A mustache-twirlingly evil (and fortunately seldom on-stage) invader is leading a force into a star system, and the system has to prepare in various ways for it, including chasing after a probably mythical MacGuffin that was learned of, almost by accident, in a conversation with a representative of the gas giant-dwelling ancient species in the system. On the smaller scale, four friends go on a little exploration, and one dies. The remaining three bump into each other over the ensuing years, dealing with the overall situation and their interpersonal relationships. Sex, violence, a little puzzle, some whiz-bangery... it's a pretty satisfying mix, but I'm a little surprised it got a Hugo nod (though I certainly enjoyed it more than the winner, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell).
-
- No. 118 (
essentialsaltes) wrote,
No. 118
essentialsaltes
The Algebraist, by Iain M. Banks
A mustache-twirlingly evil (and fortunately seldom on-stage) invader is leading a force into a star system, and the system has to prepare in various ways for it, including chasing after a probably mythical MacGuffin that was learned of, almost by accident, in a conversation with a representative of the gas giant-dwelling ancient species in the system. On the smaller scale, four friends go on a little exploration, and one dies. The remaining three bump into each other over the ensuing years, dealing with the overall situation and their interpersonal relationships. Sex, violence, a little puzzle, some whiz-bangery... it's a pretty satisfying mix, but I'm a little surprised it got a Hugo nod (though I certainly enjoyed it more than the winner, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell).
-
Puzzler for the day
Why is 'rose' pink?
-
The Honor Roll
OK, I'll shut up about this now, but the Smithsonian Puzzle now offers various hints and such to help you run the gauntlet. And they've put up a…
-
Better late than never
Top Eleven Non-Solutions to the Final Challenge in the Smithsonian's Great American History Puzzle: 11 UCLA Test Diminution 10 Seminal Duct Tuition…
- Post a new comment
- 0 comments
- Post a new comment
- 0 comments
