Claire North’s “Slow Gods” is a delightful, profound science fiction novel that readers shouldn’s miss. While North is known for writing under various pseudonyms, this is their first foray into classic science fiction, complete with spaceships and complex interstellar politics. The novel’s compelling title and striking cover art hinted at a promising read, and it ultimately delivers on that promise.
Navigating the Initial Complexity
The story begins with a captivating line: “My name is Mawukana na-Vdnaze, and I am a very poor copy of myself.” However, the initial 60 pages can feel overwhelming. The book launches readers into a sprawling space opera brimming with timelines, cultures, and unfamiliar names. The protagonist, Maw, a deep-space pilot with an impressive record but a history of violence, initially doesn’t quite grab the reader’s attention. However, persevering past this initial hurdle is worthwhile.
The Heart of the Story: Connection and Conflict
The narrative truly takes off when Maw meets Gebre, and the novel’s core themes of connection, loss, and sacrifice come into sharp focus. The story involves a perilous mission to Adjumir, a planet facing imminent destruction due to the collapse of a binary star system. A mysterious, god-like entity known as the Slow issued a warning about this cataclysm, but the response has been inconsistent. When Maw arrives on Adjumir, billions of people remain, desperately hoping to win a lottery that might offer escape.
Maw encounters Gebre Nethyu Chatithimska Bajwahra, who is currently “numberless” but determined to preserve vital artifacts representing Adjumir’s true history. Gebre is a deeply appealing character, and Maw develops strong feelings for them, setting the stage for a compelling narrative filled with tough choices and potential conflict.
Beyond the Plot: Brilliant World-Building and Memorable Characters
“Slow Gods” excels in several key areas. North displays a knack for detailed world-building and crafting intricate galactic plots. The characters are well-developed and memorable, including excellent villains known as The Shine, equipped with formidable weaponry like near-invisible “blackships” and enhanced super soldiers. The book also incorporates humor, drawing parallels to Iain M. Banks’s Culture novels, with the inclusion of artificial intelligences serving as witty comic foils.
The protagonist, Maw, is exceptionally engaging— a character whose unpredictable nature keeps readers guessing about their capabilities and future actions. Their unique condition, where they repeatedly die and return to life as long as no one witnesses or mourns their death, adds another layer of intrigue and mystery.
A Recommendation and Further Reading
“Slow Gods” is a science fiction novel that delivers on its promises: a captivating plot, vibrant characters, and imaginative world-building.
If you’re a fan of science fiction, especially space operas with complex themes, this is a book you should not miss. For readers seeking further exploration of this genre, Emily Wilson recommends Iain M. Banks’s “Consider Phlebas,” highlighting its shared qualities with North’s work.
Emily H. Wilson, a former editor of New Scientist and the author of the Sumerians trilogy, enthusiastically recommends this novel, inviting readers to discover its brilliance. Her work can be found at emilyhwilson.com, or on X @emilyhwilson and Instagram @emilyhwilson1.
