The Quantum Thief

Awards: Eurocon, The Wandering Star, Galaxy. Nominations for the Locus Award, the John W. Campbell Memorial Award. Best SF book of the year according to Kirkus Review and Library Journal.

Jean le Flambier is a posthuman and a criminal, a mind hacker, a self-confident trickster. His origin is shrouded in mystery, but his exploits are known throughout the Solar System. Saved from a futuristic prison by the mysterious Myelia and her intelligent spacecraft, Jean heads for Mars—the Moving City—where time is currency, memories are treasures, and a singularity transformed into a moon illuminates the night. Myelia gives him a chance to regain his freedom and his former self’s power—in exchange for completing a heist he once failed to finish.

They are about to embark on a wild amusement tour across the Solar System of the future, a world of pervasive cryptography, memory exchanges, and a race of superhumans created from MMORPG guilds. Despite all its wonders, this world is still governed by human motives—betrayal, revenge, and jealousy.

“Inventive, exotic, with a complex smart intrigue.” — The Times

“It’s hard to admit, but I think Raianymii understands ‘hard’ science fiction better than I do.” — Charles Stross

“Many authors would kill to write prose at least half as good as this…” — The Financial Times

“Engaging narrative and heroes… the SF concepts are just terrifyingly good.” — Sci-Fi Now

“A fountain of ideas.” — Interzone

“‘Quantum Thief,’ like other best space operas of this century, is a house of wonders where situations become instant tradition and arguments stand out right in front of your eyes.” — John Clute

“Brilliant novel!” — Strange Horizons