"A compelling background. . . . A fascinating universe."— Locus
In an alternate New York City, a boy named Garvin does not know the extent of his telepathic powers. He just knows getting through each day without losing his mind is a struggle. Everywhere he goes, Garvin is bombarded by the thoughts of others.
His life changes forever when allies contact him. They begin training him on how to use his telepathy . . . and how to let his mind rest for once. But his peace is short lived. There are mysterious beings manipulating the fabric of the universe, seeking the ultimate control. And they have found Garvin . . .
The insidious influence of the Riders is felt in every quadrant of time. They steal and enslave human minds, and now they have Garvin. Pushed from world to world, he is the final hope. This loner with much to learn must now become the legendary Warchild if the universe is to survive.
Originally published in 1986.
Richard Bowes was a mainstay of the New York City science fiction scene and set most of his work in alternate versions of the city. His debut novel Warchild was originally published in 1986, and was followed by a sequel, Goblin Market (1988), and Feral Cell (1987). He was best known for his short fiction, with seven Nebula Award nominations for his stories, plus one World Fantasy Award nomination and two wins for "If Angels Fight" (2008) and "Streetcar Dreams" (1997). "There's a Hole in the City" (2005) won the International Horror Guild Award. His other books include the Lambda Award–winning fix-up novel, Minions of the Moon (1999), Nebula Award finalist From the Files of the Time Rangers (2005), and the World Fantasy Award–nominated Dust Devil on a Quiet Street (2013). His other collections include Transfigured Night and Other Stories (2001), Streetcar Dreams and Other Midnight Fancies (2006), The Queen, the Cambion, and Seven Others (2013), and If Angels Fight: Stories (2013).