Flanagan (who is, for want of a better word, a pirate) has a plan. It seems relatively simple: kidnap Lena, the Cheo's daughter, demand a vast ransom for her safe return, sit back and wait. Only the Cheo, despotic ruler of the known universe, isn't playing ball. Flanagan and his crew have seen this before, of course, but since they've learned a few tricks from the bad old days (being particularly bad if you happen to have been one of the myriad sons or daughters the Cheo let die rather than give in to blackmail) and since they know something about Lena that should make the plan foolproof, the Cheo's defiance is a major setback. It is a situation that calls for extreme measures. Luckily, Flanagan has considerable experience in this area. . .
Debatable Space
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Review
So crammed with startling ideas, scintillating prose, incredible aliens and plot twists that it evokes wonder and admiration ... A debut of rare accomplishment (Guardian )
A great innovative work. Palmer clearly knows his sci-fi (Starburst )
Relentlessly energetic ... one of those rare books that holds your focus on every page (SFRevu.com )
A hugely ambitious space opera by a first-time novelist that certainly doesn't skimp on big ideas (SFX )
A great innovative work. Palmer clearly knows his sci-fi (Starburst )
Relentlessly energetic ... one of those rare books that holds your focus on every page (SFRevu.com )
A hugely ambitious space opera by a first-time novelist that certainly doesn't skimp on big ideas (SFX )
Book Description
An audacious and imaginative debut from a bold new voice in British science fiction.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Queen of NW2
Format:Paperback
The introductory pages really put me off. So much so that the book sat gathering dust for weeks on the bedside table. But I gave it another go, and I'm glad that I did. If you can break through the crust of the first 20-odd pages, you'll be rewarded with some great imaginary landscapes, ideas and future alternatives. But can't say that I liked the multi-narrator structure - to me very jarring. Maybe I'm just old fashioned. But I'd certainly consider reading what Philip Palmer comes up with next.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Neil
Format:Paperback
It's not often that I'll finish a book and be actually angry at how utterly awful it was, to the extent that I'll take the time to write a review to help others avoid it.
The author takes many many ideas, most of them unoriginal, and crams them all in without any any development or explanation making them completely unbelievable. Sadly a similar approach is taken to the characterisation.
It's written in the style of a precocious teenager desperate to please the reader, and uses ridiculous techniques such as taking a whole page to write 'up ... up ... up ' diagonally across the page in order to describe flying... honestly.
The pacing is all wrong, it's completely juvenile, the plot lines are hackneyed, and the whole thing is a waste of your time and money.
If you're a fan of the likes of Iain M Banks or Alastair Reynolds, do yourself a favour and give this one a wide berth.
The author takes many many ideas, most of them unoriginal, and crams them all in without any any development or explanation making them completely unbelievable. Sadly a similar approach is taken to the characterisation.
It's written in the style of a precocious teenager desperate to please the reader, and uses ridiculous techniques such as taking a whole page to write 'up ... up ... up ' diagonally across the page in order to describe flying... honestly.
The pacing is all wrong, it's completely juvenile, the plot lines are hackneyed, and the whole thing is a waste of your time and money.
If you're a fan of the likes of Iain M Banks or Alastair Reynolds, do yourself a favour and give this one a wide berth.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Lack focus
Format:Paperback
I don't normally write reviews - but was amazed by the number of 1 star ratings this book has got.
On one level it's classic space opera - but written with multiple perspectives, lots of ideas and some wit. I found characterisation to be good, and the story generally moved along at a decent pace.
Some of the 'gimmicks' others mentioned (like using whole pages with just one symbol or word on them) I liked - and felt they added to the sort of playful style...
Anyway - I'd recommend it (though I thought 'Version 43' was better...)
On one level it's classic space opera - but written with multiple perspectives, lots of ideas and some wit. I found characterisation to be good, and the story generally moved along at a decent pace.
Some of the 'gimmicks' others mentioned (like using whole pages with just one symbol or word on them) I liked - and felt they added to the sort of playful style...
Anyway - I'd recommend it (though I thought 'Version 43' was better...)
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2.7 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
HEAPS OF FUN (FOR NON-PURISTS)
The response to this gleeful book is saddening, and tells me just as much about the readers as it does about Mr Palmer's delightful novel. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Ethan Maconie
1.0 out of 5 stars
Undebateable rubbish
A note to the reader of this review: its intent is to warn of the dangers of reading reviews, so proceed with caution. Read more
Published on 3 Mar 2011 by A. J. Poulter
4.0 out of 5 stars
Strong debut...
Engrossed in devising rhapsodic phrases about a newly discovered sun, Lena is far too slow to respond to the threat of pirate invaders - until they board her yacht and take her... Read more
Published on 21 Jan 2011 by sjhigbee
1.0 out of 5 stars
Terrible, terrible book
I love 'hard' Sci-Fi and am constantly looking for new authors, however I certainly regret this particular purchase. Read more
Published on 10 Mar 2010 by A. Rose
1.0 out of 5 stars
not good
I was glad when I decided that this book was not worth finishing, not even on a plane journey
Published on 12 Oct 2009 by Joanpau Rubies
1.0 out of 5 stars
Avoid
Very poor. In places it was ok but overall a waste of time and money.
Published on 14 Sep 2009 by Eoin Lynch
1.0 out of 5 stars
Worst sci fi book I've read
I will normaly persevere with a book once I have started but the bad plot and over the top juvenile sexual jokes made me cringe so much that I had to stop half way through. Read more
Published on 13 Dec 2008 by Mr. R. LAMBDEN
2.0 out of 5 stars
Gave up half way through
The blurb on the back of the book, intriging cover and the fact that this a debut novel lured me into this purchase. Read more
Published on 28 Nov 2008 by Ra Masters
5.0 out of 5 stars
A taste worth acquiring
I can see how this may not be for everyone (hence the fairly polarised ratings so far) but I thought it was wonderful. Read more
Published on 14 Nov 2008 by A. Thomas
5.0 out of 5 stars
Witty and well crafted
An impressive first novel: imaginative, audacious... enjoyable! I was surprised by the structure and enjoyed the playfulness. Read more
Published on 6 Jun 2008 by Kaz Hill
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