Alastair Reynolds
Set in the same universe as On the Steel Breeze where life on earth is surveilled by "The Mech", the benevolent AI that has eliminated disease, crime, poverty, etc. It a time when the humans have finally come together, after the Resource and Relocation wars brought on by climate change stress, and global politics is again centered in Africa. And the preeminent family are the Akinyas, of the Akinya Space Fleet fame and wealth, the biggest and most powerful conglomerate in the solar system. When matriarch Eunice dies, it sets in motion a treasure hunt of sorts for grandchildren Geoffrey (elephant biologist) and Sunday (artist in residence on the moon). Cousins and the family business first mentality of Hector and Lucas get involved and at least in the family, the 'good' and 'bad' sides are clearly defined. More subtle are the Panspermians, who have interests in spreading humanity beyond the solar system and who have generational ties to the Akinya family. What their motives are and how helpful they will be is constantly up for interpretation. I enjoy this world, and appreciate Reynolds use of science in creating this world that is near-future. But the good/evil is perhaps too well defined, and the ambiguous is too explicitly ambiguous, and the drama resolves with a bit of a whimper. In short, great world - mediocre story.
3 stars (out of 4)
