Adam J. Smith

For the 6th novel in the Neon series, and the 3rd for the Neon City trilogy, Adam J. Smith brings the foundations established so far to culmination. The city chaos central to the previous instalment creates a tumultuous backdrop as the story moves to its crescendo.

The environments of Smith’s created world do what the most gripping science fiction landscapes achieve in projecting a potent character of their own. Here, quite obviously, the city of Neon itself dominates - at once as oppressive as it is impressive. For those who have followed the series from the beginning, it is the sands that surround the city which hold the most compelling presence, and the sections where they are longed for are some of the most effective.

Following the groundwork laid in parts 1 & 2 of the city trilogy the novel is particularly strong when it comes to character. Again, there is an extensive cast, and staying with the series really pays off. With chapters devoted to different points of view, the novel builds solid momentum. Characters now very familiar battle through a city in disarray, rally against repressive authority, and navigate complicated allegiances.

As is inevitable with later instalments in a series, it is difficult to go into too much detail without giving too much away. So, as a summation, the final novel in this particular trilogy attached to the Neon series is a very satisfying way to leave it. There is a strong sense of finality, whilst at the same time leaving room for further exploration of the Neon universe in books to come. Enjoyable addition to the series, with Smith’s usual skill at creating dense and lively locations the standout feature. Recommended to those who appreciate stylish and cinematic contemporary science fiction.… (mehr)

Neon City is in uproar. With protest escalating to become organised insurrection, the city’s elite factions face an increasingly desperate task of fighting to maintain the status quo. Running street battles cause chaos, the powerless seeking to clarify the confusion with a coordinated eruption of violence. A drastic fall in fertility across the populace results in deep uncertainty, with those in authority struggling to provide adequate solutions. A heavy sense of portent sweeps the lower echelons. Fearful of the future, some of those from the less fortunate strata of society band together to rise up and claim control.

Smith addresses class war very directly in this latest instalment of the Neon series. Structured to follow a condensed period of time featuring the city in turmoil, the point of view skips from one character to the next. For me, this approach really works and adds a great sense of propulsion to the narrative, being pulled along at a furious pace as events unfold. The influence of the Link is interwoven in an interesting way, and the exploration of its rules and limitations has it represented as an ingrained addition to the culture of the city. The frenetic pace kept up throughout is very satisfying, and it’s a blast to rush the city’s neon and blood drenched streets.

I’ve followed this series from the beginning and found this one particularly enjoyable. It perhaps shows that it is the middle book in a themed set of three within the series as a whole, with the narrative set up very deliberately to get from one point to another, but it’s done in the right way, by concentrating on making that journey an intense ride, with no time to take a breath, hurtling with aplomb. Great continuation of the Neon series. Very much looking forward to the next one.… (mehr)

Neon City is the forth instalment in the Neon series but the first in a sub-themed trilogy. The first three books acted as a self contained introduction to the Neon universe, following interweaving characters through a natural arc. Here, the action is transposed to a futuristic cityscape, one beloved and seductive to those immersed in science fiction: the noir-tinged neon metropolis.

Having read the previous novels in the series, the first element that struck me upon finishing this one is how Smith collates the very best science fiction reference points. The author chooses to select and interpret different science fiction archetypes for each novel, and more broadly for the sub-trilogies, while at the same time retaining a unique character that runs successfully throughout the entire series. For this book he visits the hyper-stylised world of future noir, creating a tense narrative featuring propulsive action and a plot harnessing classic crime and suspense themes. The backdrop is one of glossy opulence juxtaposed with grimy backstreets, moody rain flooding neon soaked streets. All very inviting.

The plot itself revolves chiefly around two standout characters whose stories run in parallel and eventually are compelled to intertwine. It’s difficult to elaborate, as so much of the plot is triggered by an early event in the narrative, but I can say that this is the strongest in the series so far when it comes to this aspect. A gripping momentum is initiated very early on and is sustained throughout. I have struggled at certain points to latch onto the characters in previous books in the series, but that was not a problem here. All characters are distinctly drawn and their various threads given time to breathe and impress before introducing another.

A well crafted genre novel. I don’t think it’s crucial to have read the first sub-trilogy in the Neon series, as it would be possible to dive in here without prior knowledge needed. To me the only argument for reading from the beginning is to add a depth of scope to the reading experience, which is valuable, if not essential. Although, there may be hints that previously featured characters could make reappearances. How central that aspect will be remains to be revealed by the upcoming two books revolving around the city of Neon.

A well crafted genre novel that is a very fine introduction to the Neon City focused trilogy, and a rewarding extension of the Neon series overall. 4.5 stars, as I suspect there could be even better to come.… (mehr)