A Deepness in the Sky

Zones of Thought, #2

by Vernor Vinge

Mass Market Paperback, 792 pages

English language

Published Jan. 15, 2000 by Tor Books.

ISBN:: 978-0-8125-3635-5
Goodreads:: 226004

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(5 reviews)

After thousands of years searching, humans stand on the verge of first contact with an alien race. Two human groups: the Qeng Ho, a culture of free traders, and the Emergents, a ruthless society based on the technological enslavement of minds.

The group that opens trade with the aliens will reap unimaginable riches. But first, both groups must wait at the aliens' very doorstep for their strange star to relight and for their planet to reawaken, as it does every two hundred and fifty years....

Then, following terrible treachery, the Qeng Ho must fight for their freedom and for the lives of the unsuspecting innocents on the planet below, while the aliens themselves play a role unsuspected by the Qeng Ho and Emergents alike.

More than just a great science fiction adventure, A Deepness in the Sky is a universal drama of courage, self-discovery, and the redemptive power of love. …

More than just a great science fiction adventure, A Deepness in the Sky is a universal drama of courage, self-discovery, and the redemptive power of love.

A Deepness in the Sky is a 1999 Nebula Award Nominee for Best Novel and the winner of the 2000 Hugo Award for Best Novel.

9 editions

technicat@bookwyrm.social reviewed A Deepness in the Sky by Vernor Vinge (Zones of Thought, #2)

Vintage Vinge

5 stars

I've read a lot of great books in the science fiction section that I wouldn't really call science fiction, but this is science fiction in all the right ways. Fun characters (human and non - I found myself wishing for a listing of aliens, I was having trouble keeping track), deep thoughts on society and politics, plenty of action, and cool science - a key character in its own right and not just window dressing. Plenty of digs at AI, too, which, considering this book was published twenty-five years ago, shows good scifi stands the test of time.

Roy Adams reviewed A Deepness in the Sky (Zones of Thought series Book 2) by Vernor Vinge

Excellent 2nd book in the Zones of Thought series

5 stars

Start with a single planet orbiting a white dwarf star nicknamed the OnOff star because it is consistently dormant 215 out of every 250 years. Add in a sentient species that survives on the planet. Finally toss in two competing, space faring groups of humans come to investigate. Mix well and enjoy the result!