This image is the cover for the book Virga: Cities of the Air, Virga

Virga: Cities of the Air, Virga

This edition includes the first two novels in the acclaimed space opera series: “Outrageously brilliant and absolutely not to be missed” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on Sun of Suns).

It is the distant future. The world known as Virga is a fullerene balloon three thousand kilometers in diameter, filled with air, water, and floating chunks of rock. The humans who live in this vast environment must build their own fusion suns and “towns” —enormous wood and rope wheels that are spun for centripetal gravity.

In Sun of Suns, Schroeder introduces his complex and fascinating world through the story of Hayden Griffin, a dangerous man determined to avenge the deaths of his parents. He ventures into the enemy nation of Slipstream to find Admiral Chaison Fanning, who led the invasion of Hayden’s home.

Queen of Candescence continues the saga as Venera Fanning, Admiral Fanning’s wife, finds herself in the nation of Spyre. As the cunning Venera encounters new enemies and useful allies, she must discover who—if anyone—she can actually trust.

Karl Schroeder

Karl Schroeder lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Tom Doherty Associates