Paradox

After centuries of self-imposed isolation Nulapeiron is a unique world of vast subterranean cities maintained by remarkable organic technologies and managed by the brutal law of the Logic Lords. For most people, denied their democratic rights and restricted to the impoverished lower strata, life holds little wonder. The social order is firmly maintained with truecasts of the future from the supra-human Oracles, but even they cannot prevent the change that is coming. Young Tom Corcorigan watches as a mysterious woman is cut down in the market by a militia squad's fire, horrified that he recognizes her. Only the previous day she had presented him with a small info-crystal that he will soon discover holds the story of the legendary Pilots and distant Terra, along with the key to understanding mu-space and to freedom itself. This is a superb piece of technical and social revolutionary fiction from the author of To Hold Infinity, a rich and visionary world with sophisticated scientific and social concepts, engaging characters and a thrilling human story. (Kirkus UK)