Mason's Rats

In Mason’s Rats I, we are introduced to Mason, a rather enigmatic character who is proprietor and sole live employee of a huge automated farm. When his farm is invaded by mutated rats possessed of high intelligence, Mason calls in the Traptech company which sells automatic devices intended to deal with infestation problems. Unfortunately, the rats on Mason’s farm are a little TOO intelligent for the successively more vicious machines provided by Traptech, and Mason must seek a rather unconventional solution to his problem... a truce with the rats, and an accommodation which allows them to live on a certain section of his farm.

In Mason’s Rats II the farm is invaded by a group of black rat’s from neighbouring Smith’s farm, and Mason must not only manage to find a way to accommodate both his existing colony of [brown] rats and the new arrivals, but also find a way of ridding himself of the pesky salesmen who just will not stop arriving at the farm to give him advice on how to ‘solve’ his little problem...

Finally, in Mason’s Rats III, Mason is faced with the problem of a government inspector who has received reports of the large rat colonies which Mason is allowing to exist on his property and who is convinced that such a thing cannot possibly be hygienic or proper. Mason’s choice is a stark one: get rid of the rats or lose his farming license.

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Science Fiction

Release date: September 1999

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Neal Asher

Neal Asher is a name that rings out in the world of science fiction, particularly for those who crave gripping, high-concept stories filled with complex characters, advanced technology, and an exploration of the darker side of human nature. Asher’s writing has cemented his reputation as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary sci-fi, especially with his Polity series, a sweeping narrative that spans galaxies, alien races, and an ever-expanding vision of what humanity might become. His works are often a blend of hard science fiction, political intrigue, and the kind of action that makes readers’ hearts race.

Born in the UK, Neal’s childhood was marked by a fascination with science, technology, and the far-reaching potential of space exploration. His early interests in these subjects were only amplified by his love of speculative fiction, which led him to a career as a writer who could imagine both the wonders and dangers of a future shaped by technology. What makes Asher's writing stand out in the crowded realm of sci-fi is his ability to weave complex, often morally ambiguous characters into mind-bending futuristic landscapes. His books aren't just about the technology or the aliens; they’re about the people who interact with these elements—and the consequences of those interactions.

Asher’s Polity universe, a vast, interconnected series of novels and short stories, showcases his signature style: fast-paced action, intricate world-building, and philosophical undercurrents that touch on themes of artificial intelligence, corporate power, and the relentless pursuit of progress. The series spans multiple books, including Gridlinked, The Line of Polity, and The Cowl Chronicles, and has earned a dedicated following thanks to its dynamic characters and gripping plots.

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Though he has received widespread acclaim for his contributions to the sci-fi genre, Asher remains an author who continues to evolve, challenging the boundaries of what science fiction can explore. His ability to infuse his narratives with thrilling plots, layered characters, and a deep sense of wonder about the future keeps readers coming back for more.

In his own words, “I write to make people think—and to entertain them while doing so,” a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Neal Asher’s work. Through his books, Asher invites us to journey beyond our world, to see what could lie ahead—and to consider how far we might be willing to go to shape that future.