The Fractal Prince

By: Hannu Rajaniemi

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's Summary

A physicist receives a mysterious paper. The ideas in it are far, far ahead of current thinking and quite, quite terrifying. In a city of “fast ones,” shadow players, and jinni, two sisters contemplate a revolution. And on the edges of reality a thief, helped by a sardonic ship, is trying to break into a Schrödinger box for his patron. In the box is his freedom. Or not. Jean de Flambeur is back. And he’s running out of time. In Hannu Rajaniemi’s sparkling follow-up to the critically acclaimed international sensation The Quantum Thief, he returns to his awe-inspiring vision of the universe…and we discover what the future held for Earth.

©2012 Hannu Rajaniemi (P)2013 Recorded Books

Jean le Flambeur Series Continues Brilliantly

Jean le Flambeur is on a mission whilst being hunted – of course, this calls for deft timing and brilliant distraction all while trying to get in a Schrödinger box to borrow a powerful jewel… or not. So begins The Fractal Prince, the second book the Jean le Flambeur series. (Go here for a review of the first book, The Quantum Thief. Also, read them in order.) The Oubliette is replaced with Sirr, a city on Earth ravaged by wildcode. The European steampunk culture is supplanted by an Arabian culture partially under the thumb of the Sobornost. Meanwhile, a small boy version Matjek Chen (a founder) is roving the beach. Mieli, Perhonen and Jean must figure out how much their trust has grown and how closely they keep within the Pellegrini’s wishes.

I switched between the Kindle and Audible versions of The Fractal Prince. I listened to the audiobook. Because it’s dense material, I don’t recommend that be your only way of taking in the content, despite it being an excellent recording. Scott Brick does his usual fabulous job narrating. As I've noted before, Mr. Brick is in my pantheon of favorite narrators. His pacing, emphasis, and enunciation are nearly flawless, which is a particularly challenging feat since it’s loaded with technical material and new terms. Alas, while he narrated The Quantum Thief, he does not narrate A Causal Angel

For full review: wp.me/p2XCwQ-17Z

I'm sure it worked in the author's mind, but not in mine.

Rajanieni's first book was really excellent. Rich storytelling with beautiful language and outstanding tech, great characters and situations, and subtle humor. I found this one was just literary masterbation that continually lost my attention every few minutes. Lots of big, imaginative words sprayed in a mechanized litany that felt like words crafted for complex alliteration rather than serving a story. The first few chapters felt like he was going for a record for how many times he could use the word 'quantum' with little substance; almost aspergers in its execution.

He deviates into an entirely different genre with his earth-based story that includes magic carpets and genies and undead ghouls that feels so out of place that it seems he was writing a different book entirely but threw in some superficial wanking service from the first book so that he could call it a sequel.

This book is a dud and a real disappointment from an author whose first book had me telling people that this guy could be the next big thing in sci-fi. Now I have to go back and save face.

Style makes up for minimal plot

I enjoyed the book, but the complexity is in the telling, not in the plot. The technologies in the story are so advanced, anything can happen; in that it's akin to fantasy. I didn't realize in the first book that the civilization (if the diverse actors can be grouped that way) is confined to the solar system; I guess brains the size of a planet still can't out think Albert E.

Brilliantly Complex

Brilliant prose. Very complex universe, so it's not an easy listen if you are working out anything while you listen. It didn't feel as coherent as book 1, but it was still beautifully written. The fantastic voice acting was terrific, very expressive, beautiful accents and variety of voices.

One of my favorites.

Scott Brick brings the story of The Flower Prince to life. A must listen for any sci fi fan. A modern classic.

Good, but not near as good as the first book.

I loved the Quantum Thief and although this is a continuation of that book (sort of), it just doesn't hold your attention as well. There's not much of a plot but the style and "out there" tech keeps it interesting. It gets a little confusing at times. It doesn't give me the urge to finish the trilogy, which probably says a lot about how uninspiring it is.

Complex and rewarding

I found myself having to read parts of the book multiple times to keep things straight in my head. However, the story is rewarding and worth it.

He lives!

Any additional comments?

Great continuation to the Quantum Thief. interesting ideas. Can't wait for the next installment.