BOOK REVIEW

Permafrost, by Alastair Reynolds

I just finished reading the novella Permafrost by Alastair Reynolds. It is a good read. Reynolds likes the science side of science fiction and is known for coming up with original yet plausible ideas. He does it again in this story with a unique time travel concept; at least, unique to me, and I’ve been reading SF for 60 years.

The protagonist is well drawn and stays true to character. Other characters are drawn as well as can be expected in a novella. Dialog is capably handled and convincing. The story line is interesting and keeps you guessing. My mind was challenged by the ideas Reynolds drops here and there, which made it an engaging as well as entertaining book.

My only complaint is that the novella form seems too small for everything he has crammed into it, leaving one wondering what he would have done with a full-length novel.

Recommended.