The Soldier
In a far corner of space, on the very borders between humanity’s Polity worlds and the kingdom of the vicious crab-like prador, is an immediate threat to all sentient life: an accretion disc, a solar system designed by the long-dead Jain race and swarming with living technology powerful enough to destroy entire civilizations.
Neither the Polity or the prador want the other in full control of the disc, so they’ve placed an impartial third party in charge of the weapons platform guarding the technology from escaping into the galaxy: Orlandine, a part-human, part-AI haiman. She’s assisted by Dragon, a mysterious, spaceship-sized alien entity who has long been suspicious of Jain technology and who suspects the disc is a trap lying-in-wait.
Meanwhile, the android Angel is planning an attack on the Polity, and is searching for a terrible weapon to carry out his plans―a Jain super-soldier. But what exactly the super-soldier is, and what it could be used for if it fell into the wrong hands, will bring Angel and Orlandine’s missions to a head in a way that could forever change the balance of power in the Polity universe.
In The Soldier, British science fiction writer Neal Asher kicks off another Polity-based trilogy in signature fashion, concocting a mind-melting plot filled with far-future technology, lethal weaponry, and bizarre alien creations.
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Neal Asher
Neal Asher is a name that rings out in the world of science fiction, particularly for those who crave gripping, high-concept stories filled with complex characters, advanced technology, and an exploration of the darker side of human nature. Asher’s writing has cemented his reputation as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary sci-fi, especially with his Polity series, a sweeping narrative that spans galaxies, alien races, and an ever-expanding vision of what humanity might become. His works are often a blend of hard science fiction, political intrigue, and the kind of action that makes readers’ hearts race.
Rise of the Jain
Rise of the Jain consists of three books — considered a complete series. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Main series Polity Universe
