I have now read the two direct sequels to
Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds, namely:
- Redemption Ark
- Absolution Gap
The storytelling, imagination and intelligence displayed in these two books are the equal of the first. On a gross scale, there is good consistency (though not pefect) and, most of the time, the characters are well drawn.
Redemption Ark is the least strong book of the three: some** of the actions the characters take do not bear close inspection: they seem to be there only to bring certain characters together, particularly near the beginning of the book; that said, most settle down well (although there is rather too much dubious behaviour driven by soul-searching - though this does fit in with the title). Other than this, the plot is again complex and interesting and there are some good set pieces.
I really liked
Absolution Gap; the major characters behave in a believable way, given the circumstances. As in all three books, it is not always possible to see what is coming, in either the sort or long term; Reynold's imagination is well displayed here.
All in all, I liked the series: all three books came to satisfying conclusions, and yet the sequels did not feel at all shoe-horned in.
(One minor gripe about Absolution Gap: I was not completely convinced by the reduced gravity on Hela, which came and went (as it were) in the narrative; however, given Reynolds's scientific background, I am quite prepared to believe that he is right and my impressions are mistaken.)
** - they are few, but obvious