A Fire Upon the Deep by Vernor Vinge
In this science fiction epic, a human expedition inadvertently unleashes a malevolent superintelligence in the far reaches of the galaxy. As the entity spreads destruction across civilizations, a diverse group of characters, including a family stranded on a planet with a medieval-level society of dog-like aliens, must navigate complex political landscapes and the vast scales of a universe with zones of thought that dictate the level of technological and cognitive potential. The novel intertwines multiple narratives, exploring themes of consciousness, technology, and communication, while a desperate race against time unfolds to stop the spreading menace before it can reach the High Beyond, where even more advanced societies are vulnerable to its insatiable hunger for power and control.
The 5874th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1992
- Nationality
- American
- Type
- Fiction
- Pages
- 391-624 (varies by edition)
- Words
- 280,000
- Original Language
- English
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This book is on the following lists:
- 66th on Top 200 Science Fiction Books (Pre-2000) (Sci-Fi Lists)
- 93rd on Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books (NPR)
- Hugo Award for Best Novel (Hugo Awards)