Context (Nulapeiron Sequence Series #2)

Nulapeiron: a world isolated for twelve centuries. Its billions of inhabitants occupy subterranean strata, ruled by a logosophically trained aristocracy of Lords and Ladies whose power base is upheld by Oracles. But revolution has touched all of its many cultures - failing in its intent, yet changing everything.

Now Lord Tom Corcorigan-the commoner-turned-noble who renounced his power, the poet, logosopher, and holder of the key to understanding the myriad wonders of mu-space, the legendary one-armed warrior, former revolutionary and would-be peacemaker-lies fatally wounded. His survival is dependant on his meeting with a mysterious Seer whose spacetime-warping talents transcend the merely Oracular. It is a confrontation that will result in bitter tragedy and loss. Can the woman he loves be truly dead, or can quantum mysteries lie beyond the grave?

Turning his back on a society sliding once more into anarchy and chaos, a disillusioned and despairing Tom wanders this strange, stratified world in search of meaning, love and his own salvation. But it seems Nulapeiron is threatened by a vast, insidious and terrifying enemy whose origins may lie beyond their world, beyond their understanding. And now is the time for legends to be reborn...

Sequel to the acclaimed Paradox and the second book in the Nulapeiron Sequence, Context is a thrilling, daring and complex novel that confirms John Meaney as one of British science fiction's most original and exciting practitioners.

Publishers Weekly

Replete with thought-provoking ruminations on the nature of space and time, Meaney's second Nulapeiron book (after Paradox) follows Tom Corcorigan as the logosopher and one-armed warrior, now a lord, seeks an antidote for the femtocyte toxins that are slowly killing him. Tom and his chief of security and future inamorata, Capt. Elva Strelsthorm, meet with the mysterious Seer, whose projected visions force Elva to download her personality (and the Seer's all-important information) to a twin sister. Aided by a vision from the Seer, Tom determines to recover Elva in a single-minded quest that's threatened by the invasion of the vicious, alien Dark Fire. While readers may find the personal stories of the characters more accessible than the almost overly detailed realm of Nulapeiron, they should enjoy the exquisite world building of this ambitious SF epic. Agent, John Parker at MBA Literary Agents. (Oct.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

John Meaney is the author of four published novels in the UK - To Hold Infinity, Paradox, Context, and Resolution, the latter three titles being the first two books in the Nulapeiron Sequence. He also has numerous short fiction publication credits. His novelette "Sharp Tang" was shortlisted for the British Science Fiction Association Award in 1995, and To Hold Infinity and Paradox were on the BSFA shortlists for Best Novel in 1999 and 2001 respectively. His novella "The Whisper of Disks" was included in the 2003 "Years Best Science Fiction: Twentieth Annual Collection." The Times called John Meaney "The first important new SF writer of the 21st century." Meaney has a degree in physics and computer science, and holds a black belt in Shotokan Karate. He lives in Kent.