Jakub Hussar’s second major “historical” science-fiction novel, X-TAL, takes us to Coraab, the refuse heap of ancient civilizations, and—through the form of personal diaries—introduces us to the fate of Tal Makard, a member of the fifth generation of the Lords of Extraction. How will this reclusive young man cope with the death of his mother and the new task that comes with it? Will he be able to accept responsibility, overcome numerous hardships, and complete the construction of the greatest engineering project ever attempted—one that will bear his own name?

X-TAL is a finely honed blend of survival narrative, political novel, and epic odyssey, portraying period contexts and local realities in strikingly vivid contours. The book will delight Hussar’s loyal readers and also serves as an ideal entry point for newcomers wishing to discover this cult, inhospitable junk-world and its singular inhabitants.

Published in 2024 by Argo Publishers in the Czech Republic.
520 pages / 145 x 210 mm

Also by Jakub Hussar

The return to the fascinating universe of Coraabia marks one of the most ambitious Czech science-fiction works of the past decade. The venerable Tal Kusa-Gammah, first in a long line of Coraabian Lords of Extraction, continues recounting her turbulent life. After being imprisoned by the sadistic Honts, she has finally made it back to her magrav. Now, however, she must confront not only the lingering consequences of cruelty meant to break her body and spirit, but also the fact that those closest to her have concealed much from her. If she refuses to remain a passive victim of circumstance, she must take her fate into her own hands.

Published in 2021 by Argo Publishers in the Czech Republic.
384 pages / 152 x 217 mm

Also by Jakub Hussar

The impressive debut novel by Jakub Hussar is one of the most ambitious Czech science-fiction works of the past decade. Hussar has been developing his fictional universe for more than twenty years, and the book—just like the previously successful online card game set in the same world—fully attests to the universe’s incredible complexity as well as the author’s captivating eye for detail.

It is a historical biography recounting the arduous journey of the Tala culture to the remote scrapyard-world of Coraab and its subsequent colonization. The central figure of the book is the venerable Tal Kusa-Gammah, the first in a long line of Coraabian Lords of Extraction, who, at the end of her life, confides her tumultuous story to the reader. Thanks to her authentic testimony, we can today look back at the events of the early Coraabian era through the eyes of a woman whose courageous deeds forever inscribed her into history.

Published in 2021 by Argo Publishers in the Czech Republic.
384 pages / 152 x 218 mm

Also by Jakub Hussar