SAN FRANCISCO – In his new book, Outbound: Islands in the Void, molecular biologist and author Richard M. Anderson blends real science with a thrilling narrative to imagine — and present — a conversation about what could happen in a post-apocalyptic world, both on the planet itself and among human colonies in space.
Ultimately a story of recovery, Outbound: Islands in the Void offers readers a riveting journey through the cosmos, while shining a light on the urgent need to address Earth’s current social, political, and environmental challenges. Set in the mid-23rd century, this novel explores the race to secure humanity’s future through space exploration and colonization and Earth’s restoration amid catastrophic global collapse.
Human-led climate disruption renders much of Earth uninhabitable, driving mass migration, war, and societal instability. Against this backdrop, the Global States United (GSU) initiates the Space Settlement Program to develop habitable space ecosystems and restore the planet. The narrative follows Dr. Virgil Greenly, a scientist thrust into leadership, and Dr. Dag Harlow, an ambitious researcher, as they navigate the challenges of space colonization and the political corruption threatening their mission.
“With Outbound, I wanted to explore what could happen on Earth and in space, and how humanity might rise—or fall—under such circumstances,” Anderson explains.
Combining advanced technologies, vivid illustrations, and a compelling cast of characters, the book dives deep into themes of survival, resilience, and human ingenuity. The interconnected storylines, along with a comprehensive guide to characters, locations, and technologies, offer a rich and immersive reading experience.
Outbound: Islands in the Void is the first in a planned series. The next installment, Outbound: Becoming Meta Mars, is coming soon.
About the Author
Richard Anderson holds a master’s degree in microbiology with an emphasis in molecular biology from San Jose State University. His debut non-fiction work, The Evolution of Life: Big Bang to Space Colonies, reflects decades of research. Anderson and his wife reside in the San Francisco Bay Area, close to their three children and families.