Future’s Edge is an excellent introduction to the work of Gareth L. Powell, one of the UK’s finest modern science fiction writers. (If you want to discover what else Gareth has to offer – check out my reviews of his other work, here.) Future’s Edge is a standalone volume, bearing all the hallmarks of a Powell novel; tight plotting, powerful villainous overlords, relatable characters, and a sassy ship’s AI.
What Is Future’s Edge?
The novel opens not long after the destruction of Earth. Interplanetary flight is possible. Humanity was starting to spread its wings into the Milky Way before disaster struck. Earth was wiped out by the implacable, unstoppable, “Cutters”. An alien force, from a different dimension, that seems intent on wiping out everything that is not also a Cutter.
Ursula Morrow is a former archeologist, who also happens to be almost invulnerable. Inattention during an archeological dig left her exposed to alien technology. Ursula nearly died, but after a lengthy recovery process, she is now healthier than ever. Unnaturally so, and nobody quite knows why. She’s washed up at a refugee camp, runs a bar, and is waiting for the right time to board one of the huge “foam” ships that are leaving the Milky Way, in the hope of escaping the murderous Cutter invasion.
The right time never arrives. An old flame returns; a surviving member of a navy ship, “The Crisis Actor,” has news for Ursula – her uncanny survivability might be the key to rescuing humanity and a host of other alien species. Ursula, Jack, and the ragtag crew of the Crisis Actor set out on a quest to understand the nature of Urusla’s exposure, hoping to work out how to defeat the Cutters before they perpetrate the annihilation of every living organism.
Why Read Future’s Edge?
Future’s Edge delivers a wonderful shot of science fiction. Powell is a master at melding great characters with interesting science fiction premises. This is exactly what his latest novel brings to the table.
The story’s location – the shattered Earth – and its interesting method of interplanetary travel, form an artfully constructed background on which the central narrative plays.
In the foreground we have the complex interplay between Ursula and Jack, and unexpectedly, The Crisis Actor itself. This gives rise to some interesting analysis of the nature of AI and the boundaries between humanity and sentient computers. Further to that, we have Ursuala’s relationship with herself to navigate. Does she self-sabotage? What exactly does she want from life?
All this plays out alongside a battle to prevent the extinction of multiple races. The Cutters are a fascinating creation, ranking up there with all the other top sci-fi bad dudes. But they turn out to be a lot more than that. The Cutters’ reason for existing sets the novel down unexpected pathways. What, at first glance, appears to be a simple “uber bad buy that needs putting down” narrative turns into something altogether more subtle.
What I like about Powell’s books is that they have intriguing plot lines, entertaining set pieces, and thought-provoking themes – scientific, social, and cultural. They also have great jokes and excellent pop-culture references. I have a nagging feeling I’ve missed any number of classic sci-fi Easter Eggs. His books also have brilliant characters. If you don’t love Seigfried, for example, you’re probably dead inside.
If you enjoy Gareth’s novels, you’ll love Future’s Edge. If you’ve never read one before, you’ll love Future’s Edge and are then in the fortunate position of being able to work your way through his backlist. Not for nothing has Gareth L. Powell won two BFSA awards. Go read Future’s Edge, you won’t regret it.
If you would like to pick up a copy of Future’s Edge you can do so here, in the US, and here, in the UK. (Affiliate Links)
If you enjoyed this review, check out my other book reviews, here.
I received a copy of this book in order to write this review.
