Out in hardback this summer, Neal Asher’s War Bodies is a gripping, high-octane standalone set in his expansive Polity world and we’re delighted to reveal the cover (above) AND Chapter One.

Here is the official synopsis for the novel…

Rebellion could be their salvation – or their doom.

Long ago, the Cyberat left Earth to co-evolve with machines. Now, led by the powerful dictator Castron, their Old Guard believe that machines should replace the physical body. But these beliefs are upended with the arrival of the human Polity – and their presence ignites rebellion.

Piper was raised as a weapon against the Cyberat, implanted with secretive hardware. When his parents are captured by the Old Guard, the Polity offer him unexpected aid. Piper knows the Polity want more from him, but at what cost? The rebellion also attracts the deadly prador, placing an entire world in peril.

As war rages across the planet, Piper must battle with the unknown technology implanted in his bones. It may be the Polity’s answer to their relentless fight against the prador. It could also be civilization-ending Jain tech – or something far more extraordinary.

Want to join Piper and the Polity in the rebellion against Cyberat? Of course you do! You’ll have to wait until this July to read the novel in full but if you’re like us and just can’t wait until then, we have Chapter One of War Bodies right here.

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War Bodies by Neal Asher will be released on 6 July 2023