Worth your time AND money AND sincere attention.” —Steven Gould, author of Jumper UNWELCOME BODIES Seven short stories, three novelettes, and one novella of dark science fiction including “Captive Girl,” from multiple Nebula Award nominee Jennifer Pelland. Author commentary is provided at the conclusion of each tale. Pain. Pleasure. The sensation of touch.we feel everything through our skin, that delicate membrane separating "I" from "other," protecting the very essence of self. Until it breaks. Or changes. Or burns. What would you do if you were the one called on to save humanity, and the price you had to pay was becoming something other than human? Or if healing your body meant losing the only person you've ever loved? Wander through worlds where a woman craves even a poisonous touch, a man's deformities become a society's fashion, genetic regeneration keeps the fires of Hell away, and painted lovers risk everything to break the boundaries of their caste system down. Separate your mind from your flesh and come in.