Alien Influences: The Short Story

Years ago, John paid for crimes he committed as a child. Horrible crimes based on alien ritual and intended to help the victims, not hurt them.

Now, alienated from his fellow humans, he works as a bounty hunter. But his latest job takes him a little too close to the past he tries to forget. And this time, he might not escape with his life.

Haunting and unforgettable, "Alien Influences: The Short Story" appears in a different form in the novel Alien Influences, which was a finalist for the Arthur C. Clarke Award.

"A well-conceived, well-executed novel."

—The New York Times Book Review on Alien Influences

"Rusch isn't here on this Earth to hand out easy answers. Alien Influences is, like all her work, memorable, enthralling, and just a touch frustrating; there are always more questions after the final page."

—SF Site on Alien Influences

"[Rusch]'s examination of the heights and depths of the human spirit is what engages and ultimately satisfies."

—Publisher's Weekly on Alien Influences