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Dark State is the second book in a thrilling series - set in the same world as Charles Stross' Merchant Princes series. This book follows Empire Games.

The time for peace is ending . . .

In the near future, one America is experiencing its first technological revolution - whilst in a parallel world, the United States is a hi-tech police state. But both timelines are poised for conflict. Miriam Burgeson's America is heading for civil war. However, a high profile defection might avert this crisis, if only Miriam and her agents can arrange it in time. And Rita Douglas, rival US spy, arrives during this turmoil.

Rita's world is rocked when she realizes Miriam is her birth mother, changing her own mission irrevocably. Then her United States discovers yet another parallel earth, and the remains of an advanced society. Something destroyed that civilization, Rita's people are about to rouse it - and two worlds will face the consequences. Sheer brilliance: when Stross is in this mood, nobody else comes close * Kirkus (starred review) * High-octane thriller action, mixed in with personal drama and some fantastically sympathetic characters * Starburst * Plenty of fun . . . vivid * Locus * Stross's ferociously imaginative world-building is on full display here . . . few other writers can match him for humour, creativity and sheer density of ideas -- SFX on Empire Games (Book One) Charles Stross blurs the boundaries of genre until they become meaningless. When intrigue, politics and suspense are so well executed, it doesn't matter which realm, dimension or timeline the participants hail from. Add to that a sense of mischief, wit and humour and Charles Stross gives you the full package * Chris Brookmyre on Empire Games *

Dark State