Creation Node by Stephen Baxter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stephen Baxter has remained a highlight of all SF for me. This newest book is no less outstanding than the rest.

While it isn't of the Xeelee sequence nor of the strange-yet-wonderful Time or Space companion alternate future histories, this one, like those, remains grounded in real science--while showing an appropriately wonderful sense of awe and scope that remains, at least to my widely-read SF sensibilities, the pinnacle of the best of speculative fiction.

The grand WHAT IF story is still alive and well in Baxter's hands.


This one begins with an exploration team heading toward the Oort cloud to visit the proposed 9th planet--which happens to be a singularity. From there, we get a nicely unique first contact story that is both fresh and truly refreshing. There are no space opera battles. Empathy and intelligence are the main movers. And yet, the sense of awe and discovery never lessens or gets dull.

The only concern I may have had about the novel was the disquieting focus on contemplation at the very end, but it's not a big concern. It's QUITE in line with the rest of the novel--and unusual enough in the SF field to warrant an appreciative mention.

Yes, we can be heroic, do the right thing--and yet still be utter fools.

Recommended.


My synesthesia tastes humus and pita bread with a perfect, comforting cup of Earl Grey. I feel tweed on my jacket.


Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.

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