Overview

Maria Rodrigues' parents were not who they seemed, and so the girl is raised apart from them, hiding without understanding. As she grows into adulthood and becomes enthralled by environmental activism, she meets a man whose genius is tempered by his questionable ethics, coming to learn that the lines between what is right and what is necessary are so easily blurred. Philosophy, ethics and science are at odds as a disparate cast of soldiers, technicians and explorers clash in the maelstrom surrounding the Ismud project - Earth's first crewed interstellar probe. Some will seek validation for past wrongs; others revenge for festering pain; some merely a meaning to their existence; while others will stop at nothing to see their genius brought to life. These lives are mapped with sympathetic immersion, narrating a multivalent trajectory that will see a future cut short as the Ismud launch looms.

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9781068662669

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Reviews

“…a quantum leap forward in science fiction writing…a phenomenal tale of science and the ethical questions that come with it…should easily be on the shortlist for awards this year, if not the outright winner. If you are looking for a futuristic tale that will keep you pondering over the dilemmas posed for weeks afterwards, don’t miss this one. It’s a must read for sci-fi fans...There’s a lot of material here, but it’s not the ‘hard science’ type, the author prefers to concentrate on the characters instead of the technical aspects. That’s where his main skill is, and it’s doubtful that there is anyone else out there who does it this well. It’s a character driven story that pulls you in hard and never eases up, while giving you plenty to think about over the course of reading it, and long after. This is sure to be one of the best of 2025. This is beyond highly recommended…” - Monster Librarian ""Soledad […] is back at work in his field of excellence: a space opera in a future both bleak and hopeful…a leap to the stars, and the potentially habitable planets that represent one last chance for the languishing citizens of this increasingly barren and poisoned world. Paradoxical plots and conspiracies…a burgeoning team of young candidates […] lifted to the pinnacle of human ability…brilliant scientists who eschew progress by embracing eco-terrorism; a delinquent who grows to excel at hiding his sociopathy in the discipline and structure of the military; shadowy government figures who maneuver and are maneuvered by the complicated blend of idealism, altruism, and lust for power that molds the book's intriguing plot."" - Scott Arbuckle ""…a gripping, thought-provoking, and emotionally intense science fiction novel that immerses readers in a world teetering on the edge of darkness and revelation…a masterful blend of suspense, character depth, and philosophical undertones…Characters are compelling and layered…The world-building is detailed yet seamlessly woven into the narrative, creating a setting that feels both vast and claustrophobic…exploration of themes such as identity, fate, and resistance against oppressive systems adds layers of depth that elevate this novel beyond a simple sci-fi thriller…a story that lingers in the mind long after the last page…an absolute must-read."" - Kevin Murphy

Author Information

Ishmael lives with his wife in Brisbane in Australia. He's been writing since 1996, with many short and flash fiction published prior to approaching Temple Dark Books with his debut novel, Sha'Kert: End of Night. In this multi-perspective first-person POV, Ishmael's writing is genuine and heartfelt, insightful and raw. He weaves a tale of desperation, isolation, separation and - ultimately - discovery that manages to comment on the ills and obligation of modern society while screaming at us to find our own reason for living. Sha'Kert: End of Night was well received by Publishers' Weekly, and was nominated for the prestigious Ditmar Award by Ion Newcombe, the editor and publisher of Antipodean SF, Australia's longest running online speculative flash fiction magazine. Ishmael has been interviewed on the Australian Book Lovers podcast, and an extract from Sha'Kert: End of Night was featured in the Canadian webzine, The Quarantine Review.

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