Accelerando

Charles Stross

Jul 2005 · Singularity Book 3 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

The Singularity. It is the era of the posthuman. Artificial intelligences have surpassed the limits of human intellect. Biotechnological beings have rendered people all but extinct. Molecular nanotechnology runs rampant, replicating and reprogramming at will. Contact with extraterrestrial life grows more imminent with each new day.

Struggling to survive and thrive in this accelerated world are three generations of the Macx clan: Manfred, an entrepreneur dealing in intelligence amplification technology whose mind is divided between his physical environment and the Internet; his daughter, Amber, on the run from her domineering mother, seeking her fortune in the outer system as an indentured astronaut; and Sirhan, Amber’s son, who finds his destiny linked to the fate of all of humanity.

For something is systematically dismantling the nine planets of the solar system. Something beyond human comprehension. Something that has no use for biological life in any form...

Ratings and reviews

This is one of Stross' well-rounded and worthwhile creations. Written in a very convincing style, leaving me "decided" that this is how the world will evolve, witty, a touch romantic and all around self assured, this fine book doesn't sin by too much originality and doesn't play the smartpants. Yet the characters are sometimes a but sketchy, to the point that, when encountering them fit a second time in the story (Bob Franklin, anyone?) I surprised myself wondering who they were. An engaging epic time saga.

Accelerando can be tough to follow at times. I had to go back and re-read a few pages every once and awhile. The book is fascinating and Stross has an interesting mind. A rewarding read if you love tech and computers. Don't forget to update your tablets dictionary.

This is my favorite, most hardcore sci-fi book I've ever read and it blew my mind over and over as it follows a family through several generations of increasing technological levels and how it profoundly changes their lives and possibilities. Absolutely a must for any enthusiast or even just curious about trans-humanism.

About the author

Charles Stross was born in Leeds, England in 1964. He holds degrees in pharmacy and computer science, and has worked in a variety of jobs including pharmacist, technical author, software engineer, and freelance journalist. He is now a full-time writer.