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Prefect Dreyfus Emergency #3
Machine Vendetta
From the king of modern space opera comes a new adventure in the Prefect Dreyfus series— Machine Vendetta is a thrilling tale of deadly conspiracies and old enemies that refuse to die.
Panoply is a small, efficient police force, dedicated to maintaining the rule of democracy among the ten thousand disparate city-states orbiting the planet Yellowstone.
Ingvar Tench was one of Panoply's most experienced operatives. So why did she walk alone and unarmed into a habitat with a vicious grudge against her organization?
As his colleagues pick up the pieces following her death, Prefect Tom Dreyfus must face his conscience. Four years ago, when an investigation linked to one of his most dangerous adversaries got a little too personal, Dreyfus arranged for Tench to continue the inquiry by proxy. In using her, did Dreyfus also put her in the line of fire? And what does Tench's attack tell him about an enemy he had hoped was dormant?
The Prefect Dreyfus Emergencies
Aurora Rising
Elysium Fire
Machine Vendetta
Panoply is a small, efficient police force, dedicated to maintaining the rule of democracy among the ten thousand disparate city-states orbiting the planet Yellowstone.
Ingvar Tench was one of Panoply's most experienced operatives. So why did she walk alone and unarmed into a habitat with a vicious grudge against her organization?
As his colleagues pick up the pieces following her death, Prefect Tom Dreyfus must face his conscience. Four years ago, when an investigation linked to one of his most dangerous adversaries got a little too personal, Dreyfus arranged for Tench to continue the inquiry by proxy. In using her, did Dreyfus also put her in the line of fire? And what does Tench's attack tell him about an enemy he had hoped was dormant?
The Prefect Dreyfus Emergencies
Aurora Rising
Elysium Fire
Machine Vendetta
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2024
About the author
Alastair Reynolds
284 books8,626 followersI'm Al, I used to be a space scientist, and now I'm a writer, although for a time the two careers ran in parallel. I started off publishing short stories in the British SF magazine Interzone in the early 90s, then eventually branched into novels. I write about a novel a year and try to write a few short stories as well. Some of my books and stories are set in a consistent future named after Revelation Space, the first novel, but I've done a lot of other things as well and I like to keep things fresh between books.
I was born in Wales, but raised in Cornwall, and then spent time in the north of England and Scotland. I moved to the Netherlands to continue my science career and stayed there for a very long time, before eventually returning to Wales.
In my spare time I am a very keen runner, and I also enjoying hill-walking, birdwatching, horse-riding, guitar and model-making. I also dabble with paints now and then. I met my wife in the Netherlands through a mutual interest in climbing and we married back in Wales. We live surrounded by hills, woods and wildlife, and not too much excitement.
I was born in Wales, but raised in Cornwall, and then spent time in the north of England and Scotland. I moved to the Netherlands to continue my science career and stayed there for a very long time, before eventually returning to Wales.
In my spare time I am a very keen runner, and I also enjoying hill-walking, birdwatching, horse-riding, guitar and model-making. I also dabble with paints now and then. I met my wife in the Netherlands through a mutual interest in climbing and we married back in Wales. We live surrounded by hills, woods and wildlife, and not too much excitement.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
January 18, 2024
This is the best, most thrilling, and seemingly final book in the Prefect Dreyfus Emergency series. Reynolds achieves a masterful blend of mystery/police procedural, hard sci-fi, intrigue and action, all within the fascinating far future world of a distributed and loosely federated human civilization often barely recognizable as such due to radical genetic and/or cybernetic engineering. All that is nothing new in the series, yet Machine Vendetta ratchets the scope and scale of events up dramatically as Dreyfus and his colleagues at Panoply confront a devious, nearly omniscient AI that's gone rogue.
Reynold's efforts to portray meaningful depth in the characters also really shines. It's something he's been knocked for, especially in his early novels, but he's clearly grown to become an author fully capable of creating authentic characters with genuine emotional resonance.
I can't recommend this more highly, and though the story line here is essentially a new one there is enough essential background from the previous novels to make it worthwhile for new readers to start at the beginning of the series.
Reynold's efforts to portray meaningful depth in the characters also really shines. It's something he's been knocked for, especially in his early novels, but he's clearly grown to become an author fully capable of creating authentic characters with genuine emotional resonance.
I can't recommend this more highly, and though the story line here is essentially a new one there is enough essential background from the previous novels to make it worthwhile for new readers to start at the beginning of the series.
February 17, 2024
I would be beyond thrilled to see a TV series or a movie based on one of these books or, even more thrilled, on all of them: the Glitter Band with its habitats and unique inhabitants, the Panoply, the lighthuggers and their Ultras, the Clockmaker and its scarab, the whiphounds - what a visual feast would be! <3
But until then, I raise my hopes that this will not be the last book in this series; there is still a lot to be told .
Each of the three books has a standalone plot, but the general setting and characters have continuity, therefore it is better to read all of them in order - they are a marvel of science-fiction mystery subgenre.
And this third part has all I had expected, and more, even a "Noooooooooo!" moment, which I did not expect.
Loved it to the moon and back.
But until then, I raise my hopes that this will not be the last book in this series; there is still a lot to be told .
Each of the three books has a standalone plot, but the general setting and characters have continuity, therefore it is better to read all of them in order - they are a marvel of science-fiction mystery subgenre.
And this third part has all I had expected, and more, even a "Noooooooooo!" moment, which I did not expect.
Loved it to the moon and back.
February 29, 2024
3.0 Stars
Video Review: https://youtu.be/9q64BSnOQBg
This is the third book in a sci fi thriller series. As someone who enjoys mysteries I was most intrigued by those aspects of the plots.
