[Review] The Fractal Prince by Hannu Rajaniemi

Monday, August 11, 2014 K.Z. Freeman 0 Comments

"You will become anything to get what you think you want."

For the most part, this reads as though written by a quantum/string theorist on a binge consisting of medium to high doses of unknown psychoactive substances. It is slightly reminiscent of one of many Robert Anton Wilson's jackasseries, if they had been put into a marginally more consistent and coherent whole. Although the cohesion is only there if you dismiss the fact that you have read the last book almost a year ago, and that you haven't got a clue as to what the different "factions" are any more. You kinda get reminded of it and the connections are easy to make, but a glossary of some kind would be great. Although I suppose that would defeat the purpose.

And the purpose of this book is to surround you with "oh shit the future is nuts!"

As far as story goes, I was lost. I had no idea what was going on and why. Okay, I did have a sense, but still. The story is as "out there" as the concepts, the characters, the... well, everything. Once the pieces start falling together you realize Jean le Flambeur is the most awesome thief in the galaxy for a reason.

One of my gripes in the previous book was that his dialogues in particular were very cliché, and I think this has now been improved upon greatly.

The transcendentalistic nature of the created universe in this book is immensely appealing and at times interesting as fuck. It is, however, unfortunate that the book is somehow put-downable. Meaning that this is not something I can devour in two sittings or three. It's not exactly that the book is difficult to read, because it is not, it is simply that after a while it can feel a bit like "sensory overload".

In the end, submerging into a world where reality is defined and altered, where spectral beings living in virtual dimensions rule the living universe and craft it according to their will, can be spectacularly fantastic. Plus, Hannu is kinda boss.


8/10