We’re thrilled to announce that Outbound: Islands in the Void by Richard Anderson has been named the 2025 Winner for Science Fiction by the National Indie Excellence Awards!

This prestigious honor recognizes the very best in independent publishing—and Outbound has officially earned its place among the most thought-provoking and imaginative titles in the genre.

About the Book

Outbound: Islands in the Void begins in the year 2248, as Earth slowly recovers from the worst impacts of climate disruption. But the question at the heart of the story isn’t just how we survived—it’s how we’ll thrive.

Through interwoven storylines, compelling characters, and thrilling challenges, readers are taken on an unforgettable journey across the Earth, Moon, Mars, and the space between. From scientists and engineers solving tomorrow’s biggest problems, to lovers and families navigating grief, distance, and hope—this novel is a testament to the complexity of being human in a future that feels just around the corner.

It’s a world where survival isn’t guaranteed. Where climate, conflict, and space itself push the limits of our resilience. And yet—through dramatic events and heartfelt connections—Outbound keeps asking, answering, and re-asking the question: What will it take to survive—not just as individuals, but as a species?

Whether you’re standing in a wind-swept lunar dome or floating in the artificial gravity of a space island, Anderson pulls you into an exciting, plausible future filled with danger, discovery, and meaning.

Outbound: Islands in the Void is a novel of future fiction, where the science is serious and the story is seriously fun. Buckle up.

What Readers Are Saying

“A beautifully imagined portrait of humanity stretched across time and space.”

“Reads like a love letter to science—and a warning shot to the future.”

Whether you’re a fan of Arthur C. Clarke, Kim Stanley Robinson, or Becky Chambers, Outbound belongs on your shelf.

Ready to Explore the Void?

If you haven’t yet read Outbound: Islands in the Void, now is the perfect time to discover why it’s winning awards. Available on Amazon Grab your copy today and join the journey.