This author's strength is in his ability to write epic worlds. So I always feel that his talent is lost on this intimate mystery series. Instead the series focuses more on the characters who are not as fleshed out and well rounded as I would like. The story itself is good, but leans into a lot of familiar plot twists and common tropes.
I would primarily recommend this story to readers who love the sci fi mystery subgenre.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Video Review: https://youtu.be/9q64BSnOQBg
This is the third book in a sci fi thriller series. As someone who enjoys mysteries I was most intrigued by those aspects of the plots.
This author's strength is in his ability to write epic worlds. So I always feel that his talent is lost on this intimate mystery series. Instead the series focuses more on the characters who are not as fleshed out and well rounded as I would like. The story itself is good, but leans into a lot of familiar plot twists and common tropes.
I would primarily recommend this story to readers who love the sci fi mystery subgenre.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
December 27, 2023
The third and perhaps final edition of the Prefect Dryfus Emergency Series.
The series takes place in the Glitter Band - Ten thousand city-states orbiting planet Yellowstone. The Panoply is a small but mighty police and peacekeeping organization of which Tom Dreyfus is a high ranking officer.
In the third in the series Dreyfus has multiple emergencies on his hands including neural implants melting, attacks and two potentially war starting events involving his own colleagues. What is happening and why? Dreyfus works the scenes like a seasoned police officer and we do our best to keep up and play along!
Reynolds has the science fiction magic that allows him to create whole universes and even make a potentially ridiculous situation, such as a planet of babified adults seem real. The characters are all fully realized and it is great fun to catch up with some of the long standing themes, beings and storylines. How Alastair Reynolds creates not only a galaxy but a complex and multi prong plot that satisfies completely is beyond me! This is a fabulous book and highly recommended. I dare say you could read it as a stand alone it is so easily managed but the full experience is all three (Aurora Rising, Elysium Fire). #MachineVendetta #AlastairReynolds
#Orbit
The series takes place in the Glitter Band - Ten thousand city-states orbiting planet Yellowstone. The Panoply is a small but mighty police and peacekeeping organization of which Tom Dreyfus is a high ranking officer.
In the third in the series Dreyfus has multiple emergencies on his hands including neural implants melting, attacks and two potentially war starting events involving his own colleagues. What is happening and why? Dreyfus works the scenes like a seasoned police officer and we do our best to keep up and play along!
Reynolds has the science fiction magic that allows him to create whole universes and even make a potentially ridiculous situation, such as a planet of babified adults seem real. The characters are all fully realized and it is great fun to catch up with some of the long standing themes, beings and storylines. How Alastair Reynolds creates not only a galaxy but a complex and multi prong plot that satisfies completely is beyond me! This is a fabulous book and highly recommended. I dare say you could read it as a stand alone it is so easily managed but the full experience is all three (Aurora Rising, Elysium Fire). #MachineVendetta #AlastairReynolds
#Orbit
July 2, 2024
Well I'm done. It was fine.
I suspect Reynolds might be getting old. This book left me a little cold, there was nothing new, nothing really exciting. It was just more of the same Dreyfus being stoic and getting stuff done.
I suspect Reynolds might be getting old. This book left me a little cold, there was nothing new, nothing really exciting. It was just more of the same Dreyfus being stoic and getting stuff done.
August 10, 2024
Just barely a 4. Hopefuly this is the wrap up for Prefect Dreyfus, the story line is a bit thread bare and the chess match at the end was a bit too complicated for me to absorb. As usual, lots of interesting far future tech and of course the idea that the ability to constantly vote on one thing or another being the central tenant keeping this particular civilization going is fascinating.
Will read another Reynolds unless it is another Dreyfus
Will read another Reynolds unless it is another Dreyfus
January 21, 2024
This is the third, and probably last, of the Prefect Dreyfus stories that Reynolds has crafted in his Revelation Space universe but in a different time period. The Prefects are the cops of the Glitter Band, the ring of artificial environments orbiting a planet in the Epsilon Eridani solar system. But 'cop' is not the correct term – it's more like they are the public safety monitors, trying to deal with any issues with a light touch but willing to bring in the heavy support as needed. They are laregly resented by the citizens but seen as necessary.
For those who have followed this series it is not a spoiler to say that rogue AI machines are the bete noire of the series. I'm getting a little jaded on evil AI stories, but Reynolds has a different approach that is intriguing.
I confess that I did not find this episode as compelling as the others, partly because I could get the mystery pretty early, it's telegraphed pretty easily for anyone paying attention. Still, once things started popping a little over halfway through the book, I found myself racing through it.
Reynolds seems to want to make a point of the dedication to the police force (Panoply) by the prefects, and the lengths they will go to in order to maintain their integrity. I don't know if this is a counterpoint to some of the police abuse stories we've seen recently, but it's hard not to see it as such.
In any event, don't start here, start with the first book, originally titled 'The Prefect' then reissued as 'Aurora Rising'.
For those who have followed this series it is not a spoiler to say that rogue AI machines are the bete noire of the series. I'm getting a little jaded on evil AI stories, but Reynolds has a different approach that is intriguing.
I confess that I did not find this episode as compelling as the others, partly because I could get the mystery pretty early, it's telegraphed pretty easily for anyone paying attention. Still, once things started popping a little over halfway through the book, I found myself racing through it.
Reynolds seems to want to make a point of the dedication to the police force (Panoply) by the prefects, and the lengths they will go to in order to maintain their integrity. I don't know if this is a counterpoint to some of the police abuse stories we've seen recently, but it's hard not to see it as such.
In any event, don't start here, start with the first book, originally titled 'The Prefect' then reissued as 'Aurora Rising'.
