The Long Sunset Delivers That True Sci-Fi Sense of Wonder
Across seven previous Academy novels, Jack McDevitt has explored an intriguing near-future in stories that are equal parts thrilling adventures and sobering mysteries. The exploits of expert interstellar pilot Priscilla “Hutch” Hutchinson have heretofore pivoted on the idea that humanity has developed the ability to travel at faster-than-light speeds, opening up the entire galaxy to our ships—and revealing evidence of intelligent alien life in the galaxy, in the form of statues left behind by the so-called “monument makers.”
The Long Sunset
Hardcover $27.99
The Long Sunset
In Stock Online
Hardcover $27.99
As the eighth book in the series, The Long Sunset, opens, the tide is turning on that spirit of exploration. Fear and paranoia have taken root—the worry that such expeditions might actually one day lead to disastrous first contact with an alien civilization (kicking the proverbial intergalactic hornet’s nest, as it were). The political powers that be are moving inexorably towards laws that would prevent further missions to parts unknown, and Hutch suddenly finds herself staring down an extremely long life (medical advances having recently rejuvenated her into near-immortality) filled with nothing to occupy her sense of daring do.
As the eighth book in the series, The Long Sunset, opens, the tide is turning on that spirit of exploration. Fear and paranoia have taken root—the worry that such expeditions might actually one day lead to disastrous first contact with an alien civilization (kicking the proverbial intergalactic hornet’s nest, as it were). The political powers that be are moving inexorably towards laws that would prevent further missions to parts unknown, and Hutch suddenly finds herself staring down an extremely long life (medical advances having recently rejuvenated her into near-immortality) filled with nothing to occupy her sense of daring do.
The novel begins as a socio-political thriller, detailing the ways Hutch and astrophysicist Derek Blanchard put together a crew and a last-ditch plan to travel more than 7,000 light years to the star Calliope, aiming to set out before the government makes such a trip illegal. A signal picked up from that system has sent shockwaves around the world: a television broadcast showing a beautiful waterfall with gorgeous music playing in the background. Some—like Blanchard and Hutch—can’t wait to find out who sent the signal, while others fear discovering the source might lead to our end. The fate of the mission will come down to the wire, and test all of Hutch’s considerable skills.
The danger doesn’t stop at Earthbound political conflicts. The hasty departure means foregoing final equipment checks and leaving key personnel behind, putting Hutch’s back against the wall from the jump. McDevitt always brings a welcome sense of wonder to his stories, and even passing time on the voyage—during which the FTL drive technology removes all sense of motion or progress, making Hutch feel like she’s trapped in an office building—provides him the opportunity to delight in the possibilities of technology; the ship’s AI, Barry, makes sure to create a pleasant environment for everyone, readers included.
Upon arrival at Calliope, however, the crew discovers the decidedly unexpected, and McDevitt shifts the novel into the realm of sci-fi mystery, as the scientists and the pilot try to figure out how to explain the transmission of the signal despite evidence that suggests it never should have been able to be sent at all. (Complicating matters are the 7,000 years that have passed since the broadcast originated.) McDevitt’s optimism and enthusiasm for the profound mysteries of the universe shines through, lending the increasingly fascinating investigation an air of excitement as the crew sifts through dead planets, discovers more mysterious monuments, and encounters an enormous sword floating in space. Yes, a sword.
With the suggestion of an alien presence at work, the book becomes an urgent rescue mission through space with the fate of a civilization on the line, and a disaster connected to the mystery that brought Hutch and her crew out into the black proves to be connected to the overarching mystery of the monuments that has propelled prior Academy novels. McDevitt’s realistic approach to crafting a future where the galaxy is open to us but possibly beyond our ability to comprehend has made him a distinct, welcome voice in the gene,and whether you’re a longtime fan or a first time reader, this is a classic space adventure in the best sense of the term.