Souls in the Great Machine

Souls in the Great Machine
by Sean Mcmullen

Souls in the Great Machine
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Book Summary Information

Author: Sean Mcmullen
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2002-12-15
ISBN: 0765344572
Number of pages: 608
Publisher: Tor Books

Book Reviews of Souls in the Great Machine

Book Review: Brilliant
Summary: 5 Stars

This book is an excellent beginning to the author's Greatwinter series, although it is a complete work in and of itself. The writing style is a bit unusual at times, but the plot is superb, the characters are memorable, and the ideas are absolutely fascinating. I have read this novel (and its sequels, The Miocene Arrow and Eyes of the Calculor) several times, and each time I appreciate again how good they are.

The novels are post-apocalyptic in a sense, though the apocalypse is on-going (enforced by telepathic cetozoids and orbital battlestations -- don't worry, it will make more sense when you read it.) Australian civilization, however, has become quite advanced given the constraints, to the point of rediscovering the theory/practice of computers (though with a human-based operating system rather than an electronic one.) The plot proceeds quite logically from there.

I particularly like McMullen's characters: John Glasken, a likeable rascal who loves women and life; Zarvora Cybeline, a brilliant mathematician and lonely head of the powerful library system; Lemorel Milderellen, a precocious librarian who is driven mad by the loss of her love; and so many others. After a couple reads, these characters will seem like old friends.

In short, these novels are well worth your time. Though the backdrop and the author's style may take a little getting used to, it is more than worth the effort. Also, unlike many books by today's "series authors," this one can stand alone if you don't like it for some reason. However, the quality of the work is such that I suspect you will want to read the rest . . .

Summary of Souls in the Great Machine

The great Calculor of Libris was forced to watch as Overmayor Zarvora had four of its components lined up against a wall and shot for negligence. Thereafter, its calculations were free from errors, and that was just as well-for only this strangest of calculating machines and its two thousand enslaved components could save the world from a new ice age.

And all the while a faint mirrorsun hangs in the night sky, warning of the cold to come.

In Sean McMullen's glittering, dynamic, and exotic world two millennia from now, there is no more electricity, wind engines are leading-edge technology, librarians fight duels to settle disputes, steam power is banned by every major religion, and a mysterious siren "Call" lures people to their death. Nevertheless, the brilliant and ruthless Zarvora intends to start a war in space against inconceivably ancient nuclear battle stations.

Unbeknownst to Zarvora, however, the greatest threat to humanity is neither a machine nor a force but her demented and implacable enemy Lemorel, who has resurrected an obscene and evil concept from the distant past: Total War.

Souls in the Great Machine is the first volume of Sean McMullen's brilliant future history of the world of Greatwinter

In 40th-century Australia, Zarvora Cybeline discovers the world is threatened by destruction from the sky--yet the planet doesn't have enough technology even to build a steam engine. To save civilization, Zarvora must recover lost 21st-century technology. But technology is proscribed, and the dangers from the sky are joined by enemies in the sea, and even among her own ranks. Zarvora embarks on a bold and ruthless plan to save a world no one else believes is in danger.

Souls in the Great Machine is a big book at 450 pages. Stuffed fuller than a Thanksgiving turkey with great storylines, characters, and concepts, it's got thrilling action, hair's-breadth escapes, tyranny, treachery, villainy, heroism, duels, riots, war, love, hate, obsession, powerful women, mad monks, a returning ice age, a lost race, rediscovered civilizations, invasions, executions, high-tech, steampunk tech, a computer with human components, and numerous subplots. In short, Souls in the Great Machine is huge; it is epic--but it is not sprawling. In the hands of most authors, this complex and ambitious SF novel would be a trilogy. And while Souls may occasionally move a little too fast, the plot never drags and the reader's interest never flags. If you're looking for a sense of wonder, for adventure that respects your intelligence, for an enormously fun read--look no further than Souls in the Great Machine. --Cynthia Ward

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