New sci-fi and science reads for February 2023

We Are Electric: Inside the 200-Year Hunt for Our Body’s Bioelectric Code, and What the Future Holds by Sally Adee
Genetics may have grabbed all the headlines over recent years, but award-winning science journalist Adee explains that bioelectricity–every cell in our bodies has a voltage–could also play a huge role in future medical advances. From its somewhat dubious history in the Victorian era through to the potential for cell regeneration and reversing disease, bioelectricity is a fascinating topic to grapple with.

Lockdown Tales 2 by Neal Asher
The prolific far-future sci-fi author is back with another collection of short fiction written during lockdown. The nine novelettes and stories are set in the later stages of his Polity universe and beyond, including four that are brand new. A treat for Asher’s ever-growing fanbase.

Original Sin: Power, Technology, and War in Outer Space by Dr. Bleddyn E. Bowen
War in space may seem to be the domain of science fiction, but space security expert Bowen argues that the militarization of space has been a constant since the earliest days of the space race, and shows no sign of letting up. This should be an interesting and eye-opening read. You can watch the author talking about his book here.

Wild Massive by Scotto Moore
A fast-paced, quirky read with appropriately massive worldbuilding and big ideas. Carissa just wants to be left alone to ride her elevator in The Building, an infinitely high skyscraper. But when an alien shows up to prevent the destruction of multiple floors, she’s forced to escape to the unique environment of the Wild Massive theme parks. Let the multiverse and time travel fun begin!

The Milky Way Smells of Rum and Raspberries: …And Other Amazing Cosmic Facts by Dr. Jillian Scudder
This one surely takes the award for most bizarre title of the month! No physics degree required to enjoy this quirky compendium of fun facts about space. It’s a great way to learn about the sounds, smells, and general weirdness of our universe, all presented in an accessible, humorous style by astrophysicist Scudder.

Chance by Matthew Fitzsimmons
The follow-up to Constance, this is an intriguing sci-fi thriller. Chance is a clone with a death wish (or a recloning wish?), but his daredevil lifestyle comes to an abrupt halt when he’s accused of murder. Was one of his previous clones guilty? In solving the mystery, he must also come to terms with the truth about his own kidnapping and murder when he was a teenager.

The New Guys: The Historic Class of Astronauts That Broke Barriers and Changed the Face of Space Travel by Meredith Bagby
As space capsules gave way to the shuttle, along came a new generation of astronauts. NASA’s class of 1978, or the “F*cking new guys” as they became known by their military-trained predecessors, was a diverse team of men and women, barrier-breaking in terms of race, gender, and sexuality. This has undoubted appeal for fans of For All Mankind but will also be an absorbing read for anyone who enjoys historical nonfiction.

What Price Victory? by David Weber
Part of Weber’s “Honorverse,” the stories in book seven of the “Worlds of Honor” series feature, or at least reference, his hugely popular character Honor Harrington. Here, Weber is joined by Timothy Zahn, Thomas Pope, Jane Lindskold, Jan Kotouc, and Joelle Presby as they continue the classic space naval adventure. One for military scifi fans to relish!

Comet Madness: How the 1910 Return of Halley’s Comet (Almost) Destroyed Civilization by Richard J. Goodrich
The 1910 appearance of Halley’s Comet was going to destroy the world! Rational voices were ignored as the media amped up the story and fake news took over. This had tragic consequences for those people who bought into the superstition, many effectively giving up on their lives as they thought the end had come. Unfortunately, this is a story that seems all too familiar, and acts as a timely reminder to follow the science.