Pushing Ice

In Pushing Ice, a crew of miners faces extraordinary challenges after their spacecraft is hurled into a distant future filled with alien cultures.

In Pushing Ice, Alastair Reynolds takes readers on a thrilling journey through the cosmos, exploring themes of first contact and the consequences of advanced technology. Set several centuries in the future, the narrative follows Bella Lind, captain of the commercial spacecraft Rockhopper IV, as she and her crew participate in the ambitious exploitation of the Solar System. Their mission involves maneuvering water-ice comets to support the burgeoning inner world settlements, showcasing the grit and determination of blue-collar space workers.

However, the story takes an unexpected turn when one of Saturn's moons reveals itself to be an ancient spacecraft. This revelation hurls the Rockhopper IV and its crew into an alien chamber that transcends time and space. Here, they encounter various extraterrestrial cultures, each with their own unique histories and technologies. The stakes rise as the crew must navigate the complexities of interstellar diplomacy and the overwhelming influx of knowledge about their future.

As they grapple with the implications of their newfound abilities and the potential for destruction, the crew faces a dual challenge: negotiating with their alien counterparts while ensuring their own survival. Pushing Ice delves into the intricacies of first contact and the ethical dilemmas posed by advanced technologies, offering a thought-provoking and captivating space opera experience.