Anyone with a PhD in mathematical physics who works in String Theory deserves several high fives. In the case of Hannu Rajaniemi (who also has the imagination and ability to pull off science fiction that makes you want to invent descriptive words like "Fantasticlese" or "Awesarmony") hive fives would have to be followed by stunned silence.
When I don't have a good novel, I mine anthologies. What's the best way to disover new authors? Read something they've written! That's how I discovered John C Wright. After encountering the Server and the Dragon, by Hannu Rajaniemi in Engineering Infinity, I knew I'd read whatever else I could lay my hands on.
I just finished reading his first novel, The Quantum Thief. It begins in a prison, with an old fashioned, game-theory infused, Mexican Standoff between Jean le Flambeur (the thief in question) and an outdated AI warmind. In a virtual prison. In Space. Excited yet?
Its gets better. The Quantum Thief is the type of story I love. I believe any good story, no matter the genre, is based on defined rules. The rules don't have to be revealed to the reader (although a few hints are always appreciated Mr. Erikson), but they need to act like the border pieces in a jigsaw puzzle. They define what is possible in a good story. In a great story, they redefine what the reader wishes was possible. The Quantum Thief pulls it off. It wraps a mystery around amazing characterization, and even better world building. The story takes place in a future that feels as if it could be easily extrapolated from the present... if the reader is a self proclaimed/aware geek. If not, then the science sounds more like magic, but if taken on faith then it still works. Hannu Rajaniemi chose a set of rules and conditions and extrapolated an amazing future.
Ok. If you haven't decided to read and appreciate it yet listen to this:
Space prisons. Tech Angels serving AI Gods in spaceships created by singing. An awesome thief. Evolved MMORPG guilds. Mars. An amazing and lovable savant detective. Check it out.
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