February 28, 2024
For some reason I adore the Revelation Space universe, although the ratings I've given most of the books are usually average or below average, including the past adventures of Prefect Dreyfus. Perhaps the main thing Old Man Al has managed to do in a quarter-century is to show a layered, thought-out authentic world building. Half of this charm is chopped by the translation, or rather, the inability or unwillingness to properly translate into Russian most of the terms that Reynolds scattered throughout the books. There's something appealing about the setting itself, bleak and cold, a tiny corner of a vast incomprehensible universe, separated by decades of sublight voyages with all the relativistic charms. Set on gothic lighthuggers with its Ultra crews often deprived of human beings' appearance. With a hundred interesting tidbits here and there — but with bloated prose whose volume begs for an editor; with often underdeveloped characters, even if there is a few books to develop them properly; with twists and turns that the author himself has worn out. And Machine Vendetta has all of these things, both charming and bad, and bleakly generic.
Almost a third of an already lengthy book to finally kick things off — not every author can afford that, nor should they. Even though I only read The Prefect and Elysium Fire a couple of years ago, I even had to refresh my memories with the plot summary of the first book. And there was so much going on in its synopsis alone that after a third of Vendetta, it felt like the plot was purely nominal this time round. Reynolds carefully reminded of all the characters, especially those he'd completely forgotten about in Elysium Fire, and began to slowly unwind the familiar structure: something was wrong again in some orbital, the Prefects were again bumping into inhospitable citizens of the Glitter Band, the Hyperpigs were again being mistreated, and someone in the Panoply was lying again.
At some point, you have to wonder if this is really the finale of the trilogy. Or does Emergencies counts as trilogy at all. Honestly, the first half of the book just doesn't carry the stakes and intensity required, just another novel in the Revelation Space universe. You can easily imagine that there will be more books with those characters, and we are in the middle of the road. Alastair even allows himself a charming scene with the Ultra, which, even though it feels like it was written specifically for me, in such a slow plot development, looks like a filler. It wasn't, though, but it sure felt as one at the time. Sooner or later, things do come to a showdown with the titular Machines, which is underwhelming to say the least. And that goes for both Aurora and the Clockmaker. Reynolds delivers a technical victory against the main plot, but it doesn't evoke much of an excitement.
Near the end of Vendetta, I was rather thinking about the unrealized potential of the trilogy, with a solid set-up and an established setting. That there were no real dilemmas between legal enforcement and the authority of the Panoply, a rather unique system, in fact. The complex moral conflicts turned out to be one-sided; the protagonists represented by Dreyfus, Talia, Spraver, and Omanier all as one are upstanding and just; and attempts to bring gray ambiguity to some of them have failed. The Glitter Band communities blended into a homogeneous mass, despite the fact that "the Panoply has a thousand people and there are 100 million of them", although in some places Alastair still provided fascinating bits. The very existence of Elysium Fire raises more questions now, because Vendetta could have been caught up right after The Prefect, and literally nothing would have changed.
But in the last few pages, something really touched me. Alastair made a heartwarming farewell to the series and didn't neglect the trilogy's major characters. In other words, managed to draw a fine conclusion. Vendetta, which I already planned to give a lower grade, suddenly left the feeling of a decent book, perhaps not really deserved with all my aforementioned criticism. I realized that even with all the problems of narrative and characters, I will return to the world of Revelation Space without a second thought, if only Reynolds invites us there again.
Almost a third of an already lengthy book to finally kick things off — not every author can afford that, nor should they. Even though I only read The Prefect and Elysium Fire a couple of years ago, I even had to refresh my memories with the plot summary of the first book. And there was so much going on in its synopsis alone that after a third of Vendetta, it felt like the plot was purely nominal this time round. Reynolds carefully reminded of all the characters, especially those he'd completely forgotten about in Elysium Fire, and began to slowly unwind the familiar structure: something was wrong again in some orbital, the Prefects were again bumping into inhospitable citizens of the Glitter Band, the Hyperpigs were again being mistreated, and someone in the Panoply was lying again.
At some point, you have to wonder if this is really the finale of the trilogy. Or does Emergencies counts as trilogy at all. Honestly, the first half of the book just doesn't carry the stakes and intensity required, just another novel in the Revelation Space universe. You can easily imagine that there will be more books with those characters, and we are in the middle of the road. Alastair even allows himself a charming scene with the Ultra, which, even though it feels like it was written specifically for me, in such a slow plot development, looks like a filler. It wasn't, though, but it sure felt as one at the time. Sooner or later, things do come to a showdown with the titular Machines, which is underwhelming to say the least. And that goes for both Aurora and the Clockmaker. Reynolds delivers a technical victory against the main plot, but it doesn't evoke much of an excitement.
Near the end of Vendetta, I was rather thinking about the unrealized potential of the trilogy, with a solid set-up and an established setting. That there were no real dilemmas between legal enforcement and the authority of the Panoply, a rather unique system, in fact. The complex moral conflicts turned out to be one-sided; the protagonists represented by Dreyfus, Talia, Spraver, and Omanier all as one are upstanding and just; and attempts to bring gray ambiguity to some of them have failed. The Glitter Band communities blended into a homogeneous mass, despite the fact that "the Panoply has a thousand people and there are 100 million of them", although in some places Alastair still provided fascinating bits. The very existence of Elysium Fire raises more questions now, because Vendetta could have been caught up right after The Prefect, and literally nothing would have changed.
But in the last few pages, something really touched me. Alastair made a heartwarming farewell to the series and didn't neglect the trilogy's major characters. In other words, managed to draw a fine conclusion. Vendetta, which I already planned to give a lower grade, suddenly left the feeling of a decent book, perhaps not really deserved with all my aforementioned criticism. I realized that even with all the problems of narrative and characters, I will return to the world of Revelation Space without a second thought, if only Reynolds invites us there again.
