Book excerpt: Three fascinating sci-fi novels from the limitless imagination of the Hugo Award–winning author of the dystopian classic, Stand on Zanzibar. British novelist John Brunner remains “one of the most important science fiction authors . . . [who] held a mirror up to reflect our foibles” (SF Site). Brunner’s skillful and often frightening political and social commentary takes its place alongside the most iconic works of Arthur C. Clarke, Aldous Huxley, Margaret Atwood, and George Orwell. The Wrong End of Time: In a near future, where a paranoid America has sealed itself off from the rest of the world by a vast and complicated defense system, a young Russian scientist infiltrates all defenses to convey terrifying news. At the outer reaches of the solar system, near Pluto, a superior form of intelligent life possesses technology that makes it immune to attack and strong enough to easily destroy planet Earth . . . The Ladder in the Sky: A starving youth, trapped in poverty with no hope of escape, is taken prisoner and offered up in an actual “deal with the devil”—servitude for a year and a day in return for helping a resistance group free their imprisoned planetary leader. When he returns to consciousness, he is told that the devil has taken up residence inside him. At first, he thinks nothing has changed and he can take advantage of the situation, but some upsetting surprises are in store for him . . . The Productions of Time: Murray Douglas has beaten his alcoholism, but he needs an acting job and can’t be selective. He ends up with an improv group at an isolated country estate, where every move is being recorded by unfamiliar technology, and each player’s weakness is constantly prodded and encouraged. Just what is this show? And who is it for?