Noumenon Ultra: A Novel

“Lostetter remains at the forefront of innovation in hard science fiction.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

The mind-expanding journey that began with Noumenon and Noumenon Infinity continues in this wondrous mosaic tale of deep space exploration, adventure, and humanity that blends the awe, science, and speculative imagination of Arthur C. Clarke, Neal Stephenson, and Octavia Butler.

Deep in the heart of an alien mountain range, I.C.C. has lain dormant, its ships silent, for eons. Now, after one hundred thousand years, the AI is awakening. Someone is roaming the convoy's halls—someone that isn't human.

This planet, Noumenon—created by the megastructure known as the Web—is too young and brutal to have evolved intelligent life. Its surface is bombarded by unusual meteors. Crystal trees abruptly and violently arise from its bedrock. Its solar system is surrounded by a frightening space-time anomaly. So where did these visitors come from? What do they want? And do the people of Earth, whose ancestors launched Convoy Seven, know they are here? 

I.C.C. reaches out to the descendants of its convoy crew to help decipher this primordial riddle. Noumenon was created and seeded by ancient aliens, and clearly their plans for it are unfinished. Together, the AI, the new lifeforms who have awakened it, and the humans will embark on an epic adventure of discovery billions of years in the making. 

“Lostetter delivers another feast for fans of hard science fiction.”

“A tight, compelling sequel. . . . Lostetter’s characters persevere and evolve, creating a compelling portrait that feels, at its heart, ultimately both human and galactic in scope.”

"Adult and mature YA readers who enjoy classic space operas of interplanetary travel and contact with alien life-forms should find this appealing.” - Library Journal

Noumenon is a grand interstellar quest that marries intimate detail with the sweep of social change and discovery across generations. I was enthralled.”

“Noumenon . . . offers a dreamlike exploration of evolving societies and the many ways humans can control, fight and love each other.”

“Talk about a stunning debut! Lostetter’s first full-length novel is an ambitious feat of worldbuilding that will remind you of classic sci-fi favorites.” - RT Book Reviews on Noumenon

“A novel that was anything less than stellar would be an especially disappointing follow-up to the brilliant Noumenon, but Lostetter has achieved that and much more. . . . Sci-fi action and adventure held together by universally human themes; this is the genre at its very best.” - Kirkus Reviews starred review on Noumenon Infinity