Alistair Reynolds

[AE35Unit]

Thanks for that Hypnos (Matt on Goodreads?)

 

[Hypnos164]

Thanks for that Hypnos (Matt on Goodreads?)

Yes, thats me.

 

[AE35Unit]

Yes, thats me.

Thought so!

 

[Patrick Mahon]

AE - the alternative would be to wait a week and then get Alastair Reynolds' new book, 'Terminal World', when it comes out on 13 March.

Also, it's not a space opera, so may appeal to those who have contributed to this thread who were put off by his choice of sub-genre.

 

[AE35Unit]

AE - the alternative would be to wait a week and then get Alastair Reynolds' new book, 'Terminal World', when it comes out on 13 March.

Also, it's not a space opera, so may appeal to those who have contributed to this thread who were put off by his choice of sub-genre.

Hmm, that means spending money, which we dont have! Plus I dont really want to buy a book by an author I'm not sure of.

 

[clovis-man]

The Prefect is a stand alone novel set in the Revelation Space universe but taking place some time before any of the "current" events in the main trilogy.

You could consider it a "prequel" if you like. If you have read the other Revelation Space stories, it enhances enjoyment. But it should be just fine all by itself also.

 

[Rodders]

Hmm, that means spending money, which we dont have! Plus I dont really want to buy a book by an author I'm not sure of.

I'd recommend Galactic North for you AE35Unit. It's a series of short stories all set in the Revelation Space universe. You'd be able to get a feel for this Future History and see if you like Alastairs writing.

Personally, i think AR is a fantastic writer and i'm really looking forward to Terminal World.

 

[clovis-man]

I'd recommend Galactic North for you AE35Unit. It's a series of short stories all set in the Revelation Space universe. You'd be able to get a feel for this Future History and see if you like Alastairs writing.

Excellent point.

 

[AE35Unit]

I'd recommend Galactic North for you AE35Unit. It's a series of short stories all set in the Revelation Space universe. You'd be able to get a feel for this Future History and see if you like Alastairs writing.

Well I have his Diamond Dogs, Turqouise Days to read sometime.

 

[Rodders]

I really liked Diamond Dogs. You'll meet the scary man with the Homberg that's been mentioned previously. I liked this story a lot. Turquise day less so, but it's still a great story. I'd be very interested to read what you think on him AE.

 

[Rodders]

I going to see if i can pick up a signed copy of Terminal World tomorrow at Forbidden Planet.

 

[Ursa major]

But if you don't like Diamond Dogs, AE, you'll be in very good company.

 

[AE35Unit]

But if you don't like Diamond Dogs, AE, you'll be in very good company.

Well,we'll find out soon enough. Not giving up on Mr Reymolds that easy!

 

[Ursa major]

I'm pleased you're not, AE.

 

[Rodders]

I finally picked up a signed copy of Terminal World today from Forbidden Planet.

 

[AndrewT]

How does Reynolds stack up against other SF writers of the last 25 years? Hamilton, Scalzi, Simmons, Vinge, others?

 

[clovis-man]

How does Reynolds stack up against other SF writers of the last 25 years? Hamilton, Scalzi, Simmons, Vinge, others?

If you just read through all the posts in this thread you may get a pretty good idea. But in brief: Equal to or better than all of them with the possible exception of Iain M. Banks.

 

[Bick]

How does Reynolds stack up against other SF writers of the last 25 years? Hamilton, Scalzi, Simmons, Vinge, others?

If you just read through all the posts in this thread you may get a pretty good idea. But in brief: Equal to or better than all of them with the possible exception of Iain M. Banks.

I've started Revelation Space (well, 300 pages in, its a big book!). I'm enjoying it a good deal. I like many things about it, particularly the complex plot, the notion of Ultras, slower-than-light travel (what a breath of fresh air that is), the general tone, and the high quality of the writing. Why did it take me so long to get to Reynolds? Too many good writers out there I guess.

With regard to the comment above comparing to other authors; comparison is not entirely like-for-like I think. (I realise no one said those writers were similar, so this is just a new thought). I think Reynolds is unlike Scalzi (who's tone is much lighter) and Vinge (who I feel is a bit more old school, though I loved 'Fire Upon the Deep'). Reynolds is somewhat similar to Banks, though Banks is more fantastical I think, and less 'hard'. The closest other writer to Reynolds I think is Charles Stross (e.g. Singularity Sky). I'm not sure who I would say was 'better' out of that lot - all are very good in their own style.

EDIT: Sorry, but it bugs me - could admin correct the thread title name of Alastair Reynolds?

 

[Bick]

So I finished Revelation Space. What a cracker of a SF book! Complex plot, characters with depth, strange and interesting ideas, and as one gets toward the end there's more then a touch of outer-space horror. Dark with big-ideas, and very well written. Reynolds is clearly a talented clever clogs. For my money it surpasses the Banks' books that I've read (just). I have the sequel on the shelf already waiting.

How do Redemption Ark and Absolution Gap compare?

 

[Bugg]

I'd be interested to know that, too.

I first read Revelation Space round about when it first came out in paperback and remember finding it a bit heavy going. Since then I've read some of his other books (Chasm City, House of Suns - both of which I loved - and Terminal World). Over Christmas I got the Revelation Space Collection for my Kindle - all seven books for £18, bargainous! I've just started re-reading RS with a view to (finally) reading the rest. I've had a real hankering for space opera just recently and, so far, I'm really enjoying RS and not finding it heavy going at all. I'm quite excited about reading the others.