May 29, 2024
Machine Vendetta is the third in the Prefect Dreyfus Emergency series. Like the other two, it is exciting and dramatic, starting slowly and escalating suddenly. I commend it for making Dreyfus and his colleagues such interesting space cops. What really elevates this series is its thoughtful engagement with the politics of law enforcement. Panopoly has a technically well-defined and specific remit, yet its work is no straightforward thing. In Elysium Fire Panopoly faced the perils of space brexit; in Machine Vendetta the main threat also has contemporary dimensions.
I found the plot suitably compelling, with some shocking twists. For a hard sci-fi future with advanced life-preservation technologies, a surprising number of named characters died. Events are neatly orchestrated and the ending satisfying. As always with this series, a lot of the enjoyment is exploring worlds within the Glitter Band. Reynolds can always be relied upon for high quality far future worldbuilding.
I found the plot suitably compelling, with some shocking twists. For a hard sci-fi future with advanced life-preservation technologies, a surprising number of named characters died. Events are neatly orchestrated and the ending satisfying. As always with this series, a lot of the enjoyment is exploring worlds within the Glitter Band. Reynolds can always be relied upon for high quality far future worldbuilding.
August 22, 2024
This was a bit of a struggle to get through. I can’t explain why, a little too predictable perhaps. Or maybe I’ve simply read too much Reynolds. I’d recommend reading Chasm city, rather than this one, for various reasons, it’s much better for one, but it also gives a background to the Prefect Dreyfus series. The first books in this series are also better by the way.
I have to get one thing off my chest; one of the most important characters is called Ingvar. Fine, I know authors like to give people Nordic names, and what could be more Nordic than Ingvar, the founder of IKEA was called Ingvar. Except…it’s a man’s name, this Ingvar is a female Prefect, do some basic research Mr. Reynolds, the female form of Ingvar is Ingvor, that’s what you should have called her!
Finally I must credit Alastair Reynolds for being clairvoyant, here’s what one of the bad guys in the book said about elections. Didn’t a well-known American ex-president say something like this very recently?
“There’ll be no need for voting now, so I’ve lifted that burden from you. You had to make hard choices in the past because I wasn’t there to make them for you. That’s all over: you’ll live easier, more carefree lives without that pressure.”
“No more worrying about voting. No more worrying about the future. It’s all taken care of. And all you need do is . . . carry on as normal.”
3.5 raised to 4 because I liked the ending.
I have to get one thing off my chest; one of the most important characters is called Ingvar. Fine, I know authors like to give people Nordic names, and what could be more Nordic than Ingvar, the founder of IKEA was called Ingvar. Except…it’s a man’s name, this Ingvar is a female Prefect, do some basic research Mr. Reynolds, the female form of Ingvar is Ingvor, that’s what you should have called her!
Finally I must credit Alastair Reynolds for being clairvoyant, here’s what one of the bad guys in the book said about elections. Didn’t a well-known American ex-president say something like this very recently?
“There’ll be no need for voting now, so I’ve lifted that burden from you. You had to make hard choices in the past because I wasn’t there to make them for you. That’s all over: you’ll live easier, more carefree lives without that pressure.”
“No more worrying about voting. No more worrying about the future. It’s all taken care of. And all you need do is . . . carry on as normal.”
3.5 raised to 4 because I liked the ending.
February 1, 2024
A fitting end (??) to the stories of Prefect Tom Dreyfus as he once again works to save the millions of residents of the Glitter Band which orbits the planet of Yellowstone. Machine Vendetta takes place several years after Elysium Fire, but revisits some of the ground covered in Aurora Rising (The Prefect). Quite a lot is resolved from the previous two books, but there's just enough meat left on the bone if Reynolds should decide to revisit Dreyfus in the future. At one time he said he had 5 Prefect Dreyfus Emergency books planned, but recently he's stated he plans to step away from the Revelation Space setting and focus on standalone science fiction, which I'm equally excited about.
January 21, 2024
Six years have passed both in the real world and in-universe since the last book was published. From early on the characters begin referencing events from four years ago, a text search shows they directly do so twenty times throughout the book, and that confused me. Had I entirely forgotten what had happened and these characters? No, I hadn't, this was simply a case of Reynolds having a lot of stuff happen outside of the written story. The way it's presented though is as if the reader is already aware of everything. Usually when a book follows up from events that occurred it's something that happened in previous books. That's not the case here, as it's mostly a follow-up to the events of four years ago, which sought to resolve the Clockmaker and Aurora situation.
Tom Dreyfus and Thalia Ng are the two major perspectives, though there's a few other minor ones. This is probably one of the least convoluted books that Reynolds has written. It's almost entirely a straightforward investigation going from place to place and talking with people. Most of the thriller, survival, and action scenes are gone, as is much of the stuff from the wider Revelation Space series. Depending on your preferences this may be considered mundane, if not dull, because there isn't anything particularly exciting and certainly nothing epic. Yet, somehow it worked better for me than what the previous books did.
If you've read a few books from Reynolds before, you're aware that identity issues may be his favorite plot device. They're present here, but I think for first time Reynolds has a scene where he acknowledges and intervenes with the identity issues because he knows you're speculating about the identity of a character. The identity issues are eventually resolved in a way that could be considered divisive.
This is where I admit that I don't know what it is about this time, but for some reason I felt especially charitable about all the issues that would've otherwise bothered me. Others may feel the problems to be of greater severity, but unlike the previous books there wasn't anything here that lessened my enjoyment. There were several questionable narrative choices, but it seems I've become inured to them or maybe it was my mood.
I didn't notice it until I was doing text searches, but I realized whenever Ng is mentioned by itself I unconsciously replaced it with Thalia. This led to me wondering why she was always referred to by her first name while Dreyfus is almost always referred to by his last. Stuff like this has happened before.
The ending concludes Dreyfus's story and I'm satisfied with both that it has ended and how it has. It took some plot contrivances to get to this point, but apparently I don't mind.
