Title: Too Like the Lightning
Author: Ada Palmer
First published May 10, 2016
432 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780765378002 (ISBN10: 0765378000)
Rating: 3.81
Overview
In the 25th century, Mycroft Canner wanders the world, forced to be as helpful as possible to those he meets as punishment for his past crimes. Carlyle Foster is a sensayer, a spiritual counselor in a world that has outlawed religion but still values the inner lives of humans.
The society they live in is a utopia, built on technology and abundance, but also on strict labeling and taboo gender distinctions. Most of the world is divided into like-minded clans, whose competition is managed by subtle central planners.
To Mycroft and Carlyle, it’s a combination of heaven and hell, but to others, it’s just life. When they encounter Bridger, a boy who can make his wishes come true and bring inanimate objects to life, they realize he may be the wild card that could bring down the entire system.
Editoral Review
Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer is a science fiction novel that was first published on May 10, 2016. The author is a professor of history at the University of Chicago, specializing in Renaissance and Enlightenment Europe.
The novel is set in the 25th century, where humanity has moved beyond nation-states and developed a new social order based on “Hive-Queens” and “Utopians.” This new society is regulated and maintained by a powerful organization called the “Seven Hives.” The main character, Mycroft Canner, is a convicted criminal who has been forced by the government to serve as a “servicer” to various members of the Seven Hives. The story begins with Mycroft being asked to assist in the kidnapping of a young boy named Bridger, who has the ability to make miracles happen.
This ability threatens the fragile social order of the world. As Mycroft becomes embroiled in the politics and power struggles of the Seven Hives, he begins to uncover a sinister plot that could destroy the world as he knows it.
Too Like the Lightning is a unique and challenging novel that explores complex themes such as power, religion, gender, and political philosophy. The novel’s rich world-building and intricate plot provide a detailed and thought-provoking examination of the future of humanity.
Palmer’s writing is superb, with a powerful command of language and a skillful use of metaphor that effectively conveys the tension and conflict that drives the story forward. The characters are well-drawn and their motivations are realistic and relatable.
The pacing of the novel is deliberate and measured, which may make it difficult for some readers to get into. However, those who stick with it will be rewarded with a rich and rewarding reading experience.
The only major flaw in the novel is that it can be overly verbose at times, with certain passages feeling like they could have been edited down. Overall, Too Like the Lightning is a remarkable and thought-provoking novel that shows Palmer’s skill as a writer and her depth as a philosopher.
It is a must-read for fans of science fiction and for anyone looking for a challenging and rewarding reading experience. The novel earns a score of 4 out of 5, with the deduction being for its occasionally bloated prose.
