Eclipse/Song Called Youth by John Shirley

[Nerds_feather]

J-Sun guest reviewed this seminal cyberpunk trilogy for my blog today, and I think you'll agree his review is excellent! Key quote:

This is not a story for the sexually uptight, the pacifist, or the fascist, as Shirley revels in sexual kinks, ultraviolence, and freedom. It is a tale of sex, drugs, rock'n'roll, and mass destruction. (It should be noted that, while this work is drenched in violence, it is never glorified for its own sake and the costs are shown in great detail and with great pathos--but it is also seen as sometimes necessary and is also used for full dramatic purpose.) It is an uncommonly gripping, tangible, and compelling read whose magnificent first book (in which he attempts an ending so daring and bold that it's a miracle he pulls it off) provides enough velocity to carry one through the still good, but increasingly haphazard, final two installments.

Curious to see if there are any other Shirley fans out there, and hoping to jumpstart discussion of the book.

 

[Vince W]

Agreed. Excellent review. I read this trilogy in the 80s and J-Sun is spot on. Shirley did quite a job blazing his own path in the sci-fi world and cyberpunk. Change Soviet Union to Russian Federation and the story is not very much wrong in that respect. Chilling really.

I've not read the series since it was originally published, but it might be time to give it a look again.