Book review: Gardens of the Sun – Paul McAuley

The sequel to ‘The Quiet War’, though fear not you don’t need to have read the first to enjoy this instalment. Set in the 23rd Century, earth is controlled by three major powers and the solar system is being colonised. The ‘outers’, the colonists on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn are thriving in harsh environments and the powers of earth feel threatened.

So here I am reading another Paul McAuley novel, one of the best science fiction authors writing currently, definitely in the same league as Greg Bear and Stephen Baxter. This book had the normal pace and flow you would expect from a Paul McAuley novel. Nothing felt rushed, the story was laid out with care and attention, but wasn’t overwhelming in detail.

The earth itself is in a state of recovery with projects to reseed and rejuvenate. One of the main themes of the story is the struggle between the powers of earth and the human colonists. I couldn’t help but reflect upon similar struggles between colonies and countries of earth in the past, indeed still today, whilst reading this novel.

You follow a diverse group of people. From the power hungry politicians, military and colonists to an assassin and ‘gene wizards’. You read from the different viewpoints of what it feels to be part of this time period, what questions require answering, what struggles are ongoing, what is inevitable given the need for resources and how individuals still can play their part.

One of the Earth powers, ‘Greater Brazil’ is primarily ruled by competing families. Probably the only aspect of the book I didn’t find entirely convincing as it’s set in the 23rd Century. Though today families around the world still wield major power, so perhaps a couple of hundreds years time who knows.

I enjoyed how Paul brought a sense of depth and background to this novel early on, okay it’s a sequel, but it firmly stands on its own two feet, showing the authors skill. You don’t need to read the original. Though conclusions were forthcoming, there was a thread or two left available for a follow up. Which I hope Paul picks up and spins into another great novel.