Gridlinked (Tor Science Fiction) 
asked by anton584 on November 26, 2006 7:25 PM
Gridlinked is a science fiction adventure in the classic, fast-paced, action-packed tradition of Harry Harrison and Poul Anderson, with a dash of cyberpunk and a splash of Ian Fleming added to spice the mix. Cormac is a legendary Earth Central Security agent, the James Bond of a wealthy future where "runcibles" (matter transmitters controlled by AIs) allow interstellar travel in an eye blink throughout the settled worlds of the Polity. Unfortunately Cormac is nearly burnt out, "gridlinked" to the AI net so long that his humanity has begun to drain away. He has to take the cold-turkey cure and shake his addiction to having his brain on the net.Now he must do without just as he's sent to investigate the unique runcible disaster that's wiped out the entire human colony on planet Samarkand in a thirty-megaton explosion. With the runcible out, Cormac must get there by ship, but he has incurred the wrath of a vicious psychopath called Arian Pelter, who now follows him across the galaxy with a terrifying psychotic killer android in tow. And deep beneath Samarkand's surface there are buried mysteries, fiercely guarded. This is fast-moving, edge-of-the-seat entertainment, and a great introduction to the work of one of the most exciting new SF talents in years.
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Gridlinked is a good, solid read. It is a successful blend of galactic intrigue, espionage, aliens, and action. The story follows Ian Cormac, a 25th century version of "a certain agent with the number 007" (p. 341). Cormac is an agent for Earth Central Security, and has for decades fought insurgents and ne'er-do-wells to maintain order within "the Polity." Cormac is one of the few people with internal access to the galaxy-wide information grid, being "gridlinked" to the AI's that effectively rule humanity. However, for the sake of this mission, Cormac must sever his link, and readjust to life as a normal human. (The title should more accurately be "No Longer Gridlinked.") He then has to track down an extragalactic threat to humanity, while fending off a revenge-crazed psychopath. Fun!
Asher has done an admirable job of world building. The technology is well explained - they have some awesome weapons! - but it remains secondary to the story, as it should. The characters are well developed, with distinct, believable personalities. The story moves at a good pace, with lots of action and enough plot twists to keep you guessing.
It's not entirely new ground; the book reminds me of Singularity Sky by Charles Stross, and Spin State by Chris Moriarity. And I did find myself scratching my head a few times in confusion. All in all, though, it was an excellent debut effort. The characters and world are rich enough to explore further, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Asher has done an admirable job of world building. The technology is well explained - they have some awesome weapons! - but it remains secondary to the story, as it should. The characters are well developed, with distinct, believable personalities. The story moves at a good pace, with lots of action and enough plot twists to keep you guessing.
It's not entirely new ground; the book reminds me of Singularity Sky by Charles Stross, and Spin State by Chris Moriarity. And I did find myself scratching my head a few times in confusion. All in all, though, it was an excellent debut effort. The characters and world are rich enough to explore further, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
reviewed by fusionz on November 27, 2006 1:21 AM
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Gridlinked is very solid enjoyable space opera/action story. I found the A.I.-ruled Polity to be an interesting setting. The story moves at a nice, quick pace, and made me want to keep reading. In particular, the central mystery of the enigmatic alien Dragon's true nature and intentions kept me interested in what would happen next. The action scenes are exciting and well done, though not for the squeamish. I liked the characters quite a bit- Ian Cormac is a likable hero who has an interesting psychological challenge to deal with, the psychological and moral progression of the mercenary John Stanton is well done, and the terrorist Arian Pelter is very good as a villain.
The setting is a futuristic A.I.-ruled human society called the Polity. Travel throughout the Polity is accomplished principally through teleportation devices called "runcibles," which can turn people into energy and instantly transmit them across light-years. I rather like the way Asher addresses the idea of rule by machine intelligences- it is portrayed as neither a cure-all for social ills, nor as some sort of oppressive dystopian nightmare.
I have two complaints. First, I wish more had been done with Cormac's adjustment to living without his gridlink. There's a lot of potential in the idea, and I don't think the book fully exploited the possibilities. Second, the ending seemed a bit rushed. These are only minor problems, however, and I definitely recommend the book, and look forward to reading more by Asher.
The setting is a futuristic A.I.-ruled human society called the Polity. Travel throughout the Polity is accomplished principally through teleportation devices called "runcibles," which can turn people into energy and instantly transmit them across light-years. I rather like the way Asher addresses the idea of rule by machine intelligences- it is portrayed as neither a cure-all for social ills, nor as some sort of oppressive dystopian nightmare.
I have two complaints. First, I wish more had been done with Cormac's adjustment to living without his gridlink. There's a lot of potential in the idea, and I don't think the book fully exploited the possibilities. Second, the ending seemed a bit rushed. These are only minor problems, however, and I definitely recommend the book, and look forward to reading more by Asher.
reviewed by h2o on November 28, 2006 4:05 PM