Colliding Forces by Niranjan

SPSFC 2024

When he discovers that his bloodline is part alien and has a magic that is fatal to humans, can he trust the aliens to help when he has put one of them in jail? Undercover missions are one of Barry's favourite things. Getting in deep and completing a dangerous mission has always brought him a sense of pride -until this latest task. Now it's just personal. Given the job of going undercover to bring in Mortimer is going to be difficult. The man, if he can be called that, is Barry's biological father: a disgusting fiend with a sketchy past. When Barry starts to dig more into Mortimer, he learns a complicated truth. Mortimer is an alien with magic in his bloodline that is fatal to humans. Barry’s clock is ticking and the only ones who can help are the aliens who consider him an enemy. Can he convince them to help before it is too late? Colliding Forces is a science fantasy novella with aliens, found families and complicated relationships. If you love morally grey characters, complex social and familial structures, advanced technology with a mix of magic, investigations, soulmates and high personal stakes, you will love this book.

Adult • Diversity Representation/LGBTQ+ • Diversity Representation/LGBTQ+/Own Voices • Science Fiction • Diversity Representation/Mental Health • Fantasy

Content Warning: Death, Murder, Poison, Blood, Violence. Mention of Domestic abuse/ violence, Mention of Rape, Attempted Sexual Assault, Grief, Loss, Pain, Alcohol consumption, Torture, Death of a family member, Gun violence, Trauma, PTSD, Police Interrogation