However, while all of these issues are also important in the sequel, the one that really strikes me as most important is the whole issue of God and/or Gods. We're introduced to so many great elements in that novel and even more that I'm not even touching upon here, such as gender questions, practical and general philosophy, and especially the whole realm of politics and its basic nature.

Too Like The Lightning was a futuristic political thriller with very heavy under and overtones about the meaning of God and what it means, with great variety and depth of exploration, to a people who are both jaded and very reliant on old Enlightenment ideas and ideals even though they're firmly set in the 25th Century.īy way of great reveals and thriller moments, we're invested in the machinations of seven enormous political entities defined by the ideals they hold since nations' borders are pretty much a dead issue with near-instantaneous travel. This is one of those situations where extremely high expectation meets flawless delivery, and I can't be happier for it. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC of this novel! And also because something new has arisen: Bridger, the child who can bring inanimate objects to conscious life. In which nationality is a fading memory, and most people identify instead with their choice of the seven global Hives, distinguished from one another by their different approaches to the big questions of life.Īnd it is a world in which, unknown to most, the entire social order is teetering on the edge of collapse.īecause even in utopia, humans will conspire. In which gendered language is archaic, and to dress as strongly male or female is, if not exactly illegal, deeply taboo. In which it is illegal for three or more people to gather for the practice of religion-but ecumenical “sensayers” minister in private, one-on-one. In which nobody living can remember an actual war. In which automation now provides for everybody’s basic needs.

It is a world in which near-instantaneous travel from continent to continent is free to all. The second book of Terra Ignota, a political SF epic of extraordinary audacity.

Seven surrenders