The Omega Point Trilogy

Book excerpt: The classic space opera trilogy from the John W. Campbell Memorial Award–winning writer, “one of SF’s most visionary authors” (Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine). First published between 1977 and 1983, the novels Ashes and Stars, The Omega Point, and Mirror of Minds formed a trilogy that stands as “one of the highpoints of that era in our genre . . . dazzling” (Paul Di Filippo, Locus). Now in one volume, The Omega Point Trilogy shares George Zebrowski’s mind-blowing prescience with a new generation of fans. 6599 A. D. The war between the Earth Federation and the Herculean Empire has been over for more than three centuries. The planet in the Hercules Globular Cluster is a cinder, and the few descendants of the surviving Herculeans live half a galaxy away on Myraa’s World in what seems to be a religious commune. But on an unnamed planet, deep within the Hercules Cluster, two survivors, father and son, gather their resources and plan a reign of terror against Federation worlds. The woman Myraa has a different vision though—one which excludes empires and warring armies. Subtly, she strives to shape events toward a different end. Rising to one of the most unusual climaxes in recent fantastic literature, this trilogy of chase and vengeance depicts a colorful, poetic future struggling to overcome its past. Filled with striking twists and vivid ideas, this is space opera at its most modern. “An impressive achievement . . . an exciting story which also shows that man’s future control of the environment, even of his own body and mind, will scarcely bring control of himself.” —Poul Anderson