Rating: 3.5/5
Tom Dreyfus and Thalia Ng are the two major perspectives, though there's a few other minor ones. This is probably one of the least convoluted books that Reynolds has written. It's almost entirely a straightforward investigation going from place to place and talking with people. Most of the thriller, survival, and action scenes are gone, as is much of the stuff from the wider Revelation Space series. Depending on your preferences this may be considered mundane, if not dull, because there isn't anything particularly exciting and certainly nothing epic. Yet, somehow it worked better for me than what the previous books did.
If you've read a few books from Reynolds before, you're aware that identity issues may be his favorite plot device. They're present here, but I think for first time Reynolds has a scene where he acknowledges and intervenes with the identity issues because he knows you're speculating about the identity of a character. The identity issues are eventually resolved in a way that could be considered divisive.
This is where I admit that I don't know what it is about this time, but for some reason I felt especially charitable about all the issues that would've otherwise bothered me. Others may feel the problems to be of greater severity, but unlike the previous books there wasn't anything here that lessened my enjoyment. There were several questionable narrative choices, but it seems I've become inured to them or maybe it was my mood.
I didn't notice it until I was doing text searches, but I realized whenever Ng is mentioned by itself I unconsciously replaced it with Thalia. This led to me wondering why she was always referred to by her first name while Dreyfus is almost always referred to by his last. Stuff like this has happened before.
The ending concludes Dreyfus's story and I'm satisfied with both that it has ended and how it has. It took some plot contrivances to get to this point, but apparently I don't mind.
Rating: 3.5/5
February 22, 2024
I love Alastair Reynolds’ books, if I could get them tatted across my forehead I would
February 13, 2024
Book review: 5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Reynolds does it again! Machine Vendetta by Alastair Reynolds is a thrilling science fiction mystery novel, and the final book in the Prefect Dreyfus trilogy. I’ve made it no secret that Reynolds is my favorite author, and I expect a high quality from his writing. He consistently delivers on that quality and does it again in his newest novel. Reynolds knows how to encapsulate everything that makes science fiction great to read, world-building, exploration of future technology, imaginative settings and characters, and much more. While this book was the third in a trilogy, it is also part of the wider Revelation Space universe. Sadly, this is the last Revelation Space novel we will get for a long while, but I’m eager to see what Reynolds comes up with next.
In Machine Vendetta, Prefect Dreyfus of Panoply gets diverted to a habitat where one of his operatives, Ingvar Tench, has inexplicably entered, walking into a dangerous situation that is completely unexpected from her. Dreyfus must figure out why Tench went alone into a hostile area. In another habitat, Thalia Ng investigates a terrorist attack carried out by one of Panoply’s own. The habitat is occupied by heavily altered humans known as the Lemurs, a seemingly peaceful people. An investigation is undertaken by both Dreyfus and Thalia, each chasing a separate thread in a much wider conspiracy.
Machine Vendetta has everything you’d expect if you’d read the series this far. The Glitterband is a truly imaginative and fascinating piece of science fiction world building. An area in space composed of ten thousand artificial habitats with over one hundred million people, all with their own rules and ways of life except for one, they must maintain the tenants of democracy. Panoply is the police force designed to make sure they do just that. We also get out of control AI, far future technology, advanced body modification, space travel, and the plot of a police procedural to keep us hooked until the end.
This novel is a perfect conclusion to an excellent trilogy, and one that fans of Alastair Reynolds shouldn’t skip out on.
Reynolds does it again! Machine Vendetta by Alastair Reynolds is a thrilling science fiction mystery novel, and the final book in the Prefect Dreyfus trilogy. I’ve made it no secret that Reynolds is my favorite author, and I expect a high quality from his writing. He consistently delivers on that quality and does it again in his newest novel. Reynolds knows how to encapsulate everything that makes science fiction great to read, world-building, exploration of future technology, imaginative settings and characters, and much more. While this book was the third in a trilogy, it is also part of the wider Revelation Space universe. Sadly, this is the last Revelation Space novel we will get for a long while, but I’m eager to see what Reynolds comes up with next.
In Machine Vendetta, Prefect Dreyfus of Panoply gets diverted to a habitat where one of his operatives, Ingvar Tench, has inexplicably entered, walking into a dangerous situation that is completely unexpected from her. Dreyfus must figure out why Tench went alone into a hostile area. In another habitat, Thalia Ng investigates a terrorist attack carried out by one of Panoply’s own. The habitat is occupied by heavily altered humans known as the Lemurs, a seemingly peaceful people. An investigation is undertaken by both Dreyfus and Thalia, each chasing a separate thread in a much wider conspiracy.
Machine Vendetta has everything you’d expect if you’d read the series this far. The Glitterband is a truly imaginative and fascinating piece of science fiction world building. An area in space composed of ten thousand artificial habitats with over one hundred million people, all with their own rules and ways of life except for one, they must maintain the tenants of democracy. Panoply is the police force designed to make sure they do just that. We also get out of control AI, far future technology, advanced body modification, space travel, and the plot of a police procedural to keep us hooked until the end.
This novel is a perfect conclusion to an excellent trilogy, and one that fans of Alastair Reynolds shouldn’t skip out on.
October 26, 2023
MACHINE VENDETTA is an enormously engrossing Hard SF Space Opera, third in Alastair Reynolds' PREFECT DREYFUS EMERGENCY (which Series includes the also exceptional AURORA RISING and ELYSIUM FIRE). Although set far, far into the future, in an era of faster-than-light travel and extensive human (and hyperpig) Colonization of Interstellar Space, the concerns on which it focuses are very apropos to our present day. Rogue Artificial Intelligence; genetic engineering; cloning; post-humanism; hubristic families; found (or orchestrated) family; all of these themes are essentially and magnificently interwoven, and always, always, the overweening theme is Doing the Right Thing.
