Awake, Chimera

What does the asexual shape-shifting governor of a remote outpost in the swamp have in common with a hermaphrodite native struggling to fit into human society? Much more than either of them expected. United in their mutual dislike and distrust of the humans that dominate their world, their friendship develops into something more, something that might prove dangerous to them both. And when a deadly menace invades from the distant mountains, Shaka Mahdi and Prilock become the key to the survival of the very race they resent so much.

Justine Graykin is a writer and free-lance philosopher sustained by her deep, abiding faith in Science and Humanity, and the belief that humor is the best anti-gravity device. She lives, writes and putters around her home in rural New Hampshire, occasionally disappearing into the White Mountains with a backpack. Author of Archimedes Nesselrode, a whimsical romantic fantasy written for adults who are weary of adult books (Double Dragon, 2013), her musings appear regularly in the Concord Monitor (the newspaper of NH’s state capitol) and on her website at justinegraykin.com. Although she writes in different genres, as well as non-fiction essays, science fiction is her first love. She wrote in diligent solitude for many years, inspired by the likes of Ray Bradbury, Shirley Jackson, and H.P. Lovecraft. Now, her work is being brought out for readers to enjoy.

“Justine Graykin’s fascinating new novel Awake Chimera observes three species competing for control of their destinies on an alien world. Refreshingly, homo sapiens are not the default good guys. Rather, in one of many pleasant surprises, the focus is on an unlikely friendship between a plucky trader with a long reptilian tail and a shape shifting bureaucrat. Check it out: Justine Graykin’s SF debut is a winner.”

-- James Patrick Kelly, winner of the Hugo, Nebula and Locus awards.

“Justine Graykin is a terrific writer, and Awake Chimera is a wonderful read. Gender politics, philosophy, and slam-bang action make for a heady brew in this first-rate story.”

-- Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo Award-winning author of Red Planet Blues

Release party for the print version planned for July 31 at 9Pi-Con (Sheraton Hotel at Bradley Airport, Windsor Locks, CT) with both author and cover artist available for signing of print version and cover art posters. Look for more information on the author's website at justinegraykin.com