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Arcana Imperii #1.75
Beyond the Fringe: An Arcana Imperii Collection
Return to the Universe of the ARCANA IMPERII with a collection of novellas from Miles Cameron.
Following the events of ARTIFACT SPACE, the galaxy continues to change and expand. Frontiers are challenged and what was once a safe space becomes contested, hostile, and unpredictable.
From normal people caught up in the unstoppable machinations of politics and war, to spies faced with making the ultimate sacrifice for their nations, these stories follow the DHC as it faces a challenge to everything it holds dear - human rights, fairness and equality. When a rogue system questions their values and power, how can they stay true to their beliefs and protect their citizens?
And what are these rumours about new aliens lurking beyond the edges of known space?
Following the events of ARTIFACT SPACE, the galaxy continues to change and expand. Frontiers are challenged and what was once a safe space becomes contested, hostile, and unpredictable.
From normal people caught up in the unstoppable machinations of politics and war, to spies faced with making the ultimate sacrifice for their nations, these stories follow the DHC as it faces a challenge to everything it holds dear - human rights, fairness and equality. When a rogue system questions their values and power, how can they stay true to their beliefs and protect their citizens?
And what are these rumours about new aliens lurking beyond the edges of known space?
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2023
105 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Miles Cameron
31 books2,714 followersMiles Cameron is an author, a re-enactor, an outdoors expert and a weapons specialist. He lives, works and writes in Toronto, where he lives with his family. This is his debut fantasy novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 21, 2025
This is a book of short stories in-between Artifact space and Deep black; it explains a lot of things. Amongst them why the first book is called Artifact space, and let me say that it’s one of the weaker ideas in this series. It is in fact the only thing less than brilliant. This series is so good that even the short stories are not only impossible to put down, but also required reading.
Written in December 2023, so up to date with the latest political developments, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the evil government with life-long dictator steers a planet called New Texas. That Miles Cameron was born in the US but is now Canadian makes it even more titillating. Even so it’s not a political book, it’s just a view of a possible future basically similar to much SF, but very well written.
He is a polished author with a knack for using time to make things exciting. It’s also difficult to predict what’s going to happen next, something I really like in a book.
If you like space-opera, this series is the bee’s knees.
Written in December 2023, so up to date with the latest political developments, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the evil government with life-long dictator steers a planet called New Texas. That Miles Cameron was born in the US but is now Canadian makes it even more titillating. Even so it’s not a political book, it’s just a view of a possible future basically similar to much SF, but very well written.
He is a polished author with a knack for using time to make things exciting. It’s also difficult to predict what’s going to happen next, something I really like in a book.
If you like space-opera, this series is the bee’s knees.
June 28, 2024
I really loved the first novel in the author's Arcana Imperii series so I eagerly jumped into this short story collection. Unfortunatly, it was a little disappointing. I liked the wider views of the series universe it provided, but the stories themselves all felt rushed and incomplete. This collection left me with the impression that these stories were written solely to act as new plot threads for the main series. Other than that I'm not sure I'd recomend this book. Hopefully, the next novel in the series, Deep Black, will return to the high quality of the first novel
June 26, 2024
It's a collection of short stories that fits between "Artifact Space" and the upcoming "Deep Black". I recently read a review of some other novel that was granted 5 stars and another reader replied that the novel was certainly no "3 Body Problem"! I don't claim that these stories rise to that level either, but a short story collection might be judged differently.
I give it 5 stars for a number of reasons: All the stories take place in the same universe, but with different characters and places and drive us toward a bigger story to come. The characters are very well-developed and interesting. Short stories by other authors often end with a gimmick or simply splat on the ground. These stories ends on a decisive note, not a cliffhanger, yet leave us looking forward to the next chapter of these characters, presumably to continue in the next novel.
I give it 5 stars for a number of reasons: All the stories take place in the same universe, but with different characters and places and drive us toward a bigger story to come. The characters are very well-developed and interesting. Short stories by other authors often end with a gimmick or simply splat on the ground. These stories ends on a decisive note, not a cliffhanger, yet leave us looking forward to the next chapter of these characters, presumably to continue in the next novel.
December 2, 2024
Novella 4/5. A good short story in a new sci-fi universe based on humans from earth. A Christmas theme was in the last part of the story and it was a neat theme especially for this time of year.
