Across the Universe: Tales of Alternative Beatles

Sorcerers, superheroes, and zombies.Out of work, out of luck, out of practice.Gods, clods, or four simple lads.Here are the Beatles as you’ve never known them before: singing for their supper, singing for their souls, and singing to save the world.Join 25 remarkable authors as they take you Across the Universe.“This collection is a Magical Mystery Tour through alternate universes where the familiar narrative of the Beatles is turned on its head. Or ear. Or ass. It’s fun, irreverent, sexy, and twisted—just like the Fab Four themselves.”—Vicki Peterson, The Bangles“I must have read a thousand Beatles books. But not one of them mentioned that the Beatles were attacked by aliens at the Hollywood Bowl. Or talked about their encounter with the Mersey Monster. Or discussed how they became zombies. I had to learn all of this from the thoroughly entertaining anthology Across the Universe. Each of its 25 stories of speculative fiction re-imagine The Beatles in alternative universes, allowing us to laugh at and with John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Highly recommended!”—Scott Freiman, creator of Deconstructing the Beatles“Across the Universe is way too much fun! It’s the Beatles in the Twilight Zone of infinite possibilities! Highly recommended!”—Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of V-Wars and Rage“Across the Universe is a fantastic, freewheeling, and imaginative romp of a collection. The authors transported me not only across the universe, but to what might have been in many and various alternate universes, all populated by the Beatles and their peculiar possible transmutations. Totally engrossing.”—Paul Marshall, I See Hawks In L.A., Strawberry Alarm Clock“This anthology will move and surprise you.”—Library Journal starred review“Ranging from trippy fantasy to hard science fiction and zombie apocalypse mash-up, the stories in this anthology send the members of the Beatles on wild adventures through alternate timelines and universes.… Beatles aficionados and fantasy fans will enjoy this affectionate, speculative homage.”—Publishers Weeklyincluded:Rubber Soul by Spider RobinsonA New Beginning by Jody Lynn NyeThe Perfect Bridge by Charles BarouchThe Hey! Team by Gordon LinznerPaul Is Dead by Lawrence Watt-EvansCome Together by Allen M. SteeleThe Truth Within by Sally Wiener GrottaFoursomes by Kenneth SchneyerThe Fabtastic (sic) Four by David GerroldAll You Need by Cat Rambo Used to Be by Keith R.A. DeCandidoGame Seven by Bev VincentWhen I’m #64 by Patrick BarbDeal with the Devil by Carol GyzanderMeet the Beatles by Pat CadiganThe Walrus Returns by Gail Z. MartinMy Sweet Lord of Light by Brenda W. CloughLiverpool Band Battle 1982 by Eric AvedissianUndead in the Material World by Alan GoldsherThe Heretic by R. Jean MathieuCayenne by Beth W. PattersonThrough a Glass Onion by Christian H. SmithA Hard Day’s Night at the Opera by Gregory FrostApocalypse Rock by Matthew F. Amati Doing Lennon by Gregory Benford