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Books like The Quiet War

The Quiet War

2008Paul McAuley

3.8/5

WOW. This book changed my view of the solar system forever.McAuley shows a superb understanding and vision of the post-Global Warming catastrophe on earth, clearly presented, fascinating. One of the best and most likely scenarios: 1. Global Warming causes severe disruptions to society and agriculture2. Sudden Methane release from ocean clathrates - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clathra...creates the "Overturn" - a total catastrophic climate change collapsing society.3. The rise of the super-rich, powerful families and power-blocks.Full size image hereThe author also presents plausible, detailed, hard science fictional worlds and ecologies as they might exist on the moons of the gas giants; plausible spaceship propulsion and mechanical technologies; and stretched but plausible gene manipulation technologies. Sometimes a bit dense and long-winded, but mostly superior... Well done!Into this mix he throws Earth characters caught up in or directing naked power (often cloaked as religion) for family/personal gain, as well as "Outers" living ultra democratic lifestyles on the moons, creative, successful, and somewhat chaotic.The first 3/4 of the book expands at a comfortable pace, never leaving the reader behind, and accelerating towards a horrific, brutal climax. I was reminded of the power grab and greed for money and oil which foreshadowed the US invasion of Iraq, which clearly could Never succeed. *rant* (Only generates continuing obscene profits for the few, continues to wreck an entire country, and increases daily the death so far of 400,000+ human beings -- benefitting only corporations and the super-rich) */rant*The climax of the novel is both typical of overweening power (militarism gone mad), the ability to break things but not repair or better them, and a quite astounding view of the gene-manipulator Avernus' whimsy and skill on the surface of Titan -- Brilliantly imagined and realised.4-stars for the first 3/4 of the book, and then Highest marks 5-stars for the climax.In his own words, McAuley's story of the writing of The Quiet War and subsequent of the series -- http://upcoming4.me/news/book-news/st...I am proceeding to the sequel (#2 of 4?) in this series. Quite good so far.Paul McAuleyFull size image here

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