Absolution Gap

Take another awe-inspiring leap into the darkly imagined future of REVELATION SPACE, where it is time for Humanity to meet its Unmakers.

Mankind has endured centuries of horrific plague and a particularly brutal interstellar war... but there is still no time for peace and quiet.

Stirred from aeons of sleep, the Inhibitors – ancient alien killing machines – have begun the process of ridding the galaxy of its latest emergent intelligence: mankind. As a ragtag bag of refugees fleeing the first wave of the cull head towards an apparently insignificant moon light-years away, they discover an avenging angel, a girl born in ice. She has the power to lead mankind to safety, and the ability to draw down their darkest enemy.

And on a planet where vast travelling cathedrals crawl towards the treacherous fissure known as Absolution Gap, an unsettling truth becomes apparent: to beat one enemy, it may be necessary to forge an alliance with something much, much worse...

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Science Fiction Space Opera Cyberpunk Artificial Intelligence

Release date: 2003

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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.

Revelation Space

The Revelation Space universe is a fictional universe which was created by Alastair Reynolds and used as the setting for a number of his novels and stories. Its fictional history follows the human species through various conflicts from the relatively near future (roughly 2200) to approximately AD 40000 (all the novels to date are set between 2427 and 2727, although certain stories extend beyond this period). It takes its name from Revelation Space, which was the first published novel set in the universe.