In episode 346 of the Functional Nerds Podcast, Patrick Hester and John Anealio welcome J.F. Dubeau – author of The Life Engineered, A God in the Shed and Arch-Android – the sequel to The Life Engineered.

The Life Engineered is one of the first three books inducted into the Sword & Laser Collection on Inkshares. In the year 3594, humanity is little more than a memory—a legend of the distant past, a rumor that might one day reappear. Capeks, a race of artificial creatures originally created by humans, have inherited the galaxy and have formed a utopian civilization built upon individual purposes serving the whole. They busy themselves tirelessly toward preparing the way for humanity’s return.

As a newly created Capek, Dagir is expected to find her place in this intricate society. Weighed down by the legacy of her creation and built for rescue and repair, she finds her abilities tested immediately after her birth. The destruction of a large, sentient Capek building facility—her creator—signals the end of peace and marks the first instance of murder among Capeks. For the first time in their history, conflicting philosophies clash, setting off a civil war that could lay waste to the stars themselves.

As the layers of Capek history peel away to reveal more of their origin, truths see the light for the first time in centuries. The revelations that result may tear humanity’s children apart—and destroy the galaxy in the process.

About J.F. Dubeau: By profession, he is a graphic designer. He’s always been somewhat good with images and visual communications and has been making his living using those skills for nearly two decades. He is also a story teller. For as long as he can remember, he’s been trying to tell stories. Comics, role playing games, even through illustrations, his focus has always been on narratives, characters, plots and tales. A few years ago he started writing long form fiction and novels…

This week’s picks:

* J.F.: Galilee by Clive Barker

* John: Arcanum Unbounded by Brandon Sanderson

* Patrick: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Links:

* J.F. Dubeau on Twitter

* John Anealio on Twitter

* Patrick Hester on Twitter

* The Functional Nerds Patreon Page

* Patrick’s New Book: Into the Fire (available everywhere)

© 2018 Patrick Hester and John Anealio

This podcast contains original music by John Anealio.