http://yet.org/2009/02/galactic_north... ( )

I would recommend this collection of stories to anyone familiar with Alastair Reynolds Revelation Space universe. The collection of stories shines some light on points mentioned in other books and further explores the universe with some familiar characters popping up. ( )

A collection of tales from the universe of Revelation Space. Reynolds shows us more of the world of the Conjoiner collective intelligence, sends some rather unpleasant people to meet their just desserts, and shows us just how the nasty threat revealed in the conclusion of Absolution Gap was unleashed upon the universe. The afterword graciously acknowledges influential writers that came before Reynolds and is a fine reading list. ( )

Alastair Reynolds again shows us that he is incapable of having anything published that is not good.

There is an afterword in this book that explains some of his early attempts, and his take on the future history, and the writers that inspired him, mainly Larry Niven to begin with.

The stories here are at a really high level, with a 3.94 average. You are not likely to get much better than this.

Galactic North : Great Wall of Mars - Alastair Reynolds
Galactic North : Glacial - Alastair Reynolds
Galactic North : A Spy in Europa - Alastair Reynolds
Galactic North : Weather - Alastair Reynolds
Galactic North : Dilation Sleep - Alastair Reynolds
Galactic North : Grafenwalder's Bestiary - Alastair Reynolds
Galactic North : Nightingale - Alastair Reynolds
Galactic North : Galactic North - Alastair Reynolds

Only a damaged but brilliant child is allowing the Conjoiners to continue to hold out, delaying the end of a battle that they cannot win.

4.5 out of 5

Clavain investigates why it is cold and almost all dead on a base.

4 out of 5

A spy and infiltrator gets a lot more than he wanted, and a mortal shock, when he agrees to a mission for a lot of money using severe body altering technology.

3.5 out of 5

Driving force pickup.

4 out of 5

Sawbones in space.

3.5 out of 5

Collection pieces.

4 out of 5

Hospital ship joined.

4 out of 5

Remontoire returned, resurrected, revenged, rescued.

4 out of 5

http://notfreesf.blogspot.com/2007/08... ( )

Alastair Reynolds does a wonderful job of fitting stories into his jigsaw of a universe. In his novels you always wonder, “What does this have to do with anything,” then later down the line it fits perfectly into place. Some of the nine stories have interconnected details while others are independent adventures in themselves. These stories come from different times of the author’s career but all hold your attention to the end. ( )