Fractal Noise: A blockbuster space opera set in the same world as the bestselling To Sleep in a Sea of Stars (Fractalverse, Prequel)

by Christopher Paolini

Fractal Noise is the thrilling prequel to the masterful space opera To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by internationally bestselling author of Eragon, Christopher Paolini.

On the planet Talos VII, twenty-three years before the events of To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, an anomaly is detected: a vast circular pit, with dimensions so perfect that it could only have been the result of conscious design. So a small team is assembled to learn more – perhaps even who built the hole and why. Their mission will take them on a hazardous trek to the very edge of existence.

For one explorer, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. For another, a risk not worth taking. And for xenobiologist Alex Crichton, it’s a desperate attempt to find meaning in an uncaring universe. But every step they take towards that mysterious abyss is more punishing than the last. Ultimately, no one is prepared for what they will encounter.

Praise for To Sleep in a Sea of Stars:

'Big and fun – the book Paolini fans have been waiting for' – John Scalzi

'A fun, fast-paced epic that science fiction fans will gobble up' – Kirkus Reviews

'An epic tale of first contact, travels to the edge of the galaxy, and just maybe the fate of all humankind' – Goodreads

• ISBN10: 103500111X
• ISBN13: 9781035001118
• Publish Date: 16 May 2023
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Pan Macmillan
• Imprint: Tor
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 304
• Language: English

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

Book Summary:

Alex is lost. He's a xenobiologist in space – but that isn't the problem. The problem is that Alex doesn't know how to live without his wife. So he signed up on tour and put himself out there – literally.

Now he and his crew are circling Talos VII, and there's a problem. Well, maybe not a problem. Not yet. There's a massive hole, and it's emitting sound on a scale you wouldn't believe. Given the choice to run or investigate, Alex would rather look into the mystery.

My Review:

So, Fractal Noise is the prequel to To Sleep in a Sea of Stars. To be honest, I never considered the original novel needing a prequel – but I certainly wasn't going to complain about more from this world (er, universe).

That said, I don't believe Fractal Noise holds a candle to the original. It's still a decent read; it doesn't have the same magic if that makes sense. For me, the biggest problem had to be some of the storytelling decisions. I understand that static (and other factors) made communication difficult, but this, in turn, did make it harder to read certain scenes. Ironically, there is one place where this format worked really well – Thud. You know what I'm talking about if you've read the book.

Alex's internal dilemma and how it flowed outwardly fascinated me. I almost wish there had been more room to explore these concepts. I do believe that the addition of other crewmates resulted in too much to work with (and thus portray). But that's just me.

**I didn't hear about the AI art controversy revolving around Fractal Noise until after I finished the book. I'm not thrilled with this new trend and hope somebody puts a stop to it sooner rather than later. My review of the book is not reflective of this opinion or vice versa.

Highlights:
Part of a Series
Science Fiction
Existential Crisis in Space

Trigger Warnings:
Graphic Injuries
Death of a Loved One
Mental State
Suicidal Ideation

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