Gardens of the Sun (The Quiet War #2)

The Quiet War is over. The city states of the moons of Jupiter and Saturn have fallen to the Three Powers Alliance of Greater Brazil, the European Union and the Pacific Community. A century of enlightenment, rational utopianism and exploration of new ways of being human has fallen dark. Outers are herded into prison camps and forced to collaborate in the systematic plundering of their great archives of scientific and technical knowledge, while Earth's forces loot their cities, settlements and ships, and plan a final solution to the 'Outer problem'. But Earth's victory is fragile, and riven by vicious internal politics. While seeking out and trying to anatomise the strange gardens abandoned in place by Avernus, the Outers' greatest genius, the gene wizard Sri Hong-Owen is embroiled in the plots and counterplots of the family that employs her. The diplomat Loc Ifrahim soon discovers that profiting from victory isn't as easy as he thought. And in Greater Brazil, the Outers' democratic traditions have infected a population eager to escape the tyranny of the great families who rule them. After a conflict fought to contain the expansionist, posthuman ambitions of the Outers, the future is as uncertain as ever. Only one thing is clear. No one can escape the consequences of war - especially the victors. The Quiet War is over. The city states of the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, founded by descendants of refugees from Earths repressive regimes, the Outers, have fallen to the Three Powers Alliance of Greater Brazil, the European Union, and the Pacific Community. A century of enlightenment, rational utopianism and exploration of new ways of being human has fallen dark. Outers are herded into prison camps and forced to collaborate in the systematic plundering of their great archives of scientific and technical knowledge, while Earths forces loot their cities and settlements and ships, and plan a final solution to the Outer problem. But Earths victory is fragile, and riven by vicious internal politics. While seeking out and trying to anatomise the strange gardens abandoned in place by the Outers greatest genius, Avernus, the gene wizard Sri Hong-Owen is embroiled in the plots and counterplots of the family that employs her. The diplomat Loc Ifrahim soon discovers that profiting from victory isnt as easy as he thought. And on Earth, in Greater Brazil, the democratic traditions preserved and elaborated by the Outers have infected a population eager to escape the tyranny of the great families who rule them. Meanwhile, in the outer reaches of the Solar System, a rag-taggle group of refugees struggle to preserve the last of the old ideals. And on Triton, fanatical members of a cabal prepare for a final battle that threatens to shatter the future of the human species. After a conflict fought to contain the expansionist, posthuman ambitions of the Outers, the future is as uncertain as ever. Only one thing is clear. No one can escape the consequences of war -- especially the victors. From Booklist After The Quiet War (2009), the Outers flee to the farthest reaches of the solar system, to find someone else already there. The Ghosts have been planning for the future they believe is preordained and will make no compromise that might harm it. The governing families back on earth, while scrambling to deal with fallout from the war, bicker among themselves until a long-brewing revolution finally erupts. Sri Hong-Owen is still looking for Avernus, following in her footsteps, trying to unravel the riddles of Avernus gardens. Loc Ifrahim, still trying to gain some recognition, struggles not to get caught by the backlash against his patrons. Macy Minnot, exiled with the Outers, fights for her new communitys survival. A successful and convincing wrap-up of the repercussions of a war fought over the direction of human evolution, Gardens of the Sun is as gripping as its predecessor, with a long, complex buildup culminating in a spectacular vision of the future. --Regina Schroeder Review "Weaving a plot that constantly keeps you guessing about what might happen next, McAuley's vision of the future is compelling and vivid. A hugely impressive near-future space opera." -- James Blackwell SFX "He subtly explores what makes us human." --Jonathan Wright BBC FOCUS Weaving A Plot That Constantly Keeps You Guessing About What Might Happen Next, Mcauley's Vision Of The Future Is Compelling And Vivid. A Hugely Impressive Near-future Space Opera. -- Cover. By Paul Mcauley. After the Quiet War between Earth and the Outers, it's time to pick up the pieces ... but peace is not yet assured,