Release January 2024.
Release January 2024.
February 24, 2024
It's a perfectly fine ending to a trilogy. It's good to have some of the storylines wrapped up. But, you know what, I expect much more from Alastair Reynolds than "fine" and "good". Hence the three star rating.
Full review on the podcast, SFBRP episode #534.
Luke and Juliane review Machine Vendetta by Alastair Reynolds, a book they mostly enjoyed, but spend the whole podcast trying to work out why there weren’t fully satisfied.
https://www.sfbrp.com/archives/2181
Full review on the podcast, SFBRP episode #534.
Luke and Juliane review Machine Vendetta by Alastair Reynolds, a book they mostly enjoyed, but spend the whole podcast trying to work out why there weren’t fully satisfied.
https://www.sfbrp.com/archives/2181
May 9, 2024
Machine Vendetta by Alastair Reynolds is the third book in the "Prefect Dreyfus Emergency" trilogy. This book has been a long time coming but definitely worth the wait. Prefect Tom Dreyfus is one of my favorite characters from Alastair Reynolds' various series. Machine Vendetta is a science fiction police procedural. This sub-genre of science fiction is one of my favorites. The more convoluted the plot the more I like it. This one is very convoluted and also action-packed. This book neatly ties up this trilogy. As always the writings of Alastair Reynolds always leave me looking forward to his next great book.
March 10, 2024
Another strong Dreyfus novel from Alastair Reynolds. I'd say the difference between 3 & 4 stars is the fact that I couldn't remember much of what had happened in the previous Dreyfus novels. But I'm always a fan of returning to Reynolds' Revelation Space world.
February 23, 2024
Alastair Reynolds is still about one of the best sci fi writers out there.
February 28, 2024
Rating 4.5/5
The books in the Prefect series combine cutting edge space opera with police procedural. In the latest volume, apparent terrorist attacks and the murder of a prefect set into motion an investigation that turns up evidence that the group trying to capture the two rogue artificial super intelligences in the Glitter Band may still be active. The Panoply opposes this effort, as the two virtual beings keep one another in check, and an effort to capture them could be disastrous if only one is captured. But there are plots within plots, and the more Dreyfus and team uncover the more danger they expose.
Machine Vendetta succeeds on several levels. The world — or should I say system — building is impressive. The characterization is well done, including that of the megalomaniac super intelligence Aurora. And the plot is exciting and fast moving.
This will be on my Hugo ballot next year.
The books in the Prefect series combine cutting edge space opera with police procedural. In the latest volume, apparent terrorist attacks and the murder of a prefect set into motion an investigation that turns up evidence that the group trying to capture the two rogue artificial super intelligences in the Glitter Band may still be active. The Panoply opposes this effort, as the two virtual beings keep one another in check, and an effort to capture them could be disastrous if only one is captured. But there are plots within plots, and the more Dreyfus and team uncover the more danger they expose.
Machine Vendetta succeeds on several levels. The world — or should I say system — building is impressive. The characterization is well done, including that of the megalomaniac super intelligence Aurora. And the plot is exciting and fast moving.
This will be on my Hugo ballot next year.
January 21, 2024
I really like the universe that Alastair Reynolds creates in the space opera "Machine Vendetta": A massive swarm of over 10,000 independent orbital habitats, a fleet of far flung post-human spacefarers, an elite team of agents protecting the voting rights of the local citizens in a colonized solar system, and just to keep things interesting, a couple of god-like AI's that do not share empathy with humanity. Although this is the third book in the Prefect Dreyfus series, and I had not read the previous books, I found "Machine Vendetta" to be perfectly readable, understandable, and highly enjoyable. Now I really look forward to reading the previous books in this series. This series is just too good to miss.
As with the the other Alastair Reynolds space opera novels I have read, this was quite entertaining and was just what I needed. As fan of the Culture novels by Iain M. Banks, I really appreciated the aspect of sophisticated agents using high technology, intelligence, and courage to "do the right thing". Likewise, the prefects in Reynolds' series reminded me quite a bit of E. E. "Doc" Smith's Lensmen. The action, technology, character development, and scope of "Machine Vendetta" really worked for me.
I unhesitatingly recommend this book for Science Fiction fans.
I thank Alastair Reynolds and Orbit Books for kindly providing a temporary electronic review copy of this work.
As with the the other Alastair Reynolds space opera novels I have read, this was quite entertaining and was just what I needed. As fan of the Culture novels by Iain M. Banks, I really appreciated the aspect of sophisticated agents using high technology, intelligence, and courage to "do the right thing". Likewise, the prefects in Reynolds' series reminded me quite a bit of E. E. "Doc" Smith's Lensmen. The action, technology, character development, and scope of "Machine Vendetta" really worked for me.
I unhesitatingly recommend this book for Science Fiction fans.
I thank Alastair Reynolds and Orbit Books for kindly providing a temporary electronic review copy of this work.
January 28, 2024
A conclusion to the trilogy perhaps? Seems like it is. Not a perfect final book but I enjoyed it immensely, hence the 5 star rating. I really loved the book all the way up until the last 3-4 chapters where we got our resolution. It wasn’t a great resolution, not even as good as the rest of the book, but acceptable all things considered. I’m not entirely convinced that the threat could be neutralized the way our heroes arranged it. It seemed unreliable considering the immensity of the threat. It is also entirely psychological.
Overall, it’s a great trilogy. A worthy addition to the Revelation Space universe. Not a starting place for new readers but a treat for the veterans who made it through the previous books and stories.
Overall, it’s a great trilogy. A worthy addition to the Revelation Space universe. Not a starting place for new readers but a treat for the veterans who made it through the previous books and stories.
