• War of the Maps by Paul McAuley
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War of the Maps

  • Author
    • Paul McAuley
£9.99
£9.99
  • Published: Jan 07 2021
  • Pages: 432
  • 196 x 126mm
  • ISBN: 9781473217355

'The underrated McAuley is in top form in this hard science fiction novel with heart.' Washington Post Book World



On a giant artificial world surrounding an artificial sun, one man - a lucidor, a keeper of the peace, a policeman - is on the hunt. His target was responsible for an atrocity, but is too valuable to the government to be truly punished. Instead he has been sent to the frontlines of the war, to use his unique talents on the enemy. So the lucidor has ignored orders, deserted from his job, left his home and thrown his life away, in order to finally claim justice.
Separated by massive seas, the various maps dotted on the surface of this world rarely contact each other. But something has begun to infiltrate the edges of the lucidor's map, something that genetically alters animals and plants and turns them into killers. Only the lucidor knows the depths to which his quarry will sink in order to survive, only the lucidor can capture him. The way is long and dangerous. The lucidor's government has set hunters after him. He has no friends, no resources, no plan.
But he does have a mission.
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Press Reviews

  • SFCrowsnest
    A brilliantly constructed novel, a story that drew me in and took me along for the ride. I love the setting, want to know more about the lucidor's world and the people who live there. It's a book I'd definitely recommend
  • Locus
    The spectacle is undeniable, but it's that rich cast of characters who give their world texture and resonance, and who finally turn War of the Maps into a fine, compelling novel.
  • SFX
    Following on from the extraordinary climate change novel Austral, this is further evidence that Paul McAuley may just be the best SF writer we have. 4.5 stars
  • Crime Time
    As usual, McAuley imparts mind-bending SF concepts in prose that is always elegant and precise.
  • The Times
    McAuley is without peer.
  • Washington Post Book World
    The underrated McAuley is in top form in this hard science fiction novel with heart
  • Guardian
    Narrative drive and a sense of wonder come together in McAuley's graceful prose