Terminal World

By: Alastair Reynolds

Narrated by: John Lee

Spearpoint, the last human city, is an atmosphere-piercing spire of vast size. Clinging to its skin are the zones, a series of semi-autonomous city-states, each of which enjoys a different - and rigidly enforced - level of technology. Following an infiltration mission that went tragically wrong, Quillon has been living incognito, working as a pathologist in the district morgue.

But when a near-dead angel drops onto his dissecting table, Quillon's world is wrenched apart one more time. If Quillon is to save his life, he must leave his home and journey into the cold and hostile lands beyond Spearpoint's base, starting an exile that will take him further than he could ever imagine. But there is far more at stake than just Quillon's own survival, for the limiting technologies of the zones are determined not by governments or police but by the very nature of reality---and reality itself is showing worrying signs of instability.

©2010 Alastair Reynolds (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A rousing adventure in a widly original setting." ( Guardian, UK)

Very good listen

This is my first Reynolds book I have read or listened to. Very good.

One of Reynolds' Best

I thoroughly enjoyed what is clearly the beginning of some fantastic world-building by Reynolds. I liked being kept guessing and found the characters convincing. Like The Lord of the Rings, the "good guys" are multifaceted and fallible and it takes trust and teamwork for there to be a reasonable hope. Can't wait for the sequel!

John Lee performs well, but sometimes his various accents came and went. That's a minor quibble, however, and I don't want it to discourage anyone from listening.

It couldn't be better than that

If you could sum up Terminal World in three words, what would they be?

A wonderful scenario for a an enthralling and credible sci-fi plot where the scientific background is sound and the characters awe beautifully carved up

What was one of the most memorable moments of Terminal World?

The final is breath-taking.

Have you listened to any of John Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I would dare to say that he is the best reader. His voice gives credibility and depth to all characters, the rhythm is compelling, the tone is perfect.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Angels may fly higher with no wings

Any additional comments?

A wonderful experience.

Very Cool World

Any additional comments?

Reynolds does a great job creating an interesting world. I hope he continues to write about it, but even if he does not I found the book quite satisfying and great imagination fuel.

You can tell the Author had alot of fun with this one, and it was a nice change of pace from the big scope hard sci-fi that he does normally.

If you're looking for good escapism/science fiction/fantasy I'd be pretty surprised if you were disappointed.

Strong beginning but never comes together

When the story first started, I was really enjoying it. But it kept adding on layers and new characters without resolving anything. It felt to me like a long story that ultimately went nowhere. Many reviewers have said this is not the author's best work, and I must concur.

Reynolds' Foray Into Steam-punk Never Quite Works

Any additional comments?

Terminal World can best be described as Alastair Reynolds marginally successful attempt to tap into the popularity of steam-punk SF. Perhaps the sub-genre itself is to blame since, in order for steam-punk to work properly within the context of science fiction story, one must forego a reliance on hard scientific explanations. This is the essential flaw in Terminal World – a deep dive into what is essentially a shallow pool. Reynold’s effort to explain his multi-layered, deeply historical, steam-punk world just doesn’t work most of the time and for every explanation he seems to raise a dozen questions that go unanswered so that by the time the novel concluded I was left scratching my head, wondering if I should expect a sequel to answer all these questions despite the fact that this felt very much like a standalone novel. The complex, often confusing world is the setting for a very common tale – a mysterious stranger goes on a quest and happens across a girl who is more than what she seems and could be the key the future of Terminal World. The hero’s quest is quite straightforward and doesn’t stray too far from the standard fantasy plot from which it draws inspiration. Despite its flaws, Reynold’s still has a knack for developing interesting, unique characters and this novel is no exception. The action sequences are spot on and despite the burden of scientific exposition the novel actually moves along quite nicely. Of all Reynold’s work this is easily his weakest and I would only suggest it for serious fans of the author. John Noble’s narration takes some getting used to.

Great Narration, Good Story, Meh Ending

Alastair Reynolds puts together fun stories, and John Lee is one of my favorite narrators. My only complaint is the ending felt very unsatisfying.

the hits just keep on coming

another smash triple platinum ultra hit dropped by Alastair Reynolds and his boy John Lee on the mic. non stop bad assery and swarm!? come on man how cool was that bane crossing. throw away your other audiobooks and ready this!

Worthwhile slightly lacking

I give this offering from Mr. Reynolds four stars based on his masterful writing style as well as the narration of John Lee.
However, the listener should be aware that this is a marked departure from his previous works, which many people list as genius among British space opera.
This story is more of a quest novel, and the story flows more from the setting and the character responses to cataclysmic changes, rather than deep character development.
Also, the main character has many similarities to the main character in Chasm City, i.e., mysterious past, assumed identity, and what will happen when the main character's true nature is revealed.
That being said, if you are a fan of Reynolds, than it is a worthwhile use of a credit. And although this review may seem to focus on the negatives, I think understanding the book's shortcomings will actually increase enjoyability, because the listener will not anticipate familiar plot points and can appreciate the book on its on merits.

Great Story and another several book series

This is a well written, well read story that keeps you interested 'till the end.
Does anyone tell a story that can be told in one book anymore?