November 29, 2023
Machine Vendetta by Alistair Reynolds(Prefect Dreyfus Emergencies #3)- A new prefect arrives at one of the thousand habitats in the Glitter Band to do her regular maintenance, when she finds the habitat seemingly deserted, then she is shot. Prefect Tom Dreyfus is on his way and along with him his once archenemy Aurora, who has formed an uneasy alliance with him to each other’s benefit. But can Dreyfus trust her. Meanwhile something treacherous is happening again, and it will take all their knowledge and power to find the culprit and save the day. Excellent story. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC
January 22, 2024
Yup. That hit the spot.
Nuthing like ah Gewd Ol' hard sci-fi to flush out social political ideas of possible futures. Also enjoy the story!
Thank you Alastair
Nuthing like ah Gewd Ol' hard sci-fi to flush out social political ideas of possible futures. Also enjoy the story!
Thank you Alastair
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2024
As the latest of the Prefect Dreyfuss Emergency novels, I expected Machine Vendetta to not match the heady heights of its predecessors, having found a mixed bag in some of Reynolds' recent series, in particular Poseidon’s Children, which I struggled with. But from the first page, every doubt vanished, slipping back into the world of the Glitter Band and its policing as if I’d never left. This is a superb storyteller at the height of his game, and if you like a combination of hard sci-fi, action and mystery, then I would recommend this series wholeheartedly from the first to last page.
February 25, 2024
'Machine Vendetta,' the third instalment in Alastair Reynolds' gripping Prefect Dreyfus Emergency series, is a masterclass in science fiction storytelling that seamlessly blends intricate mystery with a vividly detailed universe. Set against the sprawling backdrop of the Glitter Band, orbiting the planet Yellowstone, Reynolds' narrative prowess is on full display as he guides us through a complex investigation spearheaded by the diligent Panoply police force. The story is a testament to Reynolds' unparalleled ability to craft a universe that is as immersive as it is expansive, with his descriptive flair painting each scene in vivid hues that pull the reader into the heart of the action.
What sets Reynolds apart is his astute application of realistic physics and science, undoubtedly a reflection of his PhD in astrophysics, which lends an authenticity to the technological marvels and cosmic phenomena that populate his universe. From advanced health technology that defies the boundaries of human biology to the Ultras and their magnificent lighthuggers traversing the void, every element is imbued with a sense of tangible plausibility. The narrative further explores the evolution of humanity, with beings who have transcended their human origins to adopt forms as varied as advanced lemurs and supremely intelligent artificial intelligences vying for dominance.
At the heart of 'Machine Vendetta' lies a mystery that unfolds with meticulous precision, guided by Reynolds' deft hand. Panoply, which oversees the security and democratic integrity of the Glitter Band's ten thousand city-states, is depicted with a very human perspective and a dedication that resonates deeply with the theme of maintaining order in a universe teetering on the brink of upheaval. Reynolds' narrative is a thrilling ride through a cosmos where the line between human and machine, democracy and dictatorship, is blurred, making for a story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
'Machine Vendetta' is a triumph of science fiction, a novel that not only entertains but also educates, courtesy of Reynolds' adept blending of hard science with rich, compelling storytelling. It's a journey through a universe so meticulously crafted and vividly portrayed that it becomes almost tangible, making this book a must-read for aficionados of the genre and a shining jewel in Alastair Reynolds' already illustrious 'Revelation Space' universe.
What sets Reynolds apart is his astute application of realistic physics and science, undoubtedly a reflection of his PhD in astrophysics, which lends an authenticity to the technological marvels and cosmic phenomena that populate his universe. From advanced health technology that defies the boundaries of human biology to the Ultras and their magnificent lighthuggers traversing the void, every element is imbued with a sense of tangible plausibility. The narrative further explores the evolution of humanity, with beings who have transcended their human origins to adopt forms as varied as advanced lemurs and supremely intelligent artificial intelligences vying for dominance.
At the heart of 'Machine Vendetta' lies a mystery that unfolds with meticulous precision, guided by Reynolds' deft hand. Panoply, which oversees the security and democratic integrity of the Glitter Band's ten thousand city-states, is depicted with a very human perspective and a dedication that resonates deeply with the theme of maintaining order in a universe teetering on the brink of upheaval. Reynolds' narrative is a thrilling ride through a cosmos where the line between human and machine, democracy and dictatorship, is blurred, making for a story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
'Machine Vendetta' is a triumph of science fiction, a novel that not only entertains but also educates, courtesy of Reynolds' adept blending of hard science with rich, compelling storytelling. It's a journey through a universe so meticulously crafted and vividly portrayed that it becomes almost tangible, making this book a must-read for aficionados of the genre and a shining jewel in Alastair Reynolds' already illustrious 'Revelation Space' universe.
February 15, 2024
With Machine Vendetta, Alistair Reynolds brings his Revelation Space universe to a close, completes the Dreyfus Emergency trilogy, and moves on to something different. It's a bit of a shame; these novels are phenomenal bits of hard-boiled detective sci-fi, wonderfully paced and genuinely thrilling. If you read anything by Reynolds, I'd recommend The Prefect, Elysium Fire, and Machine Vendetta as some of his best stuff.
Machine Vendetta on its own is a great novel. It's just as exciting and interesting as its two preceding works, while also bringing the saga to a solid conclusion. However, I'm admittedly a little disappointed at how quickly some of the different plot lines get resolved, which might be a result of the author's desire to move on from the series. For one, the malevolent AI known as the Clockmaker is dispatched very quickly between scenes. Though his destruction is a big moment, it's almost an afterthought in the long run of the story, as if he were a loose end to tie up. The same feels true when the heroes manage to stop Aurora, the second evil AI in the story, by essentially tricking her into thinking she's no longer immortal. That said: I liked the mystery surrounding Aurora, and I can buy how their plan works in the end. It just comes on kind of fast.