July 19, 2024
Beyond the Fringe is a collection of short stories by Miles Cameron, set in the Arcana Imperii universe. The mainline entry in the series, Artifact Space was a rollicking space adventure, with some deep world-building and strong characterisation, married to a plot that ramped up in a hurry and ended with me reading later at night than I should've been. These stories take place in the same universe, butt with different characters, and in different places. That said, most of them centre around the world of "New Texas", which seems to be getting rather expansionist, and also seems to feel like it can challenge the existing socio-political and interstellar commercial order. Why it thinks that is another matter entirely, one slowly revealed over the course of these vignettes.
I will say, up front, that I had a great time with each of these stories. There are five in the collection, and if I remember correctly, two were published already. Each has a different focus. From bloody massacre in the face of a New Texas revolution, through espionage, tradecraft and violence in dealing with a defector, and out the other side into the gracefully deadly ballet of space warfare. I won't say there's something for everyone - it's a little less cozy than you might expect - but if there's a military tinge to the SF here, that's fine if you like that sort of thing. And the stories themselves are lean, incisive work, without much in the way of narrative flab.
I think my favourite may be Tradecraft, which follows an agent of the human polity as she potters about her day, gathering information and selling luxury goods to the locals. Until someone puts down a red flag, and she has to drop everything to find and protect a (potential) defector with some very high stakes indeed. It's a story that emphasises the slow adrenaline of espionage - there's a soupcon of Le Carre in here somewhere - but backs up the long shots of preparation and discussion with some explosive moments of action which are kinetic and bloody in equal measure.
That said, there's another which explores the claustrophobic world of another human polity through its navy. Three ships diving through the darkness, on a mission of great importance. Probably. Unless what they're doing isn't what it seems. This one looks more at the enemies of the DHC, the central human power of the mainline story. If the DHC are a futuristic Venice, their opponent feels like something different - possibly there's a flavour of China there. In any case, this is a claustrophobic tale of betrayal, conspiracy and what happens when you let off a handgun in a confined space.
I don't want to spoil any of the stories here; I think they're great at adding flavour and context to a universe that we're used to only seeing from one angle. That they're all also snappy sci-fi adventures is a bonus. That they sneak in some big ideas when nobody's looking, that's something else again. If you're a fan, this is a collection you'll want to pick up sooner rather than later.
I will say, up front, that I had a great time with each of these stories. There are five in the collection, and if I remember correctly, two were published already. Each has a different focus. From bloody massacre in the face of a New Texas revolution, through espionage, tradecraft and violence in dealing with a defector, and out the other side into the gracefully deadly ballet of space warfare. I won't say there's something for everyone - it's a little less cozy than you might expect - but if there's a military tinge to the SF here, that's fine if you like that sort of thing. And the stories themselves are lean, incisive work, without much in the way of narrative flab.
I think my favourite may be Tradecraft, which follows an agent of the human polity as she potters about her day, gathering information and selling luxury goods to the locals. Until someone puts down a red flag, and she has to drop everything to find and protect a (potential) defector with some very high stakes indeed. It's a story that emphasises the slow adrenaline of espionage - there's a soupcon of Le Carre in here somewhere - but backs up the long shots of preparation and discussion with some explosive moments of action which are kinetic and bloody in equal measure.
That said, there's another which explores the claustrophobic world of another human polity through its navy. Three ships diving through the darkness, on a mission of great importance. Probably. Unless what they're doing isn't what it seems. This one looks more at the enemies of the DHC, the central human power of the mainline story. If the DHC are a futuristic Venice, their opponent feels like something different - possibly there's a flavour of China there. In any case, this is a claustrophobic tale of betrayal, conspiracy and what happens when you let off a handgun in a confined space.
I don't want to spoil any of the stories here; I think they're great at adding flavour and context to a universe that we're used to only seeing from one angle. That they're all also snappy sci-fi adventures is a bonus. That they sneak in some big ideas when nobody's looking, that's something else again. If you're a fan, this is a collection you'll want to pick up sooner rather than later.
