This is Reynolds fourth book that I have read, but definitely not his strongest novel to date. Unlike some of his previous books, which have complex, tight plotting, this book moves in a much more straightforward manner, using Reynolds’ typical approach of setting two or three plotlines in motion and bringing them together to create the central tension in the novel. I hate trying to summarize sci-fi plots (read the Amazon review if you’re curious), but this one includes: a nanotechological holocaust (”nanocaust”), an ancient wormhole network of unknown origin, a “copy” of 1950’s earth with a slightly altered historical timeline set in Paris, and too many Casablanca references.

There’s a fair bit not to like about this novel, especially compared to some of his better books like Revelation Space. That said, its an enjoyable enough beach read that I really didn’t want to put it down once it got going. I don’t think that this book is going to teach you anything about the nature of the universe or human behaviour, but its rather fun.