Rink - Chris Matravers

The world is a nursery in which selves mature after multiple incarnations

What if some souls are not bound to a body but can exist in a 'between place' for years after death before 'shifting' into a new body.

  Most people live as ephemeral humans, 'Phems', oblivious of any previous life. But a few become 'Rinks': fully aware of previous incarnations as selves of different genders and race and in diverse civilisations. Continuously re-incarnating they are unaware that eventually they could mature enough to evolve onto another plane of existence. Or, at least, that is what is supposed to happen but renegade Rinks are failing to mature. Running rampant as crime and war lords, they are intent on exploiting the Phems.

  When Jay re-incarnates in London in 2026, he is shocked by their activities. He has endured too many lives: he's seen and done everything. Previously he's searched for a way to stop the seemingly endless cycle of life and death but now he finds himself compelled to try to restore order and so Jay enlists the help of like-minded Rinks to defeat the renegades.

  But what will he do when he's forced to choose between the love of his life, and death...

Cover art: Alison Buck