Century Rain by Alistair Reynolds - Review of the UK Edition by John Berlyne "A major new novel from the brilliant Al Reynolds; a departure from his Revelation Space universe, Century Rain fuses time-travel, hard SF, alternate history, interstellar adventure and noir romance to create a novel of blistering powers and style. Incidentally, there are two quotes from my reviews of Al's works quoted on the rear cover of Century Rain - check out what I thought of both Chasm City and Diamond Dogs - and when you're done, why not read my exclusive interview with the author." - JB

In this future, mankind has rendered Earth uninhabitable through a nanotech weapon. The remaining humans have divided into factions. One, known as the slashers (short for slash dot), who are members of the Federation of Polities, believe in the use of advanced technology including genetic engineering and nanotech machines that can preserve a person?s identity past the death of the body. The other side, the Threshers, believe in only limited use of technology so that what happened to Earth never happens again (although some Threshers are not above making use of advanced technology developed by others). The Threshers, such as Verity, control access to the ruined Earth. But things are not simple black and white. Not all Slashers are bad and at least one character who seems like the enemy early on, proves to be something rather different. The Slashers are divided into two factions ? the moderates who are willing to cooperate and trade with the Threshers in return for some access to Earth. But the aggressor faction wants to take over the Earth for themselves.

And, it seems that a specially engineered group of Slashers are hiding on the duplicate Earth and are trying to seize the notes and papers of Verity?s ?sister? and possibly kill her and Floyd. Not knowing this, Floyd follows Verity to the subway station that connects the France end of the wormhole, and later to Germany to investigate a factory that may be used, albeit unwittingly. Gradually, Verity is forced to rely on Floyd, and, when injured, ultimately brings him into her world, right in time for a Slasher attack.

Although the background is complex, it is fairly easy for the reader to understand the plot, a necessity in a book with mystery elements. The slow exposure of what is really going on as Floyd uncovers the truth adds suspense for the reader. Another strong point of the book is how the characters seem real. They have lives and pasts beyond what is just necessary for the plot of the book. Verity has a daughter who was disappointed when Verity did not show up for her birthday. Floyd has an interest in jazz records, a partner who has problems with the police, and an ex-girlfriend who is caring for an ill aunt. In the Paris sections there is police corruption and a growing anti-foreigner movement. These details add color and authenticity to the narrative. The characters all seem well-developed with even minor characters like Floyd?s partner and his girlfriend?s aunt all having their own personalities and quirks. I did think that Floyd adjusted rather quickly to being propelled to what was, from his point of view, the far future, although that may just be because the action moved so fast that he didn't have time to develop future shock.

Alastair Reynolds? Century Rain seems to be that rarity in today?s science fiction, a complete single volume novel, although the universe is complex enough for a return visit. More can be done with the ruined Earth and how it got that way, the internal politics of the Slashers and the Threshers, and the hints at the end that there might be more of these duplicated Earths from different eras. Still, Century Rain successfully stands alone. It has plenty of action, a pronounced mystery flavor, and good characters. I strongly recommend the book and plan on seeking out Reynolds? earlier novels.