The Voyage of Sable Keech

The Spatterjay Series: Book 2

By: Neal Asher

Narrated by: William Gaminara

The Voyage of the Sable Keech is the second book in Neal Asher's Spatterjay series, following on from The Skinner.

Sable Keech is a walking dead man. Was he resurrected because he was infected by the Spatterjay virus, or it took place late in a tank of seawater? Taylor Bloc wants to know the truth. He also wants more – adulation, power, control – and will go to any lengths to achieve them.

An ancient hive mind has sent an agent to this uncertain world. Does it merely want to obtain the poison 'sprine' that is crucial to immortality? Erlin, still faced with the ennui of immortality, is interrupted by an angry whelkus titanicus, and begins a strange journey.

Deep in the ocean the Spatterjay virus has wrought a terrible change that will affect them all. Something long-dormant is breaking free. And Sniper, its Warden, finally receives his new drone shell. It's better than his old one: powerful engines, more lethal weapons, thicker armour. He's going to need them.

©2009 Neal Asher (P)2010 Audible, Inc

I like his other work but I couldn' get into this

I just couldnt get into this, I'm not sure if its because I started with the second book.

Wonderfully detailed xeno biology.

Some reviews opined that the book was difficult to get into or difficult to follow the story line and there were times that I agreed. In the whole of you want a rewarding ecosystem then you have to put up with a bit of background. This story was a wonderful way to do this. After the untimely passing of Iain M. Banks I have finally found an author that can craft a universe. I will miss The Culture, but Mr Asher has provided a rich universe to discover along with some very undertaking Minds. Room101, Penny Royal, Thirteen, not to mention the incorrigible Sniper.

If you're new to Asher don't start here.