January 2, 2024
3.5. Some great, quick read
January 12, 2024
great novella bit pricey
A really decent follow up. Gave just got into this world having loved the Red Knight series. The price tag was a bit steep though
A really decent follow up. Gave just got into this world having loved the Red Knight series. The price tag was a bit steep though
March 7, 2024
Dragon Cover Challenge 2024: Black
Around the Year in 52 Books 2024: 45. A book that is not a novel (short story collection)
I loved the first book in this series, an exploration of what a mercantile fleet might look like in space. This book skips the reader through some of the history of the Arcana Imperii by way of short stories that give impressions of some of the different players and factions and what they are doing in the Imperium. New Texas, an aggressive world that claims much the same as "sovereign citizens" or the extremists who want to secede from the United States, features in several of these pieces. We also get the point of view of the other side of the fleet that went after the Athens and what was going on behind the scenes there. There are spy stories, action adventures, space battles, and even a heart-warming human interest piece.
I'm enjoying this author more and more. His historian background clearly shows through even in a science fiction setting as he creates polities and societies. I plan to try more by him.
Around the Year in 52 Books 2024: 45. A book that is not a novel (short story collection)
I loved the first book in this series, an exploration of what a mercantile fleet might look like in space. This book skips the reader through some of the history of the Arcana Imperii by way of short stories that give impressions of some of the different players and factions and what they are doing in the Imperium. New Texas, an aggressive world that claims much the same as "sovereign citizens" or the extremists who want to secede from the United States, features in several of these pieces. We also get the point of view of the other side of the fleet that went after the Athens and what was going on behind the scenes there. There are spy stories, action adventures, space battles, and even a heart-warming human interest piece.
I'm enjoying this author more and more. His historian background clearly shows through even in a science fiction setting as he creates polities and societies. I plan to try more by him.
June 12, 2024
I really like this author. I've loved every other book I've read by him. Maybe this book is good too, but not for me. He let his politics and ideology show in this book and it was a real distraction for me as a reader. I've been excited about this new sci-fi series and have already pre-ordered book 2 of the main series. In this book of side stories, we're confronted with the mis-deeds of New Texas polity in space. They are bigoted, gun welding, exploiters that refuse to adhere to reasonable labor laws that protect workers. They let rapacious, eco-system destroying capitalism run wild.
It was still well written. I just don't need the lectures and judgement about how evil capitalism is. If you are an anti-capitalist, then I bet this book would be great fun. For me, I worry about the future of our civilization when our story tellers are this confused about who the bad guys are.
It was still well written. I just don't need the lectures and judgement about how evil capitalism is. If you are an anti-capitalist, then I bet this book would be great fun. For me, I worry about the future of our civilization when our story tellers are this confused about who the bad guys are.
July 23, 2025
I have just finished reading Beyond the Fringe by Miles Cameron, set in his Arcana Imperii universe. I have to say—it’s a really interesting mix of six short stories that adds depth to his existing universe. If you’re already a fan of his Masters & Mages or Traitor Son series, there’s a lot here to enjoy. The writing is solid as always with that gritty realism he does so well.
That said, some of the stories worked better for me than others. A few felt a bit like filler or didn’t quite land emotionally, but overall, it was cool to get more context and character moments. It’s not essential reading if you’re new to his work, but for longtime readers, it’s a fun, worthwhile addition.
That said, some of the stories worked better for me than others. A few felt a bit like filler or didn’t quite land emotionally, but overall, it was cool to get more context and character moments. It’s not essential reading if you’re new to his work, but for longtime readers, it’s a fun, worthwhile addition.
September 10, 2025
Stunningly immersive! Cameron has an unmatched ability to take the reader directly into his worlds, and this collection is a prime example of that talent. The settings are so richly rendered that they feel physical - you don’t just read about them, you experience them. Every detail, from the landscapes to the way characters move within them, carries weight and texture.
What impressed me most was how seamlessly he blends the intimate with the epic. Even in shorter pieces, Cameron’s writing captures both the immediacy of a single moment and the vastness of the broader universe. His storytelling doesn’t just inform, it transports. You come away feeling as though you’ve been somewhere else, lived through something tangible.
This is the sort of collection that reminds me why I love speculative fiction - it’s not just about ideas, it’s about being taken somewhere entirely new and believing in it completely.
A brilliant showcase of Cameron’s craft. Must read!
What impressed me most was how seamlessly he blends the intimate with the epic. Even in shorter pieces, Cameron’s writing captures both the immediacy of a single moment and the vastness of the broader universe. His storytelling doesn’t just inform, it transports. You come away feeling as though you’ve been somewhere else, lived through something tangible.
