On this spectrum, The This is Roberts’ equivalent of Stand on Zanzibar or The Sheep Look Up – at the boundary-pushing end of the spectrum.

Though Roberts is more intellectual in style and sophisticated in approach than Brunner was, both have come up with a mix of novels of brilliance and others that push the boundaries so much that they make it difficult to truly engage with them as storytelling. He is the 21st century's equivalent of John Brunner – endlessly innovative.

It's just a pity she's trapped in an inescapable prison on a hivemind ship.Īdam Roberts is easily the most interesting active science fiction author. But one woman has developed a weapon which might change the course of the war. He has a purpose, even if he doesn't know what it is.Īnd in the far future, war between a hivemind of Ais and the remnants of humanity is coming to its inevitable end. Sentient robots are invading America, but it seems Adan has a surprising ability to survive their attacks. But when his mother flees to Europe and joins a cult, leaving him penniless, he has to enlist in the army. But for one journalist, hired to do a puff-piece interview with their CEO, it will change the world forever.Īdan just wants to stay at home with his smart-companion Elegy - phone, friend, confidante, sex toy.

Allow it to be injected into the roof of your mouth and it will grow into your brain, allow you to connect with others without even picking up your phone. The This is the new social media platform everyone is talking about.

The This by Adam Roberts