Stephen Baxter (1) (1957–)

The result of a Discworld convention held in Madison, Wisconsin. Terry Pratchett collaborates with Stephen Baxter for a science fiction series featuring “stepping”, where, with the aid of device, people can “step” into parallel Earths and back. Interestingly, both authors are English but most of the protagonists and POV characters are American and much of the action takes place in Madison or its parallel equivalents. The parallel Earths are all pristine wilderness – almost – which attracts a lot of American “pioneer” types; Pratchett and Baxter may buy into the “American frontiersman” mythos more than is actually justified. Not as funny as Discworld, but raises interesting sociopolitical questions – as good science fiction should.… (more)

Dieser zweite Teil ist nicht ohne Längen, und für mich gab aus auch nicht so richtig Sympathieträger, deren Schicksal die Längen überbrückt. Zum Teil liegt das vielleicht daran, dass wir mehr mehrere Generationen (mit großen Zeitsprüngen) begleiten, zum Teil an den (sicher gut recherchierten) ausführlichen technischen Beschreibungen. Auch das Ende finde ich persönlich etwas unbefriedigend - wir lassen alle da alleine, wo sie auf einer neuen (oder der alten) Erde gelandet sind. Das ist sicher gewollt, ich hätte gerne einen Hinweis gehabt, was für die Gruppe die beste/richtige Entscheidung war...… (more)

The Long Earth is built on two interesting what-if ideas. The first gives the story its title: Humans abruptly discover the existence of uncounted parallel universes, which they can travel between with some effort. The second is Lobsang, an AI who says he's the reincarnation of a Tibetan motorcycle repairman.

As humans depart into the Long Earth, their society, economy, and culture changes dramatically. The split threads of the narrative reflect the effect of these sudden changes. On one side, we have the explorers. Some settle the new worlds. In the main narrative, a few adventurers strike out to explore farther and collect info. Meanwhile, some of the people left behind -- whether by choice or biology -- are frightened and angry.… (more)