Product Description

The balance of galactic power in the 31st century revolves around Illyrion, the most precious energy source in the universe. The varied and exotic crew who sign up with Captain Lorq van Ray know their mission is dangerous, and they soon learn that they are involved in a deadly race with the charismatic but vicious leader of an opposing space federation. But they have no idea of Lorq's secret obsession: to gather Illyrion at source by flying through the very heart of an imploding star.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #128996 in Books
• Published on: 2001-01-11
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Synopsis
The balance of galactic power in the 31st century revolves around Illyrion, the most precious energy source in the universe. The varied and exotic crew who sign up with Captain Lorq van Ray know their mission is dangerous, and they soon learn that they are involved in a deadly race with the charismatic but vicious leader of an opposing space federation. But they have no idea of Lorq's secret obsession: to gather Illyrion at source by flying through the very heart of an imploding star.

About the Author
SALES POINTS * #37 in the Millennium SF Masterworks series, a library of the finest science fiction ever written * 'Bizarre and imaginative' Sunday Times * 'Samuel R. Delany, as of this book, is the best science fiction writer in the world' Algis Budrys * 'Delany at his peak -- all flash and filigree, a master of movement and excitement' Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels * 'Not only one of the most important SF writers(but a fascinating writer in general who has invented a new style' Umberto Eco

Customer Reviews

Delany's best novel
This is Delany at his absolute best. The backdrop is pure space opera, but the human drama in the foreground is what engages most. The characters are vivid and driven, and their passion drives the plot along at a breakneck pace. This is a book that can, and arguably should, be finished in a single sitting. Close out the rest of the world, keep your head down, keep reading, and be prepared to be swept away. Then re-read it and see what subtleties you missed the first time around.

Best Space Opera Ever Written!
I completely agree with the prevoius reviewers. "Nova" is one of best SF novels ever written. No wonder it is one of my favourite books.
In this interesting, beautifully written novel Delany creates 3D world in which incorporated not only his visially stunning pictures of the future but high-class realistic prose by Delany about his own life in... Greece and Athens and so in "Nova" he united the world of Antiquty, quest for Holy Grail and our modern world. If you a SF lover and didn`t read "Nova" - it`s a must!

Taste the Grit
For a book written in the late sixties, Nova is surprisingly fresh. It hasn't got the tin foil suits and atomic cars feel of much early SF. Perhaps it is Delany's sense of style and outlandish imagination that give it such a modern feel.

In an age of blockbusters and trilogies I was also surprised by how much it packed into such a tight space. There is nothing wasted and yet we are left feeling a 'depth' of world - Nova is vibrant, textured and multi-levelled.

It is slow to get started, with several changes of perspective and a couple of extended flash backs, but as the 'team' begins to explore various worlds in fairly typical quest style, the pace hots up. Delany reminded my of a sort of hip Jack Vance at this point.

Delany has an eye for detail that can be both engaging and frustrating. There is a great deal of focus on small body movements - he cupped his hands in this way, held is belt in that way, swept his hair back, sat like this. Sometimes it anchors the scene, sometimes it interferes. At one point, Delany almost explains himself through the words of one of the characters (a budding author himself) - character is expressed through action - the purposeful, the habitual and the gratuitous.

Nova is scruffy - not the cover (although sitting on it didn't help) but the characters and the world. There is a sense of dust, frayed ends, bare flesh, bad table manners, which gives much of Delany's work a bohemian, almost barbarian, feel.

Nova is grand world building without the grandiosity that frequently accompanies modern attempts. It is stylish, exuburent, arrogant, witty, learned, colourful and crude. It is essential reading.