Adventure and excitement on an alien world. Packed with exotic
world-building and amazing characters, Arkad's World is a rollicking
adventure story about growing up and the things we share that make us
human, from celebrated author James L. Cambias.
Young Arkad is the only human on a distant world, on his own among
beings from across the galaxy. His struggle to survive on the lawless
streets of an alien city is disrupted by the arrival of three humans: an
eccentric historian named Jacob, a superhuman cyborg girl called Baichi,
and a mysterious ex-spy known as Ree. They seek a priceless treasure
which might free Earth from alien domination. Arkad risks everything to
join them on an incredible quest halfway across the planet. With his
help they cross the fantastic landscape, battling pirates, mercenaries,
bizarre creatures, vicious bandits and the harsh environment. But the
deadliest danger comes from treachery and betrayal within the group as
dark secrets and hidden loyalties come to light.
"Far-flung adventure...Cambias offers up an entertaining coming-of-age
novel filled with action and surprises. His aliens are suitably
non-human in mannerisms, attitudes, and objectives, and his
worldbuilding suggests a vast universe ready for further exploration.
Readers...will find this hits the spot." (Publishers Weekly)
"...a classic quest story, a well-paced series of encounters with
different folk along the way, building momentum toward a final
confrontation with Arkad's past...[with] a delicious twist to the
end." (ALA Booklist)
"Cambias has achieved a feat of world-building: an expansive, believable
setting with fascinating aliens, compelling mysteries, and a rich sense
of history." (Bookpage)
