'The Star Fraction' by Ken MacLeod is a politically charged science fiction novel set in a near-future United Kingdom that is fragmented into small states and heavily influenced by the US UN. The story follows the intricate political struggles and alliances among different factions, as well as the technological advancements and societal changes that shape this dystopian world. The writing style of the book is described as dense, challenging, and thought-provoking, focusing heavily on political ideologies, philosophy, and rebel movements, with a fast-paced plot filled with twists and turns.

Characters:

The characters are politically motivated and diverse, with a mix of protagonists and antagonists reflecting the ideological complexity of the world, though some may feel underdeveloped.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is dense and politically charged, filled with allusions and a fast pace that reflects the complexity of the themes explored.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a balkanized Britain filled with various political factions, focusing on a mercenary's involvement with revolutionary groups and the implications of technological advancements in a fractured society.

Setting:

The setting is in a fragmented near-future Britain consisting of city-states steeped in socio-political turmoil rooted in historical contexts.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and filled with intrigue, though it may require readers to stay focused due to the complex political landscape.

It was hot on the roof. Above, the sky was fast-forward: zeppelin fleets of cloud alternating with ragged anarchic flags of black. Bright stars, miland comsats, meteors, junk. Moh Kohn crouched behind...

Notes:

Ken MacLeod wrote The Star Fraction, his first novel, after discussing writing with author Iain Banks in the early 1990s.

The Star Fraction presents a cyberpunk vision of a balkanized Britain in the 21st century.

The story features political factions and conflicts reminiscent of historical leftist movements.

Key characters include a mercenary and a research scientist navigating complex societal structures.

The setting includes a near-future England fragmented into microstates, influenced by US and UN power.

The novel was published in 1995, making it a reflection of its time with regards to political ideologies.

It explores themes of socialism, capitalism, and AI development within a dystopian framework.

The book is part of The Fall Revolution series, which details a shared history with varying timelines.

Readers often find the political content dense, requiring knowledge of British politics to fully appreciate the story.

Despite its political complexity, the book is praised for its fast-paced action and well-imagined world.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The content warnings for The Star Fraction include political violence, complex ideological discussions, and themes of terrorism and warfare.

From The Publisher:

'He is writing revolutionary science fiction. A nova has appeared in our sky.' - Kim Stanley Robinson

'Engaged, ingenious, and wittily partisan, Ken MacLeod is a one-man revolution, SF's Billy Bragg' - ASIMOV'S SF

In a newer world order where the peace process is deadlier than the wars …

Moh Kohn is a security mercenary with a smart gun, reflexes to die for and memories he doesn't want to reach.

Jamis Taine is a scientist with a new line in memory drugs, anti-tech terrorists on her case and the STASIS cops on her trail.

Jordan Brown is a teenage atheist with a guilty conscience, a wad of illicit cash and an urgent need to get a life.

Between them they've started the countdown to the final confrontation, as the cryptic Star Fraction assembles its codes, the Army of the New Republic prepares its offensive and Space Defence lines up its laser weapons for the hour of the Watchmaker …

The debut novel from a major force in SF, the first of his novels to be shortlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke Award.

Books by Ken MacLeod:

Fall Revolution

The Star Fraction

The Stone Canal

The Cassini Division

The Sky Road

Engines of Light

Cosmonaut Keep

Dark Light

Engine City

Corporation Wars Trilogy

Dissidence

Insurgence

Emergence

Novels

The Human Front

Newton's Wake

Learning the World

The Execution Channel

The Restoration Game

Intrusion

Descent

Reader Stats (3):

Want To Read (2)
Not Interested (1)

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