Rebel at the End of Time by Steve Aylett

by Steve Aylett

21st-century revolutionary Leo finds himself at the End of Time, surrounded by decadent sorcerers whose childlike incomprehension is his worst nightmare. How to be effective when consequence is removed? What can have meaning when everything is transformed into fashion? Can love exist here? Leo storms through this lurid land in search of meaning, a cause, and a meal he can recognise.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

Paperback

First published January 7, 2011

About the author

Steve Aylett is a satirical science fiction and weird slipstream author of books such as LINT, The Book Lovers and Slaughtermatic, and comics including Hyperthick. He is known for his colourful satire attacking the manipulations of authority. Aylett is synaesthetic. He lives in Scotland.

Reviews

[Geoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I’d give this a try as its set in Michael Moorcock’s Dancers at the End of Time universe, which I read a while ago and remember liking it. Steve Aylett creates a new story using the End of Time setting and characters, which as expected turns out to be a type of adventure tale. It follows the path of a man named Leo who pops up during a party after he was transported to the End of Time from an earlier time (20th century). Leo has lived his life fighting authority, and tries to rebel against the local inhabitants of the End of Time. This story follows Leo tale through his time at the End of Time.

This was a silly story, as it should be, as that was Moorcock’s setting, but it was fun to read. I will admit if you don’t like outrageous settings I would give this book a pass. I enjoyed it, though, and was glad I gave it a try.

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aylett does a good job of revisiting the End of Time era, but the book is heavily philosophical without a lot happening and thus didn't maintain my interest the way Moorcock's own End of Time stories did. [5/10]

Sumptuous Dress. Moorcock's contribution to this collection is a rather delightful return to both the Second Ether and the End of Time that does a great job of combining the settings and maintaining Lord Jagged's magnificence. [7+/10]

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun read. There is no one I'd rather go to the end of the universe with than Steve Aylett.

[Walter Balerno · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hugely creative and with an entertaining use of language but ultimately I didn't care about any of the characters.