Description

The sequel to what Tor.com called ‘among the most significant works of science fiction released in recent years’

The universe is in disarray. Rebellions against the immortal Amaranthine are spreading, worlds and moons have fallen, and the Emperor is missing. An ancient being has reawoken and claimed the throne. And the most important invention in the history of time itself has been stolen.

And amidst this chaos, lives continue. A pair of sisters and one small child flee across a world they know nothing of. An outcast, hunted by his tormentors, is caught up in the machinations of a petty warlord. An imprisoned AI creates empires of its own in the building to which it is confined, and seeks an escape.

Mind-bending Science Fiction from a remarkable new voice

‘Toner’s richly layered sequel to 2015’s The Promise of the Child is a sprawling space opera likely to remind readers of complex works such as Gene Wolfe’s Book of the New Sun. It’s the 147th century, and numerous varieties of mutant humans, evolved dinosaurs, and alien species vie for control of dozens of planets, moons, and Vaulted Lands (hollowed-out planets with artificial interior suns) spread out over the 23 Solar Satrapies of the Amaranthine Firmament . . . Readers who enjoy a challenge will appreciate both the book’s complexities and its beautiful language’ PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

Publisher Review

The prose is baroque, the pacing stately * Financial Times * I love gobsmacking moments in science fiction, moments that make me sit up with a jolt and see everything around me with fresh and curious eyes. Wonder is vital. There are times whenThe Promise of the Child is truly wondrous. Without doubt, it is innovative, complex, ambitious and original * For Winter's Nights * Intense, bold writing; inventive worldbuilding; excellent plotting. * SF Signal * Marvellous...a space opera of surpassing gracefulness, depth, complexity, and well, all-round weirdness * Locus * to call The Promise of the Child one of the most accomplished debuts of 2015 so far is to understate its weight-instead, let me moot that is among the most significant works of science fiction released in recent years. * Tor.com * an incredibly impressive debut novel novel, with an engrossing plot and delightful oddness that should satisfy any space opera aficionado * Sci-Fi Now * a beautifully crafted read that's evocative and hugely inventive * SFX * An excellent second installment in the series. * THE BOOK BAG * it;'s rare to come across something as original as this debut novel, set 12,000 years from now * Stuff Magazine *