A Signal Shattered

This book starts with all of humanity reduced to a handful of refugees scattered across space (I did say you should read the first book first, didnt I?). The catalyst who brought about the end of the world is Jack Potter, mathematician, cryptographer, and middle-man. And it is now up to Jack to save what remains of the human race. As if this task wasnt daunting enough, Jack must do this while battling such trifiling details as lack of oxygen, planets with insufficient rotational power to be of use (youll see), two former best friends who seem to want him dead, a bizarre neurological disorder attacking everyone he knows, one or more fellow refugees who seem to want him dead, and oh yeah, at least one exceedingly power alien who wants him dead... or enslaved.

If youre going to read this book, be prepared to give it a careful read. Its certainly a worthwhile novel, but it demands attention otherwise details will slip by that will prove to be important later. The central theme of metaphor and illusion can make the story confusing and chaotic at times, though I believe that is the intent, and it reflects character turmoil well. Im not entirely sure how I feel about the ending, but that is something that youll have to learn about and decide for yourselves.

True to its word, the plot does move pretty quickly, and you never have to wait too long for something to happen. However, thats about the only positive thing I can find to say about this book. As always, computer whizzes clash in a virtual world where elaborate action sequences are presented for our benefit. However, "A Signal Shattered" never comes close to matching the intensity of greats like "Neuromancer" or "Hyperion". Theres also the problem that you can shoot Nylunds characters, stab them, poison them, blow them up, and apply weird genetic tricks to them, but they simply wont die. This removes much of the suspense. Jacks hunches also undermine the books intrigues. He gets a hunch about what almost every character is up to, and they always prove correct. Well Ive got a hunch that I wont be reading any more of Nylunds books any time soon.