Dark Light (Ken MacLeod)

I eagerly awaited this book’s arrival, since I enjoyed its predecessor, Cosmonaut Keep, so much. Unfortuntely, this wasn’t quite worth the wait. Don’t get me wrong; MacLeod’s B-list work is still better than most SF authors’ top-shelf writing. However, this story is mostly a continuation of the storyline from Cosmonaut Keep, with a little local intrigue thrown in. The crew from Mingulay inaugurates free(r) trade, spreads a little socialist pollen, and generally has a grand old time. I didn’t find this book as provocative or as engaging as any of MacLeod’s earlier work; I hope the forthcoming Engine City is better.