Tor Essentials presents new editions of science fiction and fantasy titles of proven merit and lasting value, each volume introduced by an appropriate literary figure. From author Michael Swanwick—one of the most brilliantly assured and darkly inventive writers of contemporary fiction—comes the Nebula award-winning masterwork of radically altered realities and world-shattering seductions. The "Jubilee Tides" will drown the continents of the planet Miranda beneath the weight of her own oceans. But as the once-in-two-centuries cataclysm approaches, an even greater catastrophe threatens this dark and dangerous planet of tale-spinners, conjurers, and shapechangers. A man from the Bureau of Proscribed Technologies has been sent to investigate. For Gregorian has come, a genius renegade scientist and charismatic bush wizard. With magic and forbidden technology, he plans to remake the rotting dying world in his own evil image-and to force whom or whatever remains on its diminishing surface toward a terrifying, astonishing confrontation with death and transcendence. This novel of surreal hard SF was widely compared to the fiction of Gene Wolfe when it was first published, and Swanwick has gone on in the two decades since its first publication to become recognized as one of the finest living SF and fantasy writers. With a new introduction by John Clute, author of The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy
Michael Swanwick Book order






- 2024
- 2023
Wyjątkowa książką, będąca przeglądem niezwykłej kariery mistrza opowieści Michaela Swanwicka. Zawiera dwie powieści (Próżniowe kwiaty i Stacje przypływu) oraz wybór opowiadań obejmujących prawie ćwierć wieku. We wszystkich tekstach widać jego dalekosiężną i żywą wyobraźnię, jedną z najwybitniejszych we współczesnej literaturze. Od najtwardszej fantastyki naukowej po najczystszą fantasy, od otuchy po rozpacz, wszystko tu skrzy się literackim talentem. Na kartach tej książki czci się Janis Joplin jak boginię, nastolatki schodzą w dół po brzegu świata, zombiaki stają się produktem, mściwy facet goni magika po powierzchni świerszcza wielkości planety, Vermont atakują dinozaury, z Nowego Jorku kursuje pociąg do piekła, a dwaj sympatyczni postutopijni hochsztaplerzy, Darger i Demobil szukają szczęścia w Labiryncie Buckingham.
- 2022
Featuring a diverse array of stories, this magazine showcases both established and emerging voices in the realms of science fiction and fantasy. Each issue offers imaginative narratives that explore complex themes, innovative concepts, and rich world-building. Readers can expect a blend of short fiction, thought-provoking essays, and stunning artwork, making it a vibrant platform for genre enthusiasts. The magazine aims to challenge perceptions and inspire creativity within the sci-fi and fantasy communities.
- 2020
This publication features a diverse collection of science fiction and fantasy stories, showcasing innovative ideas and imaginative worlds. Each issue includes contributions from both established and emerging authors, offering readers a blend of thrilling narratives, thought-provoking themes, and rich character development. The magazine aims to explore the boundaries of genre, inviting readers to engage with speculative concepts and fantastical elements that challenge perceptions of reality.
- 2019
The Iron Dragon's Mother
- 368 pages
- 13 hours of reading
Award-winning author Michael Swanwick returns to the gritty, post-industrial faerie world of his New York Times Notable Book The Iron Dragon’s Daughter with the standalone adventure fantasy The Iron Dragon’s Mother. Caitlin of House Sans Merci is the young half-human pilot of a sentient mechanical dragon. Returning from her first soul-stealing raid, she discovers an unwanted hitchhiker. When Caitlin is framed for the murder of her brother, to save herself she must disappear into Industrialized Faerie, looking for the one person who can clear her. Unfortunately, the stakes are higher than she knows. Her deeds will change her world forever.
- 2017
In the Drift
- 208 pages
- 8 hours of reading
"A tough, keen-edged blade of a story … powerful and moving!" ― Roger Zelazny "This episodic tale of life, war, and survival in post-meltdown Pennsylvania builds a potent new myth from the grim reality of radioactive waste. Swanwick's clean, strong prose makes the story compulsively readable." ― George R. R. Martin "A vivid, fast-paced and evocative story by one of science fiction's best new writers. A generation-spanning saga of the fight for power and survival in a chillingly possible alternate future America … one which could still yet come to pass, tomorrow or today." ― Gardner Dozois In this dystopic world, radiation from the 1979 Three Mile Island accident has contaminated all of central Pennsylvania. A century after the disaster, the fallout zone ― known as the Drift ― harbors two-headed monsters, mutated vampires, and other outcasts. In the Drift chronicles the struggles of those on both sides of the divide as they fight to survive and transcend their shattered world.
- 2011
The Dragons of Babel
- 320 pages
- 12 hours of reading
Crafted by a celebrated five-time Hugo Award winner, this fantasy masterpiece weaves an intricate tale filled with imaginative worlds and compelling characters. The story explores profound themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the complexities of good versus evil, inviting readers into a richly constructed universe where magic and adventure abound. With its captivating narrative and thought-provoking depth, it promises to engage both fantasy enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
- 2011
Dancing with Bears: A Darger & Surplus Novel
- 300 pages
- 11 hours of reading
The story follows con-men Darger and Surplus as they embark on a treacherous journey to deliver the Pearls of Byzantium from the Caliph of Baghdad to the Duke of Muscovy. Their arrival is fraught with challenges, including navigating a complex web of deceit and political unrest. As they seek an audience with the Duke, they find themselves entangled in dangerous situations, with the mysterious governess Zoesophia tasked with safeguarding the precious gift's integrity. Adventure and intrigue abound in this historical escapade.