Terminal World

By: Alastair Reynolds

Narrated by: John Lee

Spearpoint, the last human city, is an atmosphere-piercing spire of vast size. Clinging to its skin are the zones, a series of semi-autonomous city-states, each of which enjoys a different - and rigidly enforced - level of technology. Following an infiltration mission that went tragically wrong, Quillon has been living incognito, working as a pathologist in the district morgue.

But when a near-dead angel drops onto his dissecting table, Quillon's world is wrenched apart one more time. If Quillon is to save his life, he must leave his home and journey into the cold and hostile lands beyond Spearpoint's base, starting an exile that will take him further than he could ever imagine. But there is far more at stake than just Quillon's own survival, for the limiting technologies of the zones are determined not by governments or police but by the very nature of reality---and reality itself is showing worrying signs of instability.

©2010 Alastair Reynolds (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A rousing adventure in a widly original setting." ( Guardian, UK)

Very good listen

This is my first Reynolds book I have read or listened to. Very good.

One of Reynolds' Best

I thoroughly enjoyed what is clearly the beginning of some fantastic world-building by Reynolds. I liked being kept guessing and found the characters convincing. Like The Lord of the Rings, the "good guys" are multifaceted and fallible and it takes trust and teamwork for there to be a reasonable hope. Can't wait for the sequel!

John Lee performs well, but sometimes his various accents came and went. That's a minor quibble, however, and I don't want it to discourage anyone from listening.

It couldn't be better than that

If you could sum up Terminal World in three words, what would they be?

A wonderful scenario for a an enthralling and credible sci-fi plot where the scientific background is sound and the characters awe beautifully carved up

What was one of the most memorable moments of Terminal World?

The final is breath-taking.

Have you listened to any of John Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I would dare to say that he is the best reader. His voice gives credibility and depth to all characters, the rhythm is compelling, the tone is perfect.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Angels may fly higher with no wings

Any additional comments?

A wonderful experience.

Very Cool World

Any additional comments?

Reynolds does a great job creating an interesting world. I hope he continues to write about it, but even if he does not I found the book quite satisfying and great imagination fuel.

You can tell the Author had alot of fun with this one, and it was a nice change of pace from the big scope hard sci-fi that he does normally.

If you're looking for good escapism/science fiction/fantasy I'd be pretty surprised if you were disappointed.

Strong beginning but never comes together

When the story first started, I was really enjoying it. But it kept adding on layers and new characters without resolving anything. It felt to me like a long story that ultimately went nowhere. Many reviewers have said this is not the author's best work, and I must concur.