The Human Abstract

Seeded with human genetic stock over a thousand years ago by an army of intelligent machines, the colony world of Copernica has been all but forgotten by history, a backwater in an ever-widening frontier of human conquest and development. Yet, guided by the machines from Earth, the colony has been a success. From quiet, uneventful beginnings, it has become a stable human outpost, a world not dissimilar to Earth itself, with a burgeoning population and culture of its own. But Rehan Mihajlovic, a dealer in antiquarian goods, is about to find out that history is only as reliable as those who write it, and that death is never very far away …

REVIEW COMMENTS

‘This is a fabulous book. There are elements in Mann’s writing that will seem in keeping with some of the best cyberpunk writers (the nanites in everyone’s bodies to help fight off infection, illness and injuries, for one) although this is not a cyberpunk book. Similarly, this tale is set on a colony world and this forms a vital part of the book’s structure, but it is a not a book about colonising the stars and planets, and we encounter robots but this is not a robot novel. And at its core there is the classic mystery story, one that the reader unravels along with the characters. These are just some of the elements that help to make this such an addictive read – if you manage to put this book down before finishing the final page I will be amazed.’ – Steve Mazey, Alien Online

‘If you took the best elements of 1984, Minority Report and Blade Runner then you would be on the right tracks … George Mann is a remarkable young writer – one with an incredibly promising future ahead of him. Not only does he unravel a very engaging plot, but he also manages to master one of the hardest arts – writing fluid and believable dialogue.’ – Nick Smithson, Sci-Fi-Online

‘George Mann has forgotten more about science fiction than most people will ever know, and he puts his expertise and his considerable narrative skills to excellent use in this canny, highly readable tale.’ – Adam Roberts

134pp. A5-format paperback original novella
ISBN 1-903889-65-0
Published 25 April 2004

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

George Mann is the author of a series of novels featuring his detectives Newbury and Hobbes: The Affinity Bridge, The Osiris Ritual and Ghosts of Manhattan; as well as numerous short stories, novellas and an original Doctor Who novel. He has edited a number of anthologies including The Solaris Book of New Science Fiction, The Solaris Book of New Fantasy and a retrospective collection of Sexton Blake stories, Sexton Blake, Detective. He lives near Grantham, UK, with his wife, son and daughter.