Then we have the very bittersweet ending: Tom Dreyfus, after years of service to Panoply, confesses his complicity in Aurora's rise to power, quits the force, then boards a long-distance ship with his still-broken wife to leave the Epsilon Eridani system for good. It all happens quickly, in the span of 2-3 pages, and feels sadly out of character for Dreyfus. After all his talk about facing the music and accepting his fate, he's confessing everything and skipping town before anyone can react. Yet he's only doing so because he wants to devote his remaining time to helping his wife heal, even if that means taking off across the galaxy to God-knows-where. I can't fault him for that, even if it feels cheap to disappear like that.
But then there's the matter of the future for them. Anyone who's read the other books in Revelation Space knows that the Dreyfus Emergencies all take place before the arrival of the Melding Plague, a biotech virus that causes machines to malfunction and mutate into horrible things. This Plague destroys the Glitter Band and much of Yellowstone's Chasm City, and what remains of humanity is forced to become a lot less advanced in order to stop the plague's spread. By having Dreyfus and his wife leave the system, they are being spared from the approaching plague, but the remaining characters (Tench, Ng, Aumonier, etc) will likely suffer under it when it does arrive. It makes me a little sad that Dreyfus might get a happy ending while his friends and comrades will not.
In the end, I'm going to miss this series quite a bit. It was a fun, fascinating, and genuinely exciting trilogy filled with powerful imagery and all kinds of twists. I can easily imagine these novels being made into a top-notch streaming series someday down the line; if that happens, I'll definitely watch.
Machine Vendetta on its own is a great novel. It's just as exciting and interesting as its two preceding works, while also bringing the saga to a solid conclusion. However, I'm admittedly a little disappointed at how quickly some of the different plot lines get resolved, which might be a result of the author's desire to move on from the series. For one, the malevolent AI known as the Clockmaker is dispatched very quickly between scenes. Though his destruction is a big moment, it's almost an afterthought in the long run of the story, as if he were a loose end to tie up. The same feels true when the heroes manage to stop Aurora, the second evil AI in the story, by essentially tricking her into thinking she's no longer immortal. That said: I liked the mystery surrounding Aurora, and I can buy how their plan works in the end. It just comes on kind of fast.
Then we have the very bittersweet ending: Tom Dreyfus, after years of service to Panoply, confesses his complicity in Aurora's rise to power, quits the force, then boards a long-distance ship with his still-broken wife to leave the Epsilon Eridani system for good. It all happens quickly, in the span of 2-3 pages, and feels sadly out of character for Dreyfus. After all his talk about facing the music and accepting his fate, he's confessing everything and skipping town before anyone can react. Yet he's only doing so because he wants to devote his remaining time to helping his wife heal, even if that means taking off across the galaxy to God-knows-where. I can't fault him for that, even if it feels cheap to disappear like that.
But then there's the matter of the future for them. Anyone who's read the other books in Revelation Space knows that the Dreyfus Emergencies all take place before the arrival of the Melding Plague, a biotech virus that causes machines to malfunction and mutate into horrible things. This Plague destroys the Glitter Band and much of Yellowstone's Chasm City, and what remains of humanity is forced to become a lot less advanced in order to stop the plague's spread. By having Dreyfus and his wife leave the system, they are being spared from the approaching plague, but the remaining characters (Tench, Ng, Aumonier, etc) will likely suffer under it when it does arrive. It makes me a little sad that Dreyfus might get a happy ending while his friends and comrades will not.
In the end, I'm going to miss this series quite a bit. It was a fun, fascinating, and genuinely exciting trilogy filled with powerful imagery and all kinds of twists. I can easily imagine these novels being made into a top-notch streaming series someday down the line; if that happens, I'll definitely watch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2024
I have very mixed feelings about this book.
On one hand, it's back to the Revelation Space universe, in its pre-Plague stage and from Prefect Dreyfus' point-of-view, which is just great. Also, the prose is well-written, fast-moving and engaging. These positives would by themselves guarantee at least 4 stars for this book, and possibly 5.
On the other hand, the ending is absolutely disappointing: in my opinion, the author painted himself in a really complicated corner plot-wise, and choose the easy way out, with an incredibly convoluted and unbelievable Deus Ex, or actually a coordinated couple of them, which made it even worse. This ending deserves no more than the minimum one star.
Therefore my final rating, 2.5/5 stars, which I round up to 3.
On one hand, it's back to the Revelation Space universe, in its pre-Plague stage and from Prefect Dreyfus' point-of-view, which is just great. Also, the prose is well-written, fast-moving and engaging. These positives would by themselves guarantee at least 4 stars for this book, and possibly 5.
On the other hand, the ending is absolutely disappointing: in my opinion, the author painted himself in a really complicated corner plot-wise, and choose the easy way out, with an incredibly convoluted and unbelievable Deus Ex, or actually a coordinated couple of them, which made it even worse. This ending deserves no more than the minimum one star.
Therefore my final rating, 2.5/5 stars, which I round up to 3.
March 7, 2024
The third book in this short series sees the reemergence of Dreyfus's arch enemies Aurora and The Clockmaker. Another great SF Mystery that follows on from the previous two books, but wasn't just more of the same. I say that because there were a few surprising and unexpected developments. If you have read the first two books then this as a great read. It could work as a stand alone but best read after the others.
From the title of this book I was thinking this would be the book that links The Gliiter Band of this series with The Rust Band of Chasm City. That was not the case but I live in hope that someday Reynolds will cover this part of the overall story arc.
From the title of this book I was thinking this would be the book that links The Gliiter Band of this series with The Rust Band of Chasm City. That was not the case but I live in hope that someday Reynolds will cover this part of the overall story arc.
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