Kemp STAR WARS: A NEW DAWN by John Jackson Miller STAR WARS: TARKIN by James Luceno UPROOTED by Naomi Novik

Visionary new worlds come to life once again in this eBook sampler featuring thirty-one excerpts from Del Rey and Bantam Books! Collected here are hints of the best science fiction and fantasy on offer today, from modern classics to bleeding-edge bestsellers. Maybe the hit Starz series has you curious about Diana Gabaldon’s genre-defying Outlander, or The Shannara Chronicles has inspired you to dive into the timeless fantasy novels of Terry Brooks. Maybe you’re a Star Wars fan who can’t wait to take the journey to The Force Awakens. Maybe you’ve heard a lot about Pierce Brown’s The Red Rising Trilogy, Kevin Hearne’s The Iron Druid Chronicles, or Peter V. Brett’s The Demon Cycle and wish to take a sneak peek. Whatever the reason, you’ve come to the right place. Because this year’s sampler is bigger and better than ever! Featuring provocative work from New York Times bestselling stalwarts like Scott Sigler, Harry Turtledove, and China Miéville alongside rising stars like C. A. Higgins, Sylvain Neuvel, and Carlton Mellick III, this eBook sampler shows you the future of fiction. Within are excerpts of: THE ABYSS BEYOND DREAMS by Peter F. Hamilton ALIVE by Scott Sigler ASSASSIN’S APPRENTICE by Robin Hobb BOMBS AWAY by Harry Turtledove CHILDREN OF FIRE by Drew Karpyshyn CLASH OF EAGLES by Alan Smale CLOWNFELLAS by Carlton Mellick III CONSUMPTION by Heather Herrman THE ELFSTONES OF SHANNARA by Terry Brooks EMERGENCE: DAVE VS. THE MONSTERS by John Birmingham GREEN EARTH by Kim Stanley Robinson HALF A KING by Joe Abercrombie THE HAMMER AND THE BLADE by Paul S. Kemp HIS MAJESTY’S DRAGON by Naomi Novik HOUNDED by Kevin Hearne THE LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA by Scott Lynch LIESMITH by Alis Franklin LIGHTLESS by C. A. Higgins MERCY HOUSE by Adam Cesare OLD VENUS, edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon RED RISING by Pierce Brown THE SHADOW REVOLUTION: CROWN & KEY by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith SLEEPING GIANTS by Sylvain Neuvel STAR WARS: A NEW DAWN by John Jackson Miller STAR WARS: DARK DISCIPLE by Christie Golden STAR WARS: LORDS OF THE SITH by Paul S. Kemp THREE MOMENTS OF AN EXPLOSION by China Miéville UPROOTED by Naomi Novik THE WARDED MAN by Peter V. Brett ZERO WORLD by Jason M. Hough

This book brings together history and theory in art and media to examine the effects of artificial intelligence and machine learning in culture, and reflects on the implications of delegating parts of the creative process to AI. In order to understand the complexity of authorship and originality in relation to creativity in contemporary times, Navas combines historical and theoretical premises from different areas of research in the arts, humanities, and social sciences to provide a rich historical and theoretical context that critically reflects on and questions the implications of artificial intelligence and machine learning as an integral part of creative production. As part of this, the book considers how much of postproduction and remix aesthetics in art and media preceded the current rise of metacreativity in relation to artificial intelligence and machine learning, and explores contemporary questions on aesthetics. The book also provides a thorough evaluation of the creative application of systematic approaches to art and media production, and how this in effect percolates across disciplines including art, design, communication, as well as other fields in the humanities and social sciences. An essential read for students and scholars interested in understanding the increasing role of AI and machine learning in contemporary art and media, and their wider role in creative production across culture and society.

From the author of The Iron Druid Chronicles comes a rollicking urban-fantasy adventure featuring Atticus O’Sullivan. Atticus has a history of messing with the gods, and now he’ll have to outfox a deity at her own deadly cat-and-mouse game. When he’s not vanquishing villainous gods or dodging demons, two-thousand-year-old Druid Atticus O’Sullivan can be found behind the counter of Third Eye Books and Herbs in modern-day Tempe, Arizona, literally minding his own business. But when an evil sorcerer—and amateur shoplifter—snatches an ancient Egyptian tome of black magic, The Grimoire of the Lamb, Atticus is not sheepish about pursuing him to the ends of the earth . . . or at least to the Land of the Pharaohs. Unfortunately, Atticus already has enemies in Egypt—including cat goddess Bast, who wants her own book of mischief back from the Druid. In the streets of Cairo, she sends a feline phalanx after Atticus and his Irish wolfhound, Oberon. With fur still flying, Atticus must locate the sorcerer’s secret lair—where he will face killer crocodiles, spooky sarcophagi, and an ancient evil Egyptian who’s determined to order the sacrificial lamb special tonight. Includes an excerpt from Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druid Chronicles novel Hunted! Praise for Kevin Hearne and The Iron Druid Chronicles “Celtic mythology and an ancient Druid with modern attitude mix it up in the Arizona desert in this witty new fantasy series.”—Kelly Meding, author of Three Days to Dead “[Atticus is] a strong modern hero with a long history and the wit to survive in the twenty-first century. . . . A snappy narrative voice . . . a savvy urban fantasy adventure.”—Library Journal, on Hounded

