Hi, I'm Nicky. I write space adventures for readers who believe the future can be better than today.

In my universe, people try to do the right thing—even when it's complicated. Ships break down at the worst moments. Cats have opinions. And sometimes, the family you choose saves the universe (or at least a small corner of it).

If you're tired of grimdark futures and military hierarchies, pull up a chair. We do things differently here.

I'd love to share a story with you: Start with my novella CARGO TROUBLE-- It's my gift to new readers.

YES! GIVE ME A FREE STORY!

What readers are saying

  • "An utterly delightful story, leaving me hoping for many future adventures for our plucky pilot (who would loathe that description of herself!)" — Ruth K.

  • "These books got me through a tough week." — Jen B.

  • "Finally! Sci-fi where people talk through problems instead of shooting them. And there's still plenty of adventure." — Mac B.

Every journey starts somewhere

The Cooperative Realm has many corners to explore. Some readers love Frankie's scrappy adventures in the margins of civilized space. Others prefer the deeper mysteries and political intrigue of Arkhide.

Here's a quick guide to finding your perfect starting point

Cooperative Realm

Frankie's Journeys

For readers who love: Found families, heists gone sideways, morally gray choices, and cats causing chaos

Your crew: Frankie (terrible at planning, great at improvising), Spike (cyber-enhanced feline with opinions), and a rotating cast of misfits

Start here: Cargo Trouble (FREE ebook) → Then follow Frankie through five more adventures!

See Frankie's books
Book cover of 'Tales of Arkhide' by Nicky Penttila against a starry space background

Cooperative Realm

The Arkhide Chronicles

For readers who love: new worlds, political intrigue, generation-spanning secrets, and deeper world-building.

Your guides: Katla (keeper of secrets), Mondrian (accidental revolutionary), and a few mysterious synths.

Start here: Hidden Planet → Then uncover the mysteries through two more books

See Arkhide books
Book cover of "Cosmic Weave" in front of a swirling universe background

SUSPENSE

Cosmic Weave

Space is not always cozy. This standalone edge-of-your-seat adventure includes kidnappings, secret identities, one overworked mom, and too many aliens to keep track of!

Tell me more!

What's new?

📚 Now Writing: Frankie Finds a Planet — The big crossover! Frankie meets Katla! Coming in 2026

🎉 Just Released: Here: Earthbound Fantasies and Futures — Bite-size for the holidays! Eight short stories where ordinary folks create extraordinary solutions.

🎉 New Merch: Messy Mousepad — Smile while you work (or play)!

✉️ Newsletter: Join all the readers getting monthly dispatches from the Cooperative Realm. Includes deleted scenes, science fun, and more. Just click below:

Sign me up!

Still deciding?

Totally fine. Reading a new author is like trying a new coffee shop—you want to know what you're getting into. That's why Cargo Trouble is free.

Take it for a test flight. If you don't love Frankie by chapter three, at least you've lost nothing but a little time. But if you DO love it... well, there are nine more books waiting in the Cooperative Realm. And counting.

Start with Cargo Trouble — Free!

"Like Firefly meets Becky Chambers, with a cyber-cat"