4.02
Part of "Revelation Space" series
"Absolution Gap" by Alastair Reynolds is a space opera novel that combines science fiction and mystery to create a thrilling and thought-provoking read. This book is the third installment in Reynolds' "Revelation Space" series, but it can also be enjoyed as a standalone novel. The story is set in a distant future where humanity has colonized various planets and moons in the galaxy. The protagonist, Clavain, is a former soldier who is haunted by his past and is now living in exile on the moon of Yellowstone. However, his peaceful existence is disrupted when he receives a message from an old friend who is in danger. Clavain sets off on a perilous journey to save his friend and uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the entire human race. Reynolds' world-building is exceptional, and he creates a vivid and immersive universe filled with fascinating technology, alien species, and political intrigue. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is fast-paced and full of unexpected twists and turns. The novel also explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the consequences of humanity's actions on a cosmic scale. One of the standout features of "Absolution Gap" is Reynolds' ability to seamlessly blend hard science fiction with philosophical and ethical questions. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of consciousness, the ethics of artificial intelligence, and the impact of technology on society. Overall, "Absolution Gap" is a thrilling and engaging space opera that combines exciting action, intriguing characters, and thought-provoking themes. Fans of science fiction and mystery will find much to enjoy in this novel, and it is a must-read for fans of Alastair Reynolds' work...
Ann Leckie
Ancillary Justice
Fans of Absolution Gap might enjoy this space opera that explores themes of identity and artificial intelligence. The novel follows Breq, a former AI who is now the last survivor of a starship destroyed by treachery.
Learn MoreAlastair Reynolds
Revelation Space
If you enjoyed Absolution Gap, you might like to return to the beginning of the Revelation Space series. This novel introduces the universe in which the rest of the series takes place, and follows the archaeologist Dan Sylveste as he tries to uncover the secrets of a long-dead civilization.
Learn MoreAlastair Reynolds
Chasm City
Another entry in the Revelation Space series, Chasm City is a space opera thriller that explores themes of memory and identity. The novel is set in a decadent city that has been overtaken by a strange nanotech plague.
Learn MoreIain M. Banks
The Player of Games
Fans of Absolution Gap might enjoy this space opera from Iain M. Banks. The novel follows Jernau Morat Gurgeh, a master gamesplayer, as he is recruited by the Culture to play a game in a hostile alien civilization.
Learn MoreJames S. A. Corey
The Expanse series
If you enjoyed the political intrigue and space battles in Absolution Gap, you might enjoy The Expanse series. This series is a modern space opera that follows a diverse cast of characters as they navigate a politically charged solar system.
Learn MoreMary Robinette Kowal
The Calculating Stars
If you enjoyed the epic scope and world-building in Absolution Gap, you might enjoy this alternate history space opera. The novel is set in an alternate 1950s where a meteorite has destroyed much of the United States, leading to a space race to save humanity.
Learn MoreBecky Chambers
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
Fans of the diverse cast of characters in Absolution Gap might enjoy this space opera that focuses on the crew of a spaceship as they travel to a distant planet. The novel explores themes of found family and the importance of community.
Learn MoreMary Doria Russell
The Sparrow
If you enjoyed the exploration of faith and morality in Absolution Gap, you might enjoy this science fiction novel that follows a group of Jesuit priests as they travel to a distant planet to make contact with an alien civilization.
Learn MoreUrsula K. Le Guin
The Left Hand of Darkness
Fans of the exploration of gender and sexuality in Absolution Gap might enjoy this classic science fiction novel. The novel is set on a planet where inhabitants can choose their gender, and follows a human envoy as he tries to persuade the planet to join an intergalactic alliance.
Learn MoreWilliam Gibson
Neuromancer
If you enjoyed the cyberpunk elements in Absolution Gap, you might enjoy this classic science fiction novel. The novel follows a washed-up computer hacker as he is hired by a mysterious employer to pull off the ultimate hack.
Learn More