Paradox

February 21, 2005
In British author Meaney's impressive second SF novel (after To Hold Infinity
), the first of a trilogy, young Tom Corcorigan, born poor on the corrupt far-future world of Nulapeiron, receives a dangerous data-crystal from a doomed Pilot, one of the legendary travelers who can traverse the "mu-space" between planets. The crystal slowly teaches Tom how to negotiate complex algorithms of time and mu-space. When an Oracle (a member of Nulapeiron's ruling elite) capriciously deprives Tom of his mother, he finds solace in the crystal, which reveals the Pilots' secrets through episodic tales of old Earth. In his quest for vengeance against the Oracles, Tom survives many horrific rites of passage, including the loss of an arm. Tom not only becomes capable of manipulating perceptions of time but also helps unleash a revolution that unbalances the status quo on Nulapeiron. Intriguing ruminations on the nature of time mesh well with Meaney's fine plotting and his excellent world building. Agent, John Parker at MBA Literary Agents. (Mar. 8)

FYI:
This book was shortlisted for the British Science Fiction Association Award for Best Novel in 2001.

February 15, 2005
Tom Corcorigan grows up in the underground world of Nulapeiron, where everyone is born into a class and rising in the ranks is nearly impossible. Ruled over by Lords and Ladies and held in check by the all-powerful Oracles, who can predict the future, the lower classes remain in permanent poverty. When Tom loses his parents to the machinations of one of the Oracles and, later, his left arm to the judgment of the Lords, he swears revenge on those who caused harm to him and his family. But to accomplish that, he must achieve the impossible and ascend to the company of the nobles. First published in the United Kingdom, this series opener by the author of "To Hold Infinity" features a bleak future world of advanced technology and superstitious metaphysics. A treat for those who enjoy logic puzzles, scientific paradoxes, and coming-of-age tales; for most sf collections.

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