Gardens of the Sun

After The Quiet War (2009), the Outers flee to the farthest reaches of the solar system, to find someone else already there. The Ghosts have been planning for the future they believe is preordained and will make no compromise that might harm it. The governing families back on earth, while scrambling to deal with fallout from the war, bicker among themselves until a long-brewing revolution finally erupts. Sri Hong-Owen is still looking for Avernus, following in her footsteps, trying to unravel the riddles of Avernus’ gardens. Loc Ifrahim, still trying to gain some recognition, struggles not to get caught by the backlash against his patrons. Macy Minnot, exiled with the Outers, fights for her new community’s survival. A successful and convincing wrap-up of the repercussions of a war fought over the direction of human evolution, Gardens of the Sun is as gripping as its predecessor, with a long, complex buildup culminating in a spectacular vision of the future. --Regina Schroeder

"Weaving a plot that constantly keeps you guessing about what might happen next, McAuley's vision of the future is compelling and vivid. A hugely impressive near-future space opera." -- James Blackwell SFX "He subtly explores what makes us human." --Jonathan Wright BBC FOCUS