"A new star is rising in the fantasy firmament...teems with magic and spine-chilling amounts of skullduggery."–Dave Duncan, author of The Great Game When young Alec of Kerry is taken prisoner for a crime he didn’t commit, he is certain that his life is at an end. But one thing he never expected was his cellmate. Spy, rogue, thief, and noble, Seregil of Rhiminee is many things–none of them predictable. And when he offers to take on Alec as his apprentice, things may never be the same for either of them. Soon Alec is traveling roads he never knew existed, toward a war he never suspected was brewing. Before long he and Seregil are embroiled in a sinister plot that runs deeper than either can imagine, and that may cost them far more than their lives if they fail. But fortune is as unpredictable as Alec’s new mentor, and this time there just might be…Luck in the Shadows.

The most trusted guide to getting published! Want to get published and paid for your writing? Let the 2015 Writer's Market guide you through the process with thousands of publishing opportunities for writers, including listings for book publishers, consumer and trade magazines, contests and awards, and literary agents. These listings include contact and submission information to help writers get their work published. Beyond the listings, you'll find all-new editorial material devoted to the business and promotion of writing, including advice on pitching to agents and editors, managing your freelance business, and building a readership. This edition also includes the ever popular--and updated--pay-rate chart, plus dozens of articles and essays like these: • Kate Meadows, freelance writer and editor, shares seven habits of financially savvy writers. • Carol Tice, professional writer, teaches you how to build your writing career with social media. • Dana W. Todd, public relations professional, explains how to successfully pitch you and your work like a PR pro. You also gain access to: • Lists of professional writing organizations • Sample query letters • A free digital download of Writer's Yearbook featuring the 100 Best Markets Finally, NEW TO THIS YEAR'S EDITION is an exclusive webinar "How to Find More Success Freelancing," taught by Robert Lee Brewer, editor of Writer's Market. It takes a lot more than flawless writing to be a freelance writer. This hour-long webinar will help you to increase your chances of success. You'll learn the current freelance landscape, how to find freelance opportunities, how to secure assignments, negotiating strategies, and more. Whether the goal is to publish a book, write a magazine article, or freelance for local businesses, this webinar is for writers looking to find more success with their freelancing and ultimately make more money. "Every writer needs a toolbox filled with craft, a drop of talent, and hope. Successful writers know they must add the Writer's Market. You should too." -Barbara O'Neal, author of The All You Can Dream Buffet, 7-time RITA award-winner, and RWA Hall of Fame member "The business of writing is unnecessarily intimidating. Editors want good writing, so why can it be so hard to get published. Writer's Market helps make sense of that big question, offering the kind of straight-shooting advice writers needs. I bought my first copy over a decade ago and still feel grateful that I was able to send my first submissions without embarrassing myself. Writer's Market is an invaluable tool that I find myself recommending again and again." -Erica Wright, author of the novel The Red Chameleon and poetry collection Instructions for Killing the Jackal, as well as Senior Editor for Guernica Magazine

“The best novel concerning the American pop music culture of the sixties I’ve ever read.”—Stephen King From #1 New York Times bestselling author George R. R. Martin comes the ultimate novel of revolution, rock ’n’ roll, and apocalyptic murder—a stunning work of fiction that portrays not just the end of an era, but the end of the world as we know it. Onetime underground journalist Sandy Blair has come a long way from his radical roots in the ’60s—until something unexpectedly draws him back: the bizarre and brutal murder of a rock promoter who made millions with a band called the Nazgûl. Now, as Sandy sets out to investigate the crime, he finds himself drawn back into his own past—a magical mystery tour of the pent-up passions of his generation. For a new messiah has resurrected the Nazgûl and the mad new rhythm may be more than anyone bargained for—a requiem of demonism, mind control, and death, whose apocalyptic tune only Sandy may be able to change in time . . . before everyone follows the beat. “The wilder aspects of the ’60s . . . roar back to life in this hallucinatory story by a master of chilling suspense.”—Publishers Weekly “What a story, full of nostalgia and endless excitement. . . . It’s taut, tense, and moves like lightning.”—Tony Hillerman “Daring . . . a knowing, wistful appraisal of . . . a crucial American generation.”—Chicago Sun-Times “Moving . . . comic . . . eerie . . . really and truly a walk down memory lane.”—The Washington Post