Today we’re going to take a look at a book I first mentioned back in December, when I wrote up a quick list of Queer-friendly Science Fiction novels. 

Too Like the Lightning, by Ada Palmer, is the first of the Terra Ignota series, which includes Seven Surrenders, which I have also read, and The Will to Battle, which is on my to-read list.

I don’t have a simple way to describe Too Like the Lightning, because it is not a simple story. In a future where humanity has chosen to band together based on philosophical affinity in Hives, in a time of abundant peace, prosperity, gender and racial equality, the world is about to face a crisis from which it has already recovered and the world remade. But what, exactly, the circumstances and who, exactly, the players in that crisis and recovery are, is the subject of what is one of the most exacting books I have ever read and enjoyed. 

I am not exaggerating when I tell you that this novel took 100% concentration from me. I often felt as if I could not look away from it, or all the details might slip from my grasp. 

I would also like to apologize to my much-maligned college professor of 18th century literature, because while I hated reading French philosophers at the time, (and still harbor negative feelings about Jean-Paul Rousseau,) I find that I needed every last bit of my remembered knowledge of 18th century French philosophers to help me get through this. I’m not saying that you need a familiarity with 18th century French philosophy (religion, mysticism, etc) to follow this book, but it helped.

The plot follows a tale (told in 18th century broadsheet style, which was absolutely delightful and maddening) by an infamous criminal about the end and remaking of the world. Oh,  and politics, too. You should probably be able to follow global politics. And understand that gender equality does not mean gender politics disappear. Because “politic,” remember derives from “polis” meaning “city” and all politics are merely the state of affairs of any given society. 

Characters here are fascinating and complicated, rather than charming or relatable, although the protagonist, our infamous criminal is, unironically, both of those as well. Sexuality is not a thing in the way gender is, so that sexual relationships of all kinds have been destigmatized. There are polyamourous (spelling intentional), homosexual, pansexual characters and at least one that is transgender, although it doesn’t really apply anymore, since gender is not a consideration…until it becomes a major plot point. Several characters are variously gendered as the situation demands and “they” is the standard pronoun. Gender neutrality becomes important several times in the course of the story, although gender equality does not.

This book does have some graphic violence, in narrative if not action, and some sexual violence as well. If the politics don’t nauseate you, this might, so be warned.

While I recommend this book, I recommend it only to readers who can handle exceptional complexity in storytelling or those who really enjoy being challenged. If you’re looking for a light read, or prefer simple linear story-telling, this is not it.

That said, I absolutely do recommend this book and this series. Palmer’s writing is masterful. 

Ratings:

Overall – 9

Thanks very much to Peter K for the recommendation! You hit the nail on the head with this one!