Beyond the Hallowed Sky - Review
Beyond the Hallowed Sky is a powerful and thought-provoking novella that will appeal to fans of Ken MacLeod's earlier works. Its the first book I've read since Violet was born, and it didn't disappoint.
Due to the standard childcare issues, I haven't read a novel for ages and have relied on Audible and podcasts. But I've decided I needed to get back to reading properly...like a grown-up, albeit in a fairly gentle fashion. I've started with Beyond the Hallowed Sky" by Ken MacLeod. It's the first book in the Light Speed Trilogy.
I should start with a disclaimer this isn't going to be a hugely balanced review. I am a huge fan of Ken MacLeod's work. Especially The Fall Revolution Series.
Beyond the Hallowed Sky is a gripping novella (perfect for someone like me who has read a more complicated book than Peter Rabbit in three years). The story is set in a post-apocalyptic Scotland, similar to the world depicted in his "Fall Revolution" series, where religion and politics play a critical role in the lives of the survivors. Although I also thought there were some similarities to The Great Road, by Peter F Hamilton.
MacLeod's writing style is as sharp and engaging as I remember fondly, and his characters are well-drawn and relatable, much like the protagonists of his earlier works, such as "The Cassini Division" and "The Execution Channel." The novella is a fast-paced and thrilling read, with plenty of action and suspense to keep readers engaged, and it offers a fresh take on some of the themes that MacLeod has explored in his earlier books.
One of the strengths of "Beyond the Hallowed Sky" is its world-building, which is a hallmark of MacLeod's writing. The novella is set in a future Scotland that has been transformed by war, and MacLeod's descriptions of the landscape and technology are both evocative and imaginative, much like the worlds he created in his earlier novels.
In terms of a comparison to other works in the genre, "Beyond the Hallowed Sky" shares some similarities with the post-apocalyptic fiction of authors like Cormac McCarthy and Margaret Atwood, as well as the political and philosophical themes of authors such as Iain M. Banks and Alastair Reynolds, both of whom have been compared to MacLeod in the past.
In conclusion, "Beyond the Hallowed Sky" is a powerful and thought-provoking novella that will appeal to fans of Ken MacLeod's earlier works, as well as to readers of science fiction and post-apocalyptic fiction more broadly. With its engaging characters, thrilling plot, and richly-drawn world, it is a must-read for anyone interested in the genre, and a testament to MacLeod's skill as a writer.
I am glad to be back reading again and have already pre-ordered part 2.