This is the sort of collection that reminds me why I love speculative fiction - it’s not just about ideas, it’s about being taken somewhere entirely new and believing in it completely.
A brilliant showcase of Cameron’s craft. Must read!
December 31, 2023
Deep Background
Set in the universe of Cameron's novel Deep Black, this collection of short stories explores other parts of that universe filling out some more of the factions and players and their plots, and there are a lot of them. If you like your sci-fi both wide ranging and intricate, this is for you.
Set in the universe of Cameron's novel Deep Black, this collection of short stories explores other parts of that universe filling out some more of the factions and players and their plots, and there are a lot of them. If you like your sci-fi both wide ranging and intricate, this is for you.
January 8, 2024
An inspiring collection of short stories that follow on the universe and plot of Artifact Space. While being an easy read it adds depths to the conflicts, and helps us await the next novel, Deep Black, due in 2024.
March 18, 2024
A collection of short stories set in the Arcana Imperii universe.
A mix of spy and military stories ranging from good to excellent, that can be read as singletons but also round out some facets of the universe.
https://www.books.rosboch.net/2024/03...
A mix of spy and military stories ranging from good to excellent, that can be read as singletons but also round out some facets of the universe.
https://www.books.rosboch.net/2024/03...
May 23, 2024
A very good read
I really enjoy all the genres Mr Cameron writes in. His characters and plot lines are always excellent. If you have read any of his other books you will enjoy this. If you have'nt I recommend you give it a go.
I really enjoy all the genres Mr Cameron writes in. His characters and plot lines are always excellent. If you have read any of his other books you will enjoy this. If you have'nt I recommend you give it a go.
July 18, 2024
Beyond the Fringe
While somewhat disappointed it wasn’t a Deep Black sequel I enjoyed the well written story line and character development. What was disappointing was such high price for a fairly short story. It needed to be at least 20% longer to justify the cost.
While somewhat disappointed it wasn’t a Deep Black sequel I enjoyed the well written story line and character development. What was disappointing was such high price for a fairly short story. It needed to be at least 20% longer to justify the cost.
November 1, 2024
So well written
It's a really interesting universe, brought to real life with subtlety, humour and excitement. Excellent. Have also read book 1 of the Arcana and will read the rest in due course.
It's a really interesting universe, brought to real life with subtlety, humour and excitement. Excellent. Have also read book 1 of the Arcana and will read the rest in due course.
December 1, 2024
A good book j
I enjoyed this book. I found that for me there was some slow spots but overall I enjoyed the book and it held my interest. I will probably be down loading the next book.
I enjoyed this book. I found that for me there was some slow spots but overall I enjoyed the book and it held my interest. I will probably be down loading the next book.
December 22, 2024
This book is a collection of short stories in the universe of Artifact Space. Some are slow going, low tension, but the last couple of stories are really good with some interesting characters.
As a collection I give it 3-3.5 stars.
As a collection I give it 3-3.5 stars.
October 3, 2025
How fun, and it has Gifts of the Magi as the last story (which is the best of a great collection in this book), so you need not read 1.5 separately.
This series is even better than Masters and Mages (which also is a great series).
This series is even better than Masters and Mages (which also is a great series).
December 31, 2023
Excellent! Can’t wait for deep black! Everything you write is top tier. Thank you!
January 3, 2024
The main issue with this is you sort of end up wanting each short story to be a full book. A great collection that leaves you wanting more.
January 9, 2024
Five stars, to-read, added to update feed
January 15, 2024
Excellent collection of stories
…that whet your appetite for the books to follow in the series! I hope some of the characters will show up again in the future
…that whet your appetite for the books to follow in the series! I hope some of the characters will show up again in the future
January 23, 2024
Adds great depth to a series that is begging for more attention from the author.
March 9, 2024
This was a Great collection of short stories Each and everyone of them fantastic in their own way
June 30, 2024
A great set of short stories which expand and enrich the universe Miles began in Artifact Space.
July 28, 2024
5 stars for narrator Nneka Okoye. I would pay to listen to her read the phone book.
August 11, 2024
When the author writes a story and introduces his political views naturally, it is good, but when he forces them on us, or better put starts hitting us with them page after page at the detriment of the story, it gets mediocre; this being said the stories are still worth reading as a completion to the awesome novels in the universe but not more than that
October 16, 2024
I enjoyed this collection of short stories, and I am eagerly awaiting the release of Deep Black.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews