A Deepness in the Sky by Vernor Vinge is a science fiction novel set in an interstellar trading culture where two human civilizations, the Qeng Ho traders and the authoritarian Emergents, clash over a planet inhabited by a spider-like alien species. The story weaves between the intricate politics and intrigues of the human groups, particularly the Qeng Ho traders trying to cooperate with the Spiders and undermine the Emergents, all set against the backdrop of a fascinating thought experiment of a setting with layers of politics and compelling characters.

Characters:

The characters are well-crafted, offering depth through diverse perspectives, particularly highlighting human and alien interactions.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by immersive descriptions, multiple perspectives, and a blend of technical depth with engaging storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately examines human interactions with a newly discovered alien civilization while navigating politics and technological themes.

Setting:

The setting is elaborate, featuring an interstellar backdrop with a focus on a unique planet undergoing its own cultural evolution.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberate, allowing for extensive world-building but gradually builds to tension and engaging revelations.

The Qeng Ho fleet was first to arrive at the OnOff star. That might not matter. For the last fifty years of their voyage, they had watched the torch-plumes of the Emergent fleet as it decelerated towa...

Notes:

A Deepness in the Sky is a prequel to A Fire Upon the Deep.

The story involves two human factions: the Qeng Ho traders and the authoritarian Emergents.

The backdrop for the story is a planet around an OnOff star, which cycles between periods of light and darkness.

The alien species in the book are called the Spiders, who are sentient and technologically developing.

The novel explores themes of capitalism, authoritarianism, and using technology for control, particularly through a method called Focus.

Focus is a mind control technology that causes subjects to concentrate intensely on a specific task, effectively rendering them unable to care for themselves.

Vinge’s writing features multiple viewpoints, including those of the Spiders, which adds depth to the narrative.

The characters in the novel are well-developed, with their own complexities and motivations.

Pham Nuwen is a central character, originally introduced in A Fire Upon the Deep, who plays a key role in the unfolding events.

The novel reflects a libertarian political philosophy and critiques authoritarian regimes in both human societies and the emergent societal structures of the Spiders.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of mind control, authoritarian rule, and possible exploitation, which could be unsettling to some readers.

From The Publisher:

After thousands of years searching, humans stand on the verge of first contact with an alien race. Two human groups: the Qeng Ho, a culture of free traders, and the Emergents, a ruthless society based on the technological enslavement of minds.

The group that opens trade with the aliens will reap unimaginable riches. But first, both groups must wait at the aliens' very doorstep for their strange star to relight and for their planet to reawaken, as it does every two hundred and fifty years....

Then, following terrible treachery, the Qeng Ho must fight for their freedom and for the lives of the unsuspecting innocents on the planet below, while the aliens themselves play a role unsuspected by the Qeng Ho and Emergents alike.

More than just a great science fiction adventure, A Deepness in the Sky is a universal drama of courage, self-discovery, and the redemptive power of love.

A Deepness in the Sky is a 1999 Nebula Award Nominee for Best Novel and the winner of the 2000 Hugo Award for Best Novel.

Ratings (14)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (8)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (22):

Read It (14)
Want To Read (7)
Not Interested (1)

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About the Author:

Vernor Vinge has won five Hugo Awards, two of them in the Zones of Thought series: A Fire Upon the Deep and A Deepness in the Sky. Known for his rigorous hard-science approach to his science fiction, he became an iconic figure among cybernetic scientists with the publication in 1981 of his novella "True Names," which is considered a seminal, visionary work of Internet fiction. His many books also include Marooned in Realtime, Rainbows End and The Peace War.

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A Deepness in the Sky

Vernor Vinge

Book 2 in the series:Zones of Thought