Space Oddities

by Predrag Ilić

Space Oddities takes readers on a journey through the vast expanse of the universe, following three individuals as they explore the mysteries that lie beyond their known world. Elasrber, Robick, and Anniphis are part of the Space Oddities project, dedicated to identifying potential threats to human existence and protecting Earth from them. As they encounter strange and wondrous phenomena, they are forced to confront not only the physical challenges of space travel but also the inner struggles of self-discovery. The book raises important questions about the nature of consciousness, self-awareness, and the purpose of life itself. With its thoughtful contemplation on the issues of life, Space Oddities challenges readers to consider the big questions of existence.

340 pages, Paperback

Published April 13, 2023

About the author

Predrag Ilić was born in a country that no longer exists, a place nestled between the East and the West at that time these notions were widely used. He grew up seeing the world falling apart in front of his eyes and couldn’t identify with it. When everyone else was picking sides, he was unable to choose one. By the time he grew up, he was confident he belonged neither here nor there. During his studies, he learned that there was another way of existing, another road to take, an alternative way to live. After completing both Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in English language and literature, he started working on his first novel. But his curiosity led him to pursue an academic career. In the following years, he published over a dozen research papers in both areas.

At one point in his life, he moved to the other side of the world. Currently a Las Vegas resident, Predrag is worlds apart from where he was but still home. He realized his writing was what pushed him forward. He is currently working on several novels situated in the same universe, the world of Sapien Overlords.

Many years before, Predrag found love in escapism. His novels deal with breaking off the chains that bind every person, leaving the comfort zone, and finding what is beyond in the unknown. Imaginative, cynical, and, for the most part, scientifically accurate, his writing explores one of the directions in which human civilization could go.

Predrag Ilić’s literary influences include great science fiction writers such as Isaac Asimov, Stanisław Lem, Dan Simmons, and Neal Stephenson, and their impact is often noticeable in his work.

Most of his work is situated in a post-apocalyptic, speculative version of Earth. Some short stories and writings cast a light on the future when the human species will move beyond the planet and into the diverse universe. He would like to write a space opera set in this universe one day.

If you were to ask whom his writing reminded him of, he would say Philip K. Dick. His short stories and especially novels often involve convoluted plots and explore varied philosophical and social themes, including but not limited to authoritarian governments, altered states of consciousness, and the nature of reality. These and other similar topics place his work into the genre of soft science fiction though he believes they include both soft and hard science fiction elements.

Reviews

[Lauren Tallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone like me, who so rarely reads anything about space or exploration, this was a new sensation. The words flow, the scenes take me along. I see Predrag was born in Europe. His expressions and wording made the book all the more intense and rich.
I totally enjoyed this book.