Inhibitor Phase is a standalone novel in the Revelation Space Universe that follows a quest for magic weapons to fight against the Wolves, a malevolent alien creation, in a universe filled with Inhibitors set to eliminate advanced civilizations. The story revolves around a ruthless band on an impossible mission, facing brutal gangs, horrific situations, and mind-bending scenarios across various planets and star systems, all while maintaining a sense of hope and determination.

The book skillfully weaves together new and old characters, introducing 'new' characters and reviving old ones, with well-drawn and believable personalities whose fates become important to the reader. The narrative is filled with actual and speculative science, intricate world-building, and a granular explanation of far future technology, keeping the readers engaged and interested throughout the story.

Characters:

The characters are a mix of new and returning figures, with a range of depth and engagement, contributing to the narrative's stakes.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is dense with rich ideas, though it suffers from stilted dialogue and character inconsistencies.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a quest narrative filled with dark and thrilling elements, involving a protagonist on a mission against formidable foes and encountering bizarre settings.

Setting:

The setting is intricate and dark, situated in a well-established universe that adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing might feel excessive and drawn out, leading to some reader frustration with the length and rhythm of the narrative.

Notes:

Inhibitor Phase is set in the Revelation Space universe.

The book follows Miguel de Ruyter on a quest to build a weapon against the 'wolves'.

The plot involves dark themes and a chaotic adventure with gangs and alien landscapes.

It features a mix of science fiction and speculative concepts, including mind-bending oceans and the photosphere of a star.

The author uses an experimental narrative style, including first-person perspectives.

Readers noted the dialogue was often unrealistic or awkward.

Despite some criticisms, fans appreciated the return to a familiar universe and the depth of worldbuilding.

The main villainous robots are referred to as 'wolves', which some criticisms found to be a poor metaphor.

The book has moments of humor, albeit unintentionally due to its dialogue and narration.

Many readers felt that the book offered a more optimistic tone compared to previous works in the series.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Inhibitor Phase include instances of violence, some sadistic themes, and strong language.

From The Publisher:

A stellar new science fiction adventure from the author who redefined space opera, set in his bestselling Revelation Space universe.

For thirty years a tiny band of humans has been sheltering in the caverns of an airless, crater-pocked world called Michaelmas. Beyond their solar system lie the ruins of human interstellar civilization, stalked by a ruthless, infinitely patient cybernetic entity determined to root out the last few bands of survivors. One man has guided the people of Michaelmas through the hardest of times, and given them hope against the wolves: Miguel de Ruyter.

When a lone human ship blunders into their system, and threatens to lead the wolves to Michaelmas, de Ruyter embarks on a desperate, near-suicide mission to prevent catastrophe. But an encounter with a refugee from the ship-the enigmatic woman who calls herself only Glass-leads to de Ruyter's world being turned upside down.

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Reader Stats (6):

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Inhibitor Phase

Alastair Reynolds

Book 8 in the series:Revelation Space