Acclaimed writer Naomi Kritzer's marvelous tales of science fiction and fantasy are collected in Cat Pictures Please and Other Stories. Here are seventeen short stories, including her Hugo Award-winning story "Cat Pictures Please," about what would happen if artificial intelligence was born out of our search engine history. Two stories are previously unpublished. Kritzer has a gift for telling tales both humorous and tender. Her stories are filled with both wit and intelligence, and require thoughtful reading.
“This book is perfect.”—The New York Times Book Review on Catfishing on CatNet It takes an AI to catch an AI in Chaos on CatNet, the follow-up to Naomi Kritzer's award-winning near future YA thriller. When a mysterious entity starts hacking into social networks and chat rooms to instigate paranoia and violence in the real world, it’s up to Steph and her new friend, Nell, to find a way to stop it—with the help of their benevolent AI friend, CheshireCat. Praise for Catfishing on CatNet A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice/Staff Pick A Kirkus Reviews Best Book A Junior Library Guild Selection An Edgar Award Winner for Best Young Adult Novel A Minnesota Book Award Winner for Best Young Adult Novel An Andre Norton Nebula Award Finalist An ITW Thriller Award for Best YA Novel Nominee A Lodestar Award Finalist for Best Young Adult Book Midwest Connections Pick (Midwest Independent Booksellers Association) “A first-rate YA novel.”—Locus Magazine “Positive, realistic LGBTQIA+ representation—especially nonbinary identities. Wickedly funny and thrilling in turns; perfect for readers coming-of-age online.”—Kirkus (starred review)
"Because her mom is always on the move, sixteen-year-old Steph hasn't lived anywhere longer than six months. Her only constant is an online community called CatNet -- a social-media site where users upload cat pictures -- a site whose admin is CheshireCat, a sentient AI who loves cat pictures. When a threat from Steph's past catches up to her and ChesireCat's existence is discovered by outsiders, it's up to Steph and her friends -- both online and IRL -- to save them. A surprising and heartfelt near-future thriller about online privacy and out-of-control technology, and the importance of making connections in an increasingly fragemented society, by award-winning author Naomi Kritzer."--The back cover
Set against a backdrop of persecution and war, this epic fantasy follows a brave young woman navigating a world filled with passion and conflict. The narrative explores themes of resilience and triumph as she faces formidable challenges. With a strong focus on character development and the intricacies of her journey, the story promises to captivate readers with its depth and emotional resonance, showcasing the author's unique voice in the genre.
Set in a world where slavery and magic intertwine, the story follows an impetuous young woman who navigates her unique status as freeborn. As she confronts the challenges of her society, her journey unfolds with themes of freedom, identity, and the struggle against oppressive forces. The narrative promises a rich exploration of character and the complexities of a magical realm, showcasing the author's skill in weaving compelling tales.
From a gifted new voice in fantasy fiction comes the thrilling saga of a war-ravaged land and the remarkable young woman destined to restore it...Fires of the Faithful For sixteen-year-old Eliana, life at her conservatory of music is a pleasant interlude between youth and adulthood, with the hope of a prestigious Imperial Court appointment at the end. But beyond the conservatory walls is a land blighted by war and inexplicable famine and dominated by a fearsome religious order known as the Fedeli, who are systematically stamping out all traces of the land's old beliefs. Soon not even the conservatory walls can hold out reality. When one classmate is brutally killed by the Fedeli for clinging to the forbidden ways and another is kidnapped by the Circle--the mysterious and powerful mages who rule the land--Eliana can take no more. Especially not after she learns one of the Circle's most closely guarded secrets.Now, determined to escape the Circle's power, burning with rage at the Fedeli, and drawn herself to the beliefs of the Old Way, Eliana embarks on a treacherous journey to spread the truth. And what she finds shakes her to her core: a past destroyed, a future in doubt, and a desperate people in need of a leader--no matter how young or inexperienced....
