Engines of Empathy

Charlotte Pudding, computer psychologist and recent orphan, is not precisely thrilled with her lot in life (and not just because of the "orphan" bit). Nevertheless, having her routine disrupted by a shadowy corporation, a man who claims to be a retired god, and the secrets of her own family history isn’t a walk in the park, either. Charlotte’s quest for answers will lead her on a perilous journey into a religion based on quantum physics, a hunt for unexpectedly rare plant oil, and a fight to the shame against a black-belt in sarcasm. In a world that runs on peace and harmony, Charlotte is about to discover just how far some people are prepared to go to maintain tranquility.

Paul Mannering is the author of several novels including Apocalypse Recon and Deadland: Valkyrie Rising. He has a deep suspicion about asparagus and firmly believes we should all make an effort to be more courteous to cheese. He lives in Wellington, New Zealand.