Terra Kaffe - Shop now
$0.99

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

SELIA's Promise: A Short Story Kindle Edition

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 18 ratings

In the near future, a hyper-intelligent supercomputer promises to usher in a new era for humanity. But instead of utopia, the brilliant machine discovers an asteroid on an unavoidable collision course with Earth. Is this the end? Or will SELIA uphold its promise for a better and brighter tomorrow?

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B073TBJ6GW
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Christina McMullen (July 8, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 8, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 362 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 24 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 18 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Christina McMullen
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Christina McMullen is a science fiction and fantasy author who just can't seem to keep humor from sneaking into everything she writes. When she's not writing (which is most of the time these days), she's either getting her butt kicked in Mario Kart or catering to the whims of a very small and very grouchy dog.

For updates and information on future releases, promos, and giveaways, please follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mcmullenwrites

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
18 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2017
    What a disturbing little story! Emotions run high, and our main character describes a disastrous situation. There's a conflict between cowardice and hope, though, at times I wondered whether she had more of a morbid, despairing curiosity for what would come next. Admittedly, I was morbidly curious too, and fell right into being slapped with the twist at the end.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2017
    As a fellow author, I tend to find the world building, character development, and pacing are what makes or breaks a book for me. As such, I tend to focus my reviews in these areas. With that said, here is my opinion for this book:

    World Building

    Short, quick flashes of the setting in which this short story takes place is the best description of how McMullen developed this world. Each snapshot given with enough detail to make it stand out vividly without overriding the others while each return to the setting gives a little more detailed refinement of what was there before.

    Character Development

    This is a short story, so the character development isn’t noticed that much. The point of view character doesn’t seem to change until the very end, and then it’s a leap forward. The character is a child (teenager) so this type of plateau to leapfrog is well within plausibility, which gives the character enough realism to fit the story.
    The other main “character” manages to be quite influential on the tale without really “saying” much. An interesting choice for the part. (And part of McMullen’s signature style.)

    Pacing

    The pacing was a touch slow for the brevity of this tale for me. When I came down to the punch line, I was actually more than ready for it to end. For once, I actually felt a short story was a touch too drawn out – which is highly unusual. Most times, I feel as if a short story is too short.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2018
    Humanity has advanced to where we can find asteroids ready to destroy the planet. And our protagonist is rebelling, as a teenager would. And then... something unexpected.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2017
    A lovely little cautionary tale, warning against putting too much faith in religion... and science.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2020
    Let's talk about the end of the world. After all, that's what's coming in this short piece by Christina McMullen. Humanity builds a hyper-intelligent supercomputer, Selia, to make the world a better place. However, the first thing it does is warn the world that the end is coming. An asteroid is on an unavoidable collision course. This is the way the world ends.
    How does humanity react? With wisdom, gravitas and a renewed sense of purpose? What do you think? As the end nears, panic breaks out, religious fervor breaks out, and worse, worse and worse.
    But just wait, read on and wait. It's worth it.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2017
    I read this over breakfast and loved every minute of it. Reminiscent of some of the classic science-fiction from Asimov, this oozes quality and bristles with ideas--all while remaining very much a fun read. In some ways it reminded me of the early "Multivac" stories, and covers some similar themes, but the author's interpretation brings it bang up to date and gives it her own special twist. Highly recommended if you like classy, classic, short sci-fi and a thoroughly enjoyable read!
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2017
    This was a great surprise. I got this book for two reasons, it was on kindle unlimited and it was being promoted by another author. This is a new to me author. I was pleasantly surprise. The story is told from the main character's point of view and it doesn't have any interactions with other characters. This would be something I generally wouldn't like, I get easily bored by such writing style, but I keep reading and the more I did it, the more I liked it. I was so intrigued by everything and what might happen. It was really good. I loved the ending.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2017
    I chose this story to read because it’s short and I don’t have a lot of time at the moment. Besides, I’ve enjoyed other of this author’s books and figured I’d find a laugh or two in it. And, believe it or not considering the dark premise, I did.

    I can’t say a lot without giving too much away because, after all, it IS a shortie, but this I can say: it’s the best apocalyptic story I’ve read in recent years. It is dark and clever and it grabbed me from the beginning. I went through the highs and lows - and more highs and lows - along with the protagonist, and could not see what the end would be - until the very end. And it was perfect.

    It is well written (as is usual for Christina McMullen) and I’m so glad she wrote it!
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rich, dark and humorous Science-fiction in the classic mold!
    Reviewed in Canada on August 6, 2017
    I read this over breakfast and loved every minute of it. Reminiscent of some of the classic science-fiction from Asimov, this oozes quality and bristles with ideas--all while remaining very much a fun read. In some ways it reminded me of the early "Multivac" stories, and covers some similar themes, but the author's interpretation brings it bang up to date and gives it her own special twist. Highly recommended if you like classy, classic, short sci-fi and a thoroughly enjoyable read!
  • Jane
    5.0 out of 5 stars Masterful imagination
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 14, 2017
    This one is special. I can't really say much more because: spoilers.

    All I can say is read it and know fear.

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?