‘Pushing Ice’ by Alastair Reynolds is already proving itself as a compelling, and scientifically intriguing piece of fiction. I say so because within the first thirty pages, an entire moon reveals itself to be an ancient alien spacecraft that’s been spying on Earth since before humans existed. In words of a great man, “That’s no moon.” The only ship in position in catch the alien craft before it can leave the solar system is a simple ice hauler, and the variety of crew on board. I think this is a spectacular hook, and the way Reynolds follows this up with some fun, not-so-sci-fi feels just right. He uses the real, and strange, orbit of one of Saturn’s moon’s as a way to set up the aliens. Apparently the moon Janus is co-orbital with another moon, Epimetheus. They share the same orbital path, and every four years, one moon overtakes the other by trading places with it. Its like an orbital dance, unlikely to occur, but not exactly alien … unless?

Which is exactly the question Reynolds asks by having it hurtle through the solar system past his ice hauler full of interesting characters. So far I’ve met at least three main characters, with dozens of side characters to fill out the crew of the Rockhopper. I’m not sure I know them well enough to say much about them besides their positions as Captain, Doctor, and one weird one, Mass Driver Specialist (more sci-fi than the roving moon). Their lives aboard the ice hauler as interesting as the hook, and I can’t wait to find out more about them as the story goes on. If this book is anything like ‘Revelation Space’ then I’m sure to find out some juicy details about their (probably dark) histories.

It’ll be interesting comparing this one-off to his much longer series when I’m finished. It will take me a while though. Reynolds’ books are a little dense, as an understatement.

Thank you for reading,

Benjamin Hawley