Revelation Space - Alastair Reynolds

This book, the first in an ongoing series, is for my money the best of the 'reconstructed' space operas I've read. It has all of the trappings of classic SF: galactic empires, ancient artifacts, planet-killing weapons and cyborgs - to name just a few - but Reynolds manages to inject new life into what could just be tired old cliches in another writer's hands. The book has two main plotlines. In one, a space archeaologist (Sylveste) is looking for ways to penetrate the defenses around a mysterious space-borne artifact, while at the same time trying to survive a coup brought about by rogue members of his own exploration group. The other plot strand concerns a ...  Read the complete review

'Gonzo cybergoth space opera' is one of the comments on the back of this book, but don't let that put you off. If I knew what Gonzo meant I think I'd probably disagree completely. Cybergoth I feel gives the wrong impression although space opera may be a fairer moniker. Basically this book is the story of a scientist Dan Sylvestre in the 27th century tied up with the fate of an alien race that was wiped out 900,000 years ago- the Amarantin. What makes this so good is that nothing about this book is basic. The depth of the story takes it far further than a 'simple' sci-fi adventure. Reynolds' writing style is new and refreshing. I read ...  Read the complete review