"Steven Erikson hasn't just reinvigorated the first-contact novel, he's reinvented it. This is a wholly original book, brilliantly conceived and flawlessly executed, with a fascinating central conceit related to curbing human violence. And, for once, we have a novel set in a world in which not only does the science-fiction genre exist but it's respected. A masterpiece." — Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo Award-winning author of Quantum Night
"In Rejoice, Steven takes the varied viewpoints and clever worldbuilding showcased in the Malazan series and applies it close to home, twisting the first-contact premise to highlight our struggles and suggest possible solutions. As a study of humanity’s strengths and flaws, this latest novel stands out for its pointedness and its rich blend of the fantastic and the literary.” — Brandon Crilly, Black Gate Magazine
“Steven Erikson has one of the finest minds alive. Now, in Rejoice, Erikson shows us what he sees when he considers the future of humanity. He calls it a thought experiment. I call it an important book.” — Stephen R. Donaldson
“This is startling and thought-provoking stuff – just what science fiction should be. Read it and try to think as you once did about, well, anything. Go on. I dare you.” — Ian C. Esslemont
"Finally, an alien invasion apocalypse I can get behind. Erikson pulls no punches in this absolutely cutting look at where humanity is at, where we're going, and the monumental changes that need to happen to pull us out of our death spiral. Rejoice I did at this thrilling tale masterfully told." — H.G. Bells
"A stunning novel of first contact and humanity’s place in the world." — Gareth L. Powell
08/27/2018
This talky novel of first contact with reluctant alien overlords enjoys overturning notions of human exceptionalism. Seeking a facilitator for human-alien interactions, aliens abduct Canadian SF author Samantha August and try, over the course of many chapters, to debate her into agreeing to be their spokesperson. Meanwhile, their invasion (euphemistically called “the Intervention”) proceeds, with swaths of wilderness suddenly off-limits to humans and violent acts stopped in their tracks. Oil companies, warlords, and abusive husbands are unable to carry on with “business as usual.” Erikson (the Malazan Book of the Fallen epic fantasy series) has fun skewering many high-profile targets such as televangelists, billionaire investors, and politicians (particularly a stubby-fingered, hotel-owning U.S. president), and also dissects many of the unquestioned beliefs of contemporary capitalism, neoliberal politics, and even Star Trek’s prime directive. In the end, he suggests, humans can only change so much. Readers who are not averse to some lengthy Socratic dialogue (“If you will allow me this brief digression”) and Erikson’s own unquestioned belief that only SF authors are smart enough to save the world will find a wealth of pointed arguments that burst many irrational bubbles. (Oct.)