Description
Book SynopsisThousands of years hence, many races inhabit a universe where a mind''s potential is determined by its location in space - from superintelligent entities in the Transcend, to the limited minds of the Unthinking Depths, where only simple creatures and technology can function. Nobody knows what strange force partitioned space into these ''zones of thought'', but when the warring Straumli realm use an ancient Transcendent artefact as a weapon, they unwittingly unleash an awesome power that destroys thousands of worlds and enslaves all natural and artificial intelligence.
Fleeing the threat, a family of scientists, including two children, are taken captive by the Tines - an alien race with a harsh medieval culture - and used as pawns in a ruthless power struggle. A rescue party, not entirely composed of humans, must free the children - and retrieve a secret that may save the rest of interstellar civilization.
Trade ReviewA tale that burns with the brazen energy of the best space operas of the golden age. Vinge has created a galaxy for the readers of the '90s to believe in . . . immense, ancient, athrum with data webs, dotted with wonders - Interzone
The first grand SF I've read in ages . . . Vinge is one of the best visionary writers of SF today
Vinge's climax is suitably mind-boggling. This epic combines the flash and dazzle of old-style space opera with modern, polished thoughtfulness
Wide-screen science fiction epic of the type few writers attempt any more. A novel of great ingenuity, energy and narrative sweep - Washington Post
Thoughtful space opera at its best, this book delivers everything it promises in terms of galactic scope, audacious concepts and believable characters both human and non-human - The New York Times
