Crux is a fast paced science fiction book set in the future, but involving time travel. This book tells a collection of stories all part of the same canon, based around the same selection of characters and weaved together rather nicely. It demonstrates how individuals can make a difference, whether for good or bad.
Set hundreds of years into the future after a period of history called ‘The Time of Troubles’, where the threat of nuclear war wasn’t enough, it happened and the devastation to earth was extreme and only with the resources of off world colonies did humanity slowly recover.
What rose from those ashes was a society, based on fear, a regime with cruelty at heart, torture and death sentences part of its enforcement. Yet high society played, relaxed and showed levels of decadence under the umbrella of their ruler, who obviously did not value life of her subjects.
The book took aspects of our societies past and present and weaved a future all too recognizable and uncomfortable.
A so called band of believers called the ‘Crux’ have formed into various cells, and are working towards changing the present, with the aim of changing the past through time travel. Using a newly created wormhole device to journey back and stop the time of troubles from happening. When the plot is discovered people and plans are set in motion to hinder and stop the attempt.
This is in the outline for how the book begins, yet it soon turns up twists and turns. The storyline mentioned isn’t the only to be contained in this book as I mentioned at the beginning of the review and the others were not lacking in their interest either. To my enjoyment I found much of storyline unexpected and left me wanting to know more and this theme carried on throughout the book.
The characters morals were lacking, their ambition unquestionable and not a healthy mix to say the least. The writing was superb and the author built up a good picture of locations our characters lived and visited. Although fictional, this book demonstrates the power of the individual, even in a built up society. Showing that when fear generates power, this sort of power is unhealthy and can be abused.
It wasn’t unsurprising to notice the book was published by Tor, who have published some gems over the years. This book was a good read.
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