Many scifi books, tv shows or movies try and simplify problems for the wider audience, makes the complex seem understandable, turn the complex into layman’s terms. This book doesn’t do that or at least doesn’t fully. The reality is when talking about wormholes, black holes, the creation of the universe or similar the subject is too complex for most. I found this book quite tough at times, but persevered and was rewarded with a brilliant read. If you’ve ever read a Stephen Baxter book or a Greg Bear, then you might find Paul J. McAuley’s writing style to your liking.
The third book I believe in a series. I’ve never read the others, but had no problems settling right into the storyline. Good enough to stand on it’s own two feet, yet without doubt making me reluctant to read the previous. Not out of hate or disinterest, but because I should of started with them first.
Set hundreds of years in the future and after a conflict with aliens called the Alea, humanity has ventured out to the stars again. Some seek enlightment, others war, some vengence and some answers and exploration. Some with different motivations and a possiblity that we are simply over our heads, a young species in a universe that has had more than enough time to see other species develop and head to the stars before us. Watch the different agenda’s play out, see the battle of wills and be left guessing at the outcome, not perhaps of the wider storyline, but of the individual characters.
There was a good assortment of characters. An ex-military spaceship pilot, warrior through and through. Yet deeply scarred from battling aliens in the past, driven but can she be trusted? Another a rich overlord of sorts, old, but kept young, rich, but angry at those who govern humanity. Can his personal agenda benefit those around him and help save the day? Then there is a telepath captured, altered by aliens, trusted by none, yet too important to avoid. I could write about more characters, but as you see the characters are flawed, have baggage, which add to the story.
The book was complex and left me asking simple questions at the end, but only because the author touched upon wider issues. Life, colonisation, technology and more. Yet take this book for what it is and that is step ahead of many.
My first time reading one of Paul J. McAuley’s books, but not my last. Recommended.
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