The war, in Ninefox Gambit, is between differing factions which believe in applying different calendrical concepts. The central conceit in NInefox Gambit is that this empire-like structure is governed by a complex set of mathematical and societal rules based on calendars - years, dates, timing and much, much more, that keeps all in order. Kel Cheris is a relatively low-ranking office in a futuristic society which might be termed - or perhaps governed by? - what is called a ‘hexarchate’ - a structure where the ruling class, and likely much of the classes underneath them - are divided into six separate factions, all with different characteristics and aptitudes.įor example, the ‘Kel’ appear to be a highly regimented soldier-like military class, while the ‘Shuos’ would be closest in nature to intelligence corps. Lee’s novel is a military science fiction novel focusing on one primary and one subordinate character. The setting for Ninefox Gambit, however, is a little different from The Quantum Thief. Both books present these new ideas in stylistic and polished prose that make them a joy to read.Īnd they both ultimately bring into question what it means to be human. The two books are both extremely thought-provoking, featuring countless interlocking new technologies and futuristic concepts - brain candy for those of us who love science fiction novels. Like The Quantum Thief, NInefox Gambit is an extremely polished work dealing with a far future of the human race. Ninefox Gambit reminds me quite a lot of another debut novel - The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi.
The author - whose roots are in both the United States and Korea - has been successfully selling science fiction short stories for almost two decades now, and a number of senior luminaries in the community have long taken note of the quality of his prose.īecause of this, although Ninefox Gambit is Lee’s first novel, the author is not precisely an unknown quality, and I’m sure we can expect to see a great deal more quality fiction from him in future, given that it has been so well-received. Yoon Ha Lee is rapidly growing into a well-known name within the global science fiction and fantasy literature community. Its only real letdowns are a plot which can feel slightly trite at times, combined with the fact that some of the technology it features isn’t explained particularly well. Review Ninefox Gambit is an enjoyable and polished piece of military science fiction goodness.
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