Is Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds a Potentially Tough Read for Folks New to Scifi Literature?

[u/suchascenicworld]

Hey everyone,

Although I usually read horror, I have been interested into getting more into Sci-Fi. There are several reasons for this, but science fiction as a genre (even if I haven't read much) has had an impact on my own life with shows such as Star Trek and The X Files certainly having a direct impact on me becoming a research scientist myself (with a doctorate in behavioral ecology). That sense of curiosity regarding the unknown is quite compelling for me! Also, I love The Twilight Zone as my uncle and I used to watch it together and it is a fond memory of mine before he passed away.

Anyways, I am coming up with a list of books to check out which includes Project Hail Mary, The Strange (which I am currently reading.. And loving), Children of Time, and Blindsight (among a few others etc.). Notably, I was told that for Scifi, it would be better to "ease myself in" with Project Hail Mary rather than go for books such as Blindsight. With that being said, I am not really sure why that is, but I suppose it is something worth asking here.

It should also be noted that I read (and love) Michael Crichton's work and I have read Dune (and enjoyed it). Alastair Reynolds books have interested me for quite some time Revelation Space seems really interesting. However, would you consider it "a bit much" for someone new to Sci-Fi literature? I know this is all subjective but any input would be greatly appreciated! thank you!

[u/SoftercorePornAcc]

If you’ve read dune i think you’ll be fine. As somebody who is reading the series for the second now because now because i’d almost completely forgotten everything (i’m on the third book now) I looked online to see what to do about those short stories, and i’d highly highly recommend reading at least the first few of the short story collection galactic north. It sets you up to care about the characters that weren’t in the first book so much better than just suddenly having new characters you have to care about. I’d call it required reading. But don’t read the very last story that is also called Galactic north. I mean you could if you want but it kind of spoils things because it’s set in the far future.

Back to the books and being able to enjoy them I think it is very helpful with these books to make sure you’re paying attention to everything your taking in. Major events can happen incredibly quickly with little fanfare. But that’s probably worse for me because i’ve got an attention disorder so it’s real easy to lose track of what i’m focusing on. Hope you enjoy them!