From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Anathem, Reamde, and Cryptonomicon comes an exciting and thought-provoking science fiction epic—a grand story of annihilation and survival spanning five thousand years.What would happen if the world were ending?A catastrophic event renders the earth a ticking time bomb. In a feverish race against the inevitable, nations around the globe band … race against the inevitable, nations around the globe band together to devise an ambitious plan to ensure the survival of humanity far beyond our atmosphere, in outer space.
But the complexities and unpredictability of human nature coupled with unforeseen challenges and dangers threaten the intrepid pioneers, until only a handful of survivors remain . . .
Five thousand years later, their progeny—seven distinct races now three billion strong—embark on yet another audacious journey into the unknown . . . to an alien world utterly transformed by cataclysm and time: Earth.
A writer of dazzling genius and imaginative vision, Neal Stephenson combines science, philosophy, technology, psychology, and literature in a magnificent work of speculative fiction that offers a portrait of a future that is both extraordinary and eerily recognizable. As he did in Anathem, Cryptonomicon, the Baroque Cycle, and Reamde, Stephenson explores some of our biggest ideas and perplexing challenges in a breathtaking saga that is daring, engrossing, and altogether brilliant.
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Great story
Well rounded build up. Interesting characters and scientific concepts. Difficult to put down.
I really had no idea what I was getting into with this novel, which imho could have been a trilogy. The science is interesting and being explained well, is not difficult to understand. I did enjoy reading this novel.
This was a good book and it is usually raved about. This is not a rave review, but then I usually only award five stars to books that came to an end with me screaming noooooo! So, this was a good read, and sci-fi fans will certainly enjoy its twists and turns.
Epic
interesting sections interspersed with laundry lists of boring details
Far too many technical details for my taste. Otherwise original.
I wish Neal would edit himself. Instead of 1000 pages, how about half that much? I get weary. The ideas are sparkling and new, but the prose could use some life.
The best science fiction story I’ve ever experienced in any medium. Stephenson may well be a true genius.
Very complex and I lost interest. Didn’t finish it
Fascinating story, interesting characters with unpredictable twists.
And a super fun title!
Great take on what would happen if a catastrophic event destroyed the moon. Humanity’s efforts to save the race was totally believable and inspired. This book is a nail biter as the doom approaches with many inspirational and courageous moments.
The second part of the book takes place thousands of years later and it’s intersting to see how the …
I thought of The Martian. The book was also sufficiently long to keep me busy for a few days. It did drag a bit in places and the characters were a trifle wooden, but it was well beyond the usual run of SciFi potboilers. For the price, it was dandy.
I wish there had been four chapters with the new one following up on the cultural changes created at the end of 3.
This is a must read for Amy S-F fan and anyone who loves a good story. When is the movie coming out?
This was one of the best books I have read in awhile. It starts a bit slow but it is really deep and well put together and ends well.
The first two thirds of the book describe an apocalyptic event that wipes out earth, and how the survivors manage to make it to the moon. The last third deal with the long term (several millennia later) consequences. Overall, very good book.
Slow start, but the ending had me begging for a sequel.
Loved this story of what might happen if the earth becomes uninhabitable. I couldn’t put this book down and so much remains open.