The novel is a haunting tale of three friends, who grow up together at a seemingly idyllic English boarding school. As they mature, they discover a dark secret about their school and the purpose of their existence, which is to become organ donors for the rest of society. The story is a profound exploration of what it means to be human, the morality of scientific innovation, and the heartbreaking reality of love and loss.

This novel is a unique blend of six different stories, each set in a different time and place, spanning from the 19th century South Pacific to a post-apocalyptic future. Each tale is written in a different style, reflecting the time and setting it represents, and they are all connected through shared themes and recurring motifs. The stories are nested within each other, with each interrupted by the next, only to be concluded in the second half of the book. The novel explores themes of predacity, civilization, reincarnation and the eternal recurrence of the same behaviors throughout history.

"Perelandra" is a science fiction novel that follows the protagonist, Dr. Elwin Ransom, on a journey to the planet Perelandra. There, he encounters a new Eden-like world inhabited by a beautiful and innocent woman named Tinidril. As Ransom tries to protect Tinidril from the temptations of a malevolent force, he must confront his own inner struggles and make choices that will determine the fate of Perelandra and its inhabitants. With thought-provoking themes of good versus evil and the nature of temptation, "Perelandra" explores the complexities of human nature and the consequences of our actions.

"The Chrysalids" is a captivating science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where the inhabitants of a small community strictly adhere to a religious doctrine that condemns any form of mutation or deviation. The story follows a young boy named David, who possesses telepathic abilities that he must conceal to avoid persecution. As David grows older, he becomes increasingly aware of the intolerance and hypocrisy of his society, leading him to question the rigid beliefs he has been raised with and ultimately embark on a dangerous journey to find acceptance and understanding.

"The Child Garden" by Geoff Ryman is a science fiction novel set in a future dystopian world where a deadly virus has devastated humanity. The story follows Milena, a genetically modified girl who possesses the ability to communicate with plants. As she navigates through a society controlled by a powerful corporation, Milena discovers the dark secrets behind her creation and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and rebellion. Blending elements of genetics, ecology, and social commentary, Ryman's novel explores themes of love, identity, and the consequences of tampering with nature.

In "Fairyland," readers are transported into a near-future Europe transformed by biotechnology and genetic engineering, where the boundaries between human and machine, reality and artificiality blur. The narrative follows Alex Sharkey, a scientist who becomes entangled with the creation of genetically engineered dolls that possess consciousness. As he navigates a landscape marked by corporate espionage, underground movements, and a quest for freedom, Sharkey's journey reveals the dark underbelly of technological advancement and its impact on society. This science fiction novel delves into themes of identity, autonomy, and the ethical implications of scientific progress, presenting a thought-provoking exploration of a future where the fantastical becomes possible.

"Dreaming In Smoke" by Tricia Sullivan is a science fiction novel set in a future where people can connect their minds to a virtual reality world called the Dreaming. The story follows a young woman named Mallory who becomes trapped in the Dreaming after her mother's death. As she navigates this virtual realm, she uncovers dark secrets and must confront her own fears and desires. With themes of identity, loss, and the power of dreams, Sullivan's novel explores the boundaries between reality and illusion in a captivating and thought-provoking way.