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  • Prefect Dreyfus Emergency
  • The Prefect

The Prefect

Prefect Dreyfus Emergency #1 / 4
by Alastair Reynolds
The Prefect (Prefect Dreyfus Emergency #1) by Alastair Reynolds
★ 8.04 / 25
12324564711839510

Also published as Aurora Rising (UK paperback edition).

A rollercoaster ride through the dark and turbulent universe of REVELATION SPACE: an interstellar thriller where nothing – and no one – is what they seem...

Tom Dreyfus is a Prefect, a policeman of sorts, and one of the best. His force is Panoply, and his beat is the multi-faceted utopian society of the Glitter Band, that vast swirl of space habitats orbiting the planet Yellowstone. These days, his job is his life.

A murderous attack against a Glitter Band habitat is nasty, but it looks to be an open-and-shut case – until Dreyfus starts looking under some stones that some very powerful people would really rather stayed unturned. What he uncovers is far more serious than mere gruesome murder: a covert takeover bid by a shadowy figure, Aurora (who may once have been human but certainly isn't now), who believes the people of the Glitter Band should no longer be in charge of their own destiny.

Dreyfus discovers that to save something precious, you may have to destroy part of it.

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Science FictionSpace Opera
Release date: April 2007

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Alastair Reynolds

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.

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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.

Prefect Dreyfus Emergency

In the sprawling, high-tech universe of the Revelation Space series, Prefect Dreyfus Emergency emerges as a sharp, captivating exploration of law, order, and power. At the center of it all is Tom Dreyfus, a man whose dedication to justice is as unwavering as it is complicated. As the leader of the Panoply—a group of elite officers tasked with protecting the sprawling, orbital habitats of the Glitter Band—Dreyfus finds himself on the front lines of a crisis that could unravel the very fabric of society.

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In the Prefect Dreyfus Emergency series, every turn of the plot challenges the very foundations of power and control. The glittering expanse of space, once thought to be a utopia of progress and civilization, hides secrets that are slowly beginning to surface. When a devastating attack shakes one of the habitats, Dreyfus is forced to confront an insidious conspiracy, one that goes deeper than he ever imagined.

The narrative isn't just about thrilling space battles or technological marvels; it’s about the intricacies of governance, the shadowy nature of surveillance, and the moral costs of maintaining order in a complex, interconnected society. Each installment peels back the layers of a world that’s as ethically ambiguous as it is futuristic. The atmosphere is rich with tension, and the stakes are high as Dreyfus unravels truths that threaten to expose the fragile balance between personal freedom and collective security.

This series is an evocative, thought-provoking journey into a world of intricate political maneuvering, moral dilemmas, and compelling character arcs. The finely tuned world-building and dynamic relationships between characters keep readers on edge, making each revelation as impactful as the last.

For those who revel in speculative fiction that asks more profound questions about society, surveillance, and power, Prefect Dreyfus Emergency offers a story that’s as complex and morally grey as the universe it’s set in. If you’re looking for a series where the boundaries between right and wrong blur in the cold depths of space, this is the one to dive into.


Prefect Dreyfus Emergency consists of three primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Main series Revelation Space

The Prefect (Prefect Dreyfus Emergency #1)
★ 8.04 / 25
Open and Shut (Prefect Dreyfus Emergency #1.5)
Unrated
Elysium Fire (Prefect Dreyfus Emergency #2)
★ 7.54 / 11
Machine Vendetta (Prefect Dreyfus Emergency #3)
★ 8.00 / 4
Prefect Dreyfus Emergency Book 4 (Prefect Dreyfus Emergency #4)
⧗ 8.00 / 1


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