Axiomatic is a playground for fans of hard science fiction who love idea-driven stories. Greg Egan tackles some truly brain-bending concepts: from shifting consciousness and identity, to time travel diaries, to designer brains and philosophical quandaries about selfhood. If shows like Black Mirror or the works of Ted Chiang make you light up, or if you enjoy science fiction that isn’t afraid to get technical and speculative - this is your jam. Perfect for readers who enjoy thinking deeply about science, technology, and what makes us human.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers might bounce off Axiomatic because the focus here is on ideas, not character development. The writing can be dense, and the scientific concepts sometimes get pretty heavy - occasionally at the expense of emotional resonance or memorable protagonists. If you mostly crave character-driven stories or aren’t comfy with a dose of physics and philosophy in your fiction, you might find it a tough or dry read. And since it’s a collection, not every story will land for every reader; a few feel repetitive or less inspired than others.

Axiomatic is a mind-expanding collection that’s imaginative, challenging, and rewarding - best suited for readers who want their sci-fi full of science and philosophical twists. Not for everyone, but a must-read for hard SF fans.

About:

'Axiomatic' by Greg Egan is a collection of short science fiction stories that delve into compelling ideas about humanity's possible future, exploring themes of bioengineering, chemistry, and physics. The stories are presented in a readable manner, addressing what it means to be human in a world dominated by technological developments. Egan's writing style is described as intense yet accessible, with a focus on thought-provoking concepts that challenge readers to consider the impact of technology on society and individuals.

Characters:

The characters are mainly symbolic representations of broader ideas, rather than being individually memorable, often reflecting on existential and societal themes.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is dense and information-heavy, yet accessible, emphasizing thought-provoking ideas over elaborate character development.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is characterized by a series of high-concept stories that explore scientific and philosophical questions through diverse premises such as parallel universes and brain implants.

Setting:

The setting encompasses various futuristic and technologically advanced scenarios that significantly influence societal norms and personal identities.

Pacing:

The pacing varies with each story, allowing for quick immersion into ideas, though some themes may feel repetitive.

Why? They tell me I’m stable. Reliable. Dependable. After each debriefing, The Company’s psychologists (complete strangers, every time) shake their heads in astonishment at their printouts, and tell m...

Notes:

Greg Egan's collection 'Axiomatic' features complex themes around science and philosophy.

The stories often explore what it means to be human amidst advanced technology.

Egan is known for dense, idea-rich narratives that blend hard science fiction with psychological realism.

Many characters in his stories serve as symbolic representations of philosophical concepts rather than traditional protagonists.

Notable stories include 'The Infinite Assassin,' which examines parallel universes and identity.

'The Hundred Light Year Diary' deals with the implications of time-reversed messages and predestination.

Egan's writing is infused with witty satire and ethical considerations about genetic engineering and consciousness.

The narrative in 'The Safe Deposit Box' revolves around a man who shifts identities frequently, lacking a stable sense of self.

Egan's stories are often compared to the conceptual depth found in 'Black Mirror,' focusing on morality and the human condition.

Recurring themes include the ethics of medical experiments, identity, and the consequences of technological advancements.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, dark psychological elements, and ethical quandaries surrounding biotechnology.

From The Publisher:

"Wonderful, mind-expanding stuff, and well written too."-The Guardian

Axiomatic is a wonderful collection of eighteen short stories by Hugo Award-winning author Greg Egan. The stories in this collection have appeared in such science fiction magazines as Interzone and Asimov's between 1989 and 1992.

From junkies who drink at the time-stream to love affairs in time-reversed galaxies; from gene-altered dolphins that converse only in limericks to the program that allows you to design your own child; from the brain implants called axiomatics to the strange attractors that spin off new religions; from bioengineering to the new physics; and from cyberpunk to the electronic frontier, Greg Egan's future is frighteningly close to our own present.

Included in this collection are such wonderful stories as:

"Axiomatic"

"Into Darkness"

"The Safe-Deposit Box"

"Blood Sisters"

And many more!

Axiomatic is the perfect collection for any science fiction fan, especially one who enjoys Greg Egan's work. The stories are imaginative and insightful, and written only the way that Greg Egan can do so.

Skyhorse Publishing, under our Night Shade and Talos imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of titles for readers interested in science fiction (space opera, time travel, hard SF, alien invasion, near-future dystopia), fantasy (grimdark, sword and sorcery, contemporary urban fantasy, steampunk, alternative history), and horror (zombies, vampires, and the occult and supernatural), and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller, a national bestseller, or a Hugo or Nebula award-winner, we are committed to publishing quality books from a diverse group of authors.

1982

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360 pages

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Axiomatic

Greg Egan

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