The White Abacus

Ditmar Award 1998. Aurealis Award 1998.

THOUSANDS OF YEARS FROM NOW THE HUMAN ANIMAL IS STILL A BEAST

Now there are two sentient races inhabiting the known universe: one as human as Adam... the other of robotic mind.

They share the Earth in harmonious coexistence. But elsewhere, only those who age and war and die are permitted.

On earth, a young human prince has befriended a being far different from himself. But usurpation and fratricide are calling them both to the royal youths embattled home planet – drawing them into a nest of treacherous family conspiracy and cruel, naked ambition where the enemy owns the armies, the power, and the very soul of the world. But the prince will have his revenge, though only ally stands at his side: a peace-loving creature of augmented intelligence in a place where he is am unwelcome stranger – a barbarous world where he is forbidden... and feared.