Subterranean Press published this Alastair Reynolds novella in 2008 and I just got around to reading it. Ariunaa Boecheng (aka, Yellow Dog) is an secret agent for a Mongol dominated galactic empire. But, at the edge of the Empire, mysterious phantom ships keep appearing. Ariunaa is sent to investigate, but is discovered and tortured by the local warlord, Qilian. Qilian, once he determines who Ariunaa really is, puts her in charge of the search for more phantom ship artifacts.
When a live survivor from one of the phantom ships is recovered, Qilian joins Ariunaa and the pilot on a mission to find the source of these alien incursions.
Like most Alastair Reynolds stories, space opera aspects dominate the action. If you’re in the mood for some galactic adventures, The Six Directions of Space will deliver some epic thrills. GRADE: A
Thanks for participating, George.
Patti, thanks for hosting WEDNESDAY’S SHORT STORIES!
I don’t think I’ve read this one but I have read a lot of Reynolds and find him one of the better space opera writers. Another would be Peter Hamilton. I have a huge best of Alastair Reynolds collection. I’ll have to see if this is included.
Steve, THE SIX DIRECTIONS OF SPACE is about 88 pages. Subterranean Press has published a number of Alastair Reynolds books.
I’ve read some of his but not this. Sounds like fun.
Jeff, most of Alastair Reynolds’s books are much much longer than THE SIX DIRECTIONS OF SPACE. I love SF novellas because it’s an ideal length for many masterful stories.
I have his CENTURY RAIN which is over 500 pages. I prefer the novella length too.
Jeff, I loved CENTURY RAIN but I read it in the Summer when I had time each day to read 100+ pages. Right now, with Patrick and Katie coming home for Mother’s Day, things are hectic here as Diane prepares their rooms.
Not a Reynolds fan, thanks.
Rick, you might like Alastair Reynolds in a shorter length than his massive SF novels.
He is one the most interesting adherents of the New Space Opera…
Todd, I’ve read almost everything Alastair Reynolds has written. And I have a couple of his new books on order!
I have liked everything by him except for the recent YA trilogy.
Steve, I agree that Alastair Reynolds’ YA REVENGER UNIVERSE trilogy wasn’t his best work.
Proponents or practitioners probably better words…
I suppose the best way to start reading Reynolds is with his first book, am I right? Or maybe a collection of his shorter work?
Steve, I would suggest you start with Aurora Rising (originally titled The Prefect) from 2007. It’s one of Alastair Reynolds’s shorter books (about 250 pages) and one of his best SF novels. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prefect
Only 250 pages! I can handle that. Thanks, George.