Steal across the Sky, Nancy Kress
Steal across the Sky, Nancy Kress
List: $20.95 | Sale: $14.66
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Steal across the Sky

Author: Nancy Kress

Narrator: Kate Reading

Unabridged: 9 hr 32 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download (DRM Protected)

Published: 06/13/2011

Categories: Fiction, Science Fiction


Synopsis

The aliens appeared one day, built a base on the moon, and put an ad on the Internet:“We are an alien race you may call the Atoners. Ten thousand years ago we wronged humanity profoundly. We cannot undo what has been done, but we wish humanity to understand it. Therefore we request twenty-one volunteers to visit seven planets to witness for us. We will convey each volunteer there and back in complete safety. Volunteers must speak English. Send requests for electronic applications to witness@atoners.com.”At first, everyone thought it was a joke. But it wasn’t. This is the story of three of those volunteers and what they found on Kular A and Kular B.

About Nancy Kress

Nancy Kress is the author of more than thirty books, including more than a dozen novels of science fiction and fantasy. Her novels have won two Hugo and six Nebula awards as well as the John W. Campbell Memorial Award for best science fiction novel. She lives in Seattle.

About Kate Reading

Kate Reading is the recipient of multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards and has been named by AudioFile magazine as a “Voice of the Century,” as well as the Best Voice in Science Fiction & Fantasy in 2008 and 2009 and Best Voice in Biography & Culture in 2010. She has narrated works by such authors as Jane Austen, Robert Jordan, Edith Wharton, and Sophie Kinsella. Reading has performed at numerous theaters in Washington D.C. and received a Helen Hayes Award for her performance in Aunt Dan and Lemon. AudioFile magazine reports that, "With subtle control of characters and sense of pacing, Kate’s performances are a consistent pleasure."


Reviews

Goodreads review by Craig on March 07, 2024

This novel appeared in 2009 and was a near-future story set in a now-alternate past that didn't happen. I now wish I'd read it when it was new, but the cover was just so dull looking that I kept putting it off. It's a very well written and thought-provoking book, though the setting changes are kind......more

Goodreads review by Nicky on January 01, 2013

I didn't really intend to read Steal Across the Sky all in one evening, it just sort of happened. It's the first of my books for a challenge which I might or might not fully participate in, the Worlds Without End female writers challenge for 2013. I've meant to read Nancy Kress for ages, and I actua......more

Goodreads review by F. William on August 02, 2022

The Atoners are an alien species that have taken up residence on our moon. They are recruiting humans as "witnesses" to travel out to new planets on their behalf. In her candidacy interview, Camilla O'Kane (Cam) asks two questions which the interviewers choose not to answer. Why send humans? And, wh......more

Goodreads review by Nan on October 01, 2012

I wanted to love this book, because I highly value Nancy Kress' books on writing--I use them a lot. But based on this novel only (it's the only one of hers I've read) she's showing the "John Gardner" syndrome--when a writer's books about how to create good fiction are, in fact, superior to her ficti......more

Goodreads review by Liviu on January 10, 2009

Mysterious aliens come, set up base on Moon, put a Web ad: "need 21 humans to send as Witnesses/Observers in groups of 3, 1 on each of a twin planet, 1 to coordinate from orbit; we kidnapped humans 10k years ago and set up colonies on those worlds but also we committed a grievous wrong against human......more


Quotes

“Nebula and Hugo winner Kress presents a fascinating mystery in classic SF style…Kress’ philosophical explorations will keep readers hooked and thoughtful.” Publishers Weekly

“[Kress’] casually vicious prose smolders with a smooth, page-turning magma flow, unearthing persecuted individuals who live without sleep, bloodthirsty dogs, and morbid murders of bioengineered ballerinas. But all this imaginative bedrock gives way to deeper questions lurking beneath the tough crust of her stories. Kress mishmashes mystery with morality but never entirely drops her poker face, avoiding the literal-minded devil that lesser authors hide in too many details.” Barnes & Noble, editorial review

“Kress once again demonstrates her absolute mastery of alien-human encounters, fleshing out her characters as believable individuals while at the same time managing surprising plot twists and philosophical conundrums at every turn.” Library Journal

“A curious and absorbing novel.” Booklist

“Arrestingly ambiguous and persuasively set forth—in the best science fiction tradition, guaranteed provocative no matter what your personal opinions.” Kirkus Reviews (starred review)


Awards

  • Locus Award