In the alternate history novel 'Anti-Ice' by Stephen Baxter, set during the Victorian era, England discovers a powerful fuel source called anti-ice, leading to technological advancements and world dominance. The story follows a shallow protagonist who embarks on a space voyage to the moon with a group of characters, including an engineering genius and a French woman involved in anti-ice engineering. The narrative combines elements of steampunk, paying homage to authors like Verne and Wells, with a focus on the political implications of the new technological era.

Characters:

The characters are generally one-dimensional, lacking development, with cliched roles and a shallow protagonist.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is reminiscent of classic sci-fi, featuring detailed descriptions and a humorous tone, but often veers into excessive exposition.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around a shallow protagonist and his adventures involving anti-ice, leading to a journey to the moon but lacking a coherent narrative.

Setting:

The setting is Victorian England shaped by alternative advancements in technology due to the discovery of anti-ice.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, starting slow before picking up with action, which may not appeal to all.

I scarcely know how to address myself to you after the disgraceful conduct which caused me to leave home. I am well aware that a full year has elapsed without a word from me, and can only offer my gre...

Notes:

The book is set in an alternate 19th century where the British Empire discovers a substance called anti ice.

Anti ice is a fuel that acts like antimatter, reacting explosively with ordinary matter above a certain temperature.

The story begins with the Siege of Sebastopol during the Crimean War, using anti ice as a weapon to alter the course of history.

The protagonist is described as a privileged young man lacking depth and character development.

There's a strong influence from classic sci-fi writers like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, particularly in the space travel elements.

The protagonist's infatuation with a French saboteur feels obvious and is noted as underdeveloped too.

The capital of this alternate British Empire is Manchester instead of London, reflecting a shift in political history.

The narrative includes significant info dumps about historical figures and changes in European politics.

The book touches on themes of imperialism, with a focus on the consequences of technology and power.

From The Publisher:

Discovering a new element, Anti-Ice, a mysterious substance that unleashes vast energies when warmed, a millionaire industrialist dreams of power from an item that promises world peace--or world destruction.

Original.

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About the Author:

Stephen Baxter is an acclaimed, multiple-award-winning author whose many books include the Xeelee Sequence series, the Time Odyssey trilogy (written with Arthur C. Clarke), and The Time Ships, a sequel to H. G. Wells's classic The Time Machine. He lives in England.

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Anti-ice

Stephen Baxter

Book 1 in the series:Anti-Ice