For decades radio telescopes have scoured the skies for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence but have found none. Why? Could it be we really are alone in the universe? Or is it that the truth has been withheld from us by a global conspiracy of silence? When radio telescope operators Lauren Stelleck, a woman with a special gift enabling her to literally see certain sounds, and Steve Andrews, a diehard sci-fi geek, detect a signal like no other at Jodrell Bank in England, a chain of events is unleashed that propels Earth towards all-out nuclear war. Can Lauren and Steve unlock the secret of the signal before our species tears itself apart? The Signal is a prequel novella to the Earth Song series and the Fractured Light trilogy, and is part of the Multiverse Chronicles, an epic series of interlinked stories that follows the struggle of humanity to survive across parallel universes. Watch the skies because the darkness is coming for us. What Readers Are Saying... ★★★★★ "This book was a total blast - a lean, fast-paced, intelligent sci-fi thriller that reads like the very best of classic (and classy) British sci-fi. Taut, contained, with an almost real-time feel to it, it's a perfect read-it-in-one-sitting page-turner. Will I be back for the follow up books? Oh yes!" ★★★★★ "I am so pleased that I am rather late at this party and the remaining books are already published and I don't have to wait. That's it. I have something urgent to do now. Read the next book in the series." ★★★★★ "What a thoroughly enjoyable short story and a brilliant introduction to the Earth Song series. I came across Nick Cook's book by accident, and boy am I glad I did. Decided to start with this book first, then move on the Earth Song series. Nick is obviously a very accomplished writer as I stayed up into the small hours to complete this book. A brilliant story with really good characters too. I shall be reading all his books now!" ★★★★★ "Superbly written short story. Great characters and plot with twists and turns on almost every page. A great introduction to Nick Cook's work!" Author Note: For my friends across the Pond please note this book is written in UK English and uses single quotes rather than double ones. Yes, Brits are weird like that! Please also note that there is the occasional use of strong language in The Signal and the story deals with adult themes. Recommended age is 16+. The Signal is the prequel to Earth Song and is part of the Multiverse Chronicles, an epic series of interlinked stories that includes the Fractured Light trilogy, following humanity's struggle to survive across parallel universes.