Pushing Ice

Arthur C. Clarke Award nominee 2006.

First Contact with extraordinary aliens, glittering technologies that could destroy the universe in a nanosecond, huge sweeping space operas: Alastair Reynolds is back!

Some centuries from now, the exploration and exploitation of the Solar System is in full swing. On the cold edge of the system, Bella Lind, captain of the huge commercial spacecraft Rockhopper IV, helps fuel this new gold rush by attaching mass-driver motors to organic-rich water-ice comets to move them back to the inner worlds. Her crew are tough, blue-collar miners, engineers and demolition experts.

Around Saturn, something inexplicable happens: one of the moons leaves its orbit and accelerates out of the Solar System. The icy mantle peels away to reveal that it was never a moon in the first place, just a parked spacecraft, millions of years old, that has now decided to move on.

Rockhopper IV, trapped in the pull, is hurled across time and space into the deep, distant future, arriving in a vast, alien-constructed chamber. And the crew are not alone, for each chamber contains an alien culture dragged into this cosmic menagerie at the end of time.

The crew of the Rockhopper IV know a lot about blowing up comets, but not much about first contact with ultra-advanced aliens. They have two things to worry about: can they (and their new alien allies) negotiate their way through each harrying contact? And can they assimilate the avalanche of knowledge about their own future – including all the glittering, dangerous technologies that are now theirs for the taking – without destroying themselves in the process?

”Hard SF doesn't come much harder. Classic Reynolds.” – Jon Courtenay Grimwood, The Guardian

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Science Fiction Space Opera

Release date: 2005

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Alastair Reynolds

Alastair Reynolds is a name that resonates within the vast expanse of space science fiction, carving out a unique niche where intricate world-building and hard science converge to create tales that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally captivating. Born in Wales and initially trained as an astrophysicist, Reynolds brings a distinct blend of scientific precision and imaginative storytelling to his writing, offering readers a glimpse into the farthest reaches of the universe.

His breakthrough came with Revelation Space, a novel that would lay the foundation for the expansive universe he would continue to explore in subsequent works. Set in a universe of sprawling interstellar empires, ancient alien civilizations, and dark, far-reaching mysteries, his novels combine speculative science with an unsettling, noir-like atmosphere. The complexity of Reynolds' work is matched only by its scale; his stories often delve into the themes of humanity's place in the cosmos, the ethical dilemmas surrounding advanced technology, and the nature of time itself.

As a writer, Reynolds doesn’t shy away from big ideas—his books are known for their philosophical depth and scientifically grounded exploration of space travel, artificial intelligence, and the nature of consciousness. While his narratives often unfold at a breakneck pace, he never sacrifices the intellectual depth that fans of his work have come to appreciate. His Revelation Space series, along with standalone works like House of Suns and The Prefect, showcase his uncanny ability to blend hard science with human drama, often using the vastness of space to mirror the complexity of human emotions.

Outside of his writing, Reynolds’ background in astrophysics and his deep interest in cosmology give his works a sense of authenticity that many science fiction readers find compelling. Yet, he also knows how to weave in the profound emotional beats that make his characters resonate on a deeply human level, no matter how far removed from our world they might be.

For Reynolds, space is more than just a backdrop; it's a canvas for exploring the unknown aspects of humanity, time, and existence. His writing not only presents a future that is both awe-inspiring and cautionary, but also reflects the intricate dance between technology and the human spirit. It’s a delicate balance that sets him apart in the crowded field of science fiction.

Fans of Alastair Reynolds know they’re in for more than just a thrilling adventure—they’re invited to a space where philosophy, science, and storytelling intersect in a bold, visionary way. As he continues to explore the vastness of space through his complex narratives, Reynolds remains one of the most exciting voices in modern science fiction.