Beyond the Hallowed Sky: Book One of the Lightspeed Trilogy

One of the joys of this author is that he is decidedly not of the 'business as usual' camp of future prognosticators. He's moved on from practically all past political paradigms and enjoys tweaking their noses in passing, much to my delight. Another, personal, joy is that he writes about places that I know intimately, ranging from the towns adjoining the Clyde through to shipyards, all viewed through the eye of a wry futurist. Ken Macleod takes as many traditional SF memes as one might imagine and reimagines them - his space opera is never old-fashioned gun-turret stuff but is always far more calculated and witty. He isn't a hard read and doesn't make life difficult for his readers but at the same time doesn't take them for granted but slyly challenges them at every turn. I should add that in terms of the science of his SF he's always entirely coherent and sensible and demands little in the way of brainless credulity from his readers - even his hand-waving and unobtainium is deliciously plausible!

Pulled me into the story and never let me go. The science is believable ish and the plot maintains a steady pace. Good read bring on part two

A series of books is fine, but each needs to have its own denouement, even if this leaves unanswered questions. This first instalment of a near future sci-fi series just stops leaving you with the feeling that an arbitrary chop has been taken to a bigger book.As works of sci-fi goes it’s ok, but not as innovative or well written as the likes of Iain M Banks, a close contemporary. The near future politics will no doubt grate for some. Scottish Nationalism looms large. This contrivance gets in the way and feels shoe-horned in to a 3 ways political block that could have been more interesting.In terms of premise and concept the book builds nicely and sets up a lot more to come, but without really any great reveals. There’s enough hook here to bring the reader back, and hopefully later books will start to get into more than the superficial character development in book 1.

I have never read any of Ken Macleod's work before so was unsure what to expect - shouldn't have been concerned - what a great start to the Lightspeed Trilogy. I am no literature buff so can't say whether the book is well written or not but it was very enjoyable - great storyline involving multiple threads which include Scottish Independence as an imaginative take on the subject. Wholly believable and engaging characters. Suffice to say I have bought the 2nd in the series and eagerly await the finale book...........High highly recommended modern sci fi.

The next two books cannot come quick enough. Good writing, original ideas, optimistic and refreshing.

I finished "Beyond The Hallowed Sky" last night. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book in this trilogy.Ken's stories often, if not always, raise issues of a social or political nature, and "Beyond The Hallowed Sky" is no exception, but it is not as blatant as in some of his books. This volume starts in the year 2067 and ends 2070. The world order involves three major political blocks: The Union, which is the current EU countries plus a few others, and, significantly, includes Scotland; The Alliance, which includes England and the USA amongst others; The Co-ordinated Countries, which includes Russia, China and some other countries.The story involves AIs, the impossibility of Faster Than Light (FTL) travel, and alien technology. I like the characters and we can see their motivations and understand their actions in the context of their lives and environment.Espionage is also involved in the story. Espionage in an age of AI proliferation.Other topics making an appearance include climate change and political blocks using the management of stories in the media to influence the thoughts and actions of people in other political blocks.Would I read more books by this author?Yes, definitely.Would I recommend this book?Yes.Who would I recommend it to?Anyone who likes intrigue and exploring the implications of real world trends in a near-future environment.Has this book inspired me to do anything?Yes. Hanker for the next volume in the trilogy.

Anyone who likes science based space opera linked to current affairs should enjoy this book. Looking forward to book two.

Ken MacLeod has done it again. Book 1 in a planned trilogy, this is an exciting read that works on every level. Excellent writing (with lots of low key word play and humour), charachters I believed in and cared about, and a clever plot that weaves together adventures on three planets. Highly recommended! Can't wait for Book 2!

The materials (discovery of FTL flight, first encounter with powerful aliens, obfuscatory human politics) are familiar, but MacLeod makes it all new and exciting by a combination of skillful character development, swift action, and vivid descriptions of people and places. I give this first volume of the trilogy very high marks and look forward to the next.

This the first SF novel I've read in which the three dominant powers, into which Earth is divided, develop Faster Than Light ii Travel independently from each other. Each retains a nuclear weapons arsenal. The story is too convoluted to be described here in a meaningful manner, but it is full of other unusual features, not found elsewhere (e. g. submarines as spaceships - not so farfetched after all). Quite a good read !

I gave up after around 30%. I must be missing something, based on some of the glowing reviews I see for this book! The very first chapter, where a character receives a letter from her future self, should have been compelling stuff, but manages to be dull as dishwater instead. The subsequent chapters introduce some dull new characters and vague happenings none of which I found interesting enough to keep going. Add to this some blah geopolitics. Disappointed.

I’ve always been a fan of Ken MacLeod’s writing - since his very first novel The Star Fraction - and this is one of his best. Fascinating and intriguing science, complex and important reflections on politics and society, characters of charm and interest. On top of this, reflections on alien and artificial intelligence. Well paced and structured and without bloat - read it!

Overall, it was entertaining. There are some fairly obvious holes in the story and scientific inconsistencies that are overlooked for the sake of the plot.