Absolutely sublime, Powers just seems to get better and better. Vast in scope, this novel explores seasteading - colonising the sea by way of floating settlements - through the eyes of four protagonists whose lives intersect on the island of Makatea in the Pacific Ocean. The writing is immaculate, the pacing is pristine and characterisation is multi dimensional. I was totally engrossed by themes of colonisation and the environment that are explored in this eviscerating delve into the depths of humanity. Sensational.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

If you have read any of Powers' previous novels, you don't need to know more than this: this is another masterpiece which you will absolutely adore. If you are new to Powers, I have this to say: read this, but also read his previous two novels, for though they are not connected they form a triptych of sorts. The themes that run through this have echoes in his other works, and reveal an intellect, curiosity and empathy for the human world missing in most other novelists works. Powers is indeed writing at the top of his game here.

This novel has multiple stories and narrators, and reading it does require concentration from its reader. However you are soon swept up in the literary swell that you won't feel adrift. Powers takes you on a journey under the ocean, into the cyber world, and to a very human love story. It is gripping, powerful stuff and makes me very grateful that writers like Powers are still writing and being published. I fully expect to see this on awards shortlists in the coming literary year.

This is a superb novel, epic in scope yet intimately told. Just read it. It is already my favourite novel of 2024, and I cannot see how it can be beaten!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

This novel features multiple stories and narrators, demanding a certain level of concentration from its reader. However, once you dive in, you are quickly swept up in the literary swell, never feeling adrift. Powers skillfully takes you on a journey that spans under the ocean, into the cyber world and delves deeply into a very human love story.

The narrative is gripping and powerful, weaving together diverse elements into a cohesive and compelling whole. The way Powers intertwines these different realms and themes is nothing short of masterful. Each storyline is rich with detail and emotion, making the entire reading experience immersive and rewarding.

I am profoundly grateful that writers like Powers continue to create and publish such thought-provoking and captivating works. This novel is a testament to the enduring power of literature to transport, challenge, and inspire its readers.

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As a huge fan of Richard Powers’ work, I’ll admit I came to this one possibly a little biased. Still, I also had expectations, incredibly high ones, and this book fulfilled them and more. It’s like taking a cool plunge, before getting used to the waters and exploring deeper, further, intrigued by every development in the story and every thread of the narrative as it unfolds. Like The Overstory, his previous book, the narrative follows several threads of different characters and brings them all together thematically. The story of the two boys growing up through childhood and college is hugely touching, and the oceanographer’s narrative inspiring. The writing is beautiful in its sparse directness, cutting right to the emotional quick. I am so happy I got to read this early and will be telling everyone to pick it up!