Absolution Gap is primarily about a mystery of the same name, and is compellingly introduced. It continues the Revelation Space trilogy, starting with unique characters and settings that really bring a human touch to events. There’s Rashmika Els, whose search to find her lost brother and discover the truth behind an extinct scuttler race pushes her to leave home. What starts as a rivalry between two scientists (Quaiche and Grelier) working for the Ultras develops into an epic search of discovery for Quaiche to save the woman he loves. The intrigue, conspiracies, and sub-plots on planets Haldora and Hela made reading Absolution Gap a rewarding experience.

I found this to be an improvement on the previous Redemption Ark. The characters, their histories and motivations, were much more exciting. The possibilities were limitless, and yet I felt that much of what made Absolution Gap exciting and intense was cleared up and concluded earlier than I had hoped. I wanted to learn of Quaiche’s achievements through his own eyes and struggles rather than have it cleared up so that a new story arc with the more familiar Revelation Space characters (Clavain, Skade, Khouri) could continue. My interest in the RS characters was actually kindled in the beginning, and I got to learn more about what had become of old military leader Clavain.

Absolution Gap is a fantastic and solid story, I really think I can see the author’s skilled progression as a plot-master in this later novel. I will eagerly anticipate the next Alastair Reynolds story, especially since there is much to commend for originality. In many ways it was like a much more exciting and developed Revelation Space.