Parting Shadows
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After growing up on an isolated space station, Astra dreams of solid ground. But with an AI guardian plugged into her head--and her nervous system--itβs not like sheβs flush with choices.Β In fact, sheβs got just one: use her training to carry out the rogue AIβs revenge. Her first mission? Assassination.Β
When her target flashes a jamming device that would guarantee her escape from the AIβs grasp, Astra sets out to steal it. But the AIβs plans are more dangerous than she suspected. Corrupted by heartbreak, the wayward computer is determined to infect the star system with a new order of digital tyranny.Β
Astraβs been raised to care for no one but herself. Now sheβll have to decide if sheβs willing to trade the star systemβs freedom for her own.Β
Parting Shadows is a far-future take on Estella Havishamβs journey in Great Expectations, and the first installment in Kate Sheeran Swedβs Toccata System novella trilogy.
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Kate Sheeran Swed loves hot chocolate, plastic dinosaurs, and airplane tickets. She has trekked along the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu, hiked on the MΓ½rdalsjΓΆkull glacier in Iceland, and climbed the ruins of Masada to watch the sunrise over the Dead Sea. After growing up in New Hampshire, she completed degrees in music at the University of Maine and Ithaca College, then moved to New York City. She currently lives in New Yorkβs capital region with her husband and son, and two cats who were named after movie dogs (Benji and Beethoven).
Her stories have appeared or are forthcoming in the Young Explorerβs Adventure Guide Volume 5, Electric Spec, Daily Science Fiction, and Andromeda Spaceways. She holds an MFA in Fiction from Pacific University. You can find her on Instagram @katesheeranswed.
