Anti-State

Published by Flame Tree Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

LIST PRICE ₹285.00

PRICE MAY VARY BY RETAILER

About The Book

A standalone story set in The Fractal series world, which began with the much lauded Fearless and Resilient, hard-sf masterpieces which Analog called "Rigorous hard SF with a powerful but flawed protagonist."

Stroud raises fascinating questions about the politics of space exploration.”– Publisher’s Weekly

2121 AD. Three years after the first Mars conflict and the colony is still struggling to recover. Corporations fight to hold on to their investments. Old secrets resurface and new faces appear.

Magnus Sirocco should never have been allowed to come here. He is a vigilante turned revolutionary who has been given a cause. He doesn’t lose. Ever. Peter Iskander leads a new religious mission to deliver the promised land to their people. And after being investigated, exonerated and promoted, Commodore Ellisa Shann returns, but when a ship is stolen, she is drawn into another deadly duel.

FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.

About The Author

Allen Stroud is an acclaimed science fiction writer, academic and former Chair of the British Science Fiction Association. He’s the author of the highly-regarded space opera Fearless and the official Elite: Dangerous tie-in Lave Revolution. Allen also works on game design, roleplaying games, short stories, and screenwriting. His soundtrack The Fractal Series complements the Fearless universe blending story and music for fans of plausible science fiction, Alastair Reynolds, and Arthur C. Clarke.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Flame Tree Press (April 21, 2026)
  • Length: 400 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781805520306

Raves and Reviews

“Incisive, human, intelligent science fiction”

– Adrian Tchaikovsky

If you like them political and full of intrigue, murder, and double crosses, don’t skip this one.

– Gabino Iglesias for Locus Magazine

A 'complex political thriller set in space. Its tight scope delivers a compelling story'

– Stewart Hotston, Nerds of a Feather

"The depths of outer space test the strength of a dynamic heroine’s inner resolve in Stroud’s smart, introspective space opera set in the year 2118. [...] With an attention to detail that will please hard science fiction fans, Stroud raises fascinating questions about the politics of space exploration. This is one to be savored."

“Tense, compelling ... Stroud' Fractal series is prescient and ultimately profoundly hopeful.”

– Anna Smith Spark

"Prescient, rigorous and believable hard SF packed full of daring and danger"

– Stephen Oram

"Anti-State is a gripping, hard SF adventure for the times. Missing the Expanse? Love For All Mankind? This is for you."

– Gavin Smith

"Anti-State is a fascinating study of how individuals can be sucked into political machinations with the highest stakes. Ideal for anyone who enjoys SF filled with very smart people solving interesting problems."

– Emma Newman

"A well rounded Sci-fi tale of politics, intrigue and belligerent factions.”

– Fat Guy Reading

"[Allen Stroud] also brings a Clarkian feel that grounds the story in the best tradition of science fiction. He keeps the action going, and does a fine job of showing the difficulties of conflict in space. Highly Recommended.” (On the Fractal Series)

“Fast-paced, gripping hard SF with death in hard vacuum waiting at every turn.” (On the Fractal Series)

“Space battles, sabotage, and treachery envelop a gripping whodunit, as Captain Ellisa Shann strives to identify a murderer among her crew and save her ship, the Khidr, from imminent destruction. Fearless is a fabulous read from a writer who knows how to deliver.” (On the Fractal Series)

– Ian Whates, Author of Dark Angels Rising and 2019 Winner of the Karl Edward Wagner Award

“Fearless is a brilliant achievement, and one of the best science-fiction novels I have read in a very long time." (On the Fractal Series)

"Gripping, intense, military SF. Stunning and urgent." (On the Fractal Series)

– Anna Smith Spark, author of the Empires of Dust series

Rigorous hard SF with a powerful but flawed protagonist and a fascinating historical background, 'Fearless' is a treat for just about any Analog reader." (On the Fractal Series)

– Analog Science Fiction & Fact

“A wonderful, modern, inclusive and clever science fiction that deserves to be a part of anyone’s collection.” (On the Fractal Series)

– SF Book

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