Providence by Max Barry

An unexpected first contact situation goes drastically wrong and it's all captured on film for the world to see. Seven years later Providence Five is launched. A giant deadly warship tasked with eliminating the alien threat to humanity. This is the beginning of Providence by Max Barry. 

The ship takes only a crew of four to run. Artificial intelligence is responsible for most of the operations of the ship, including the battles. The four crew members report on their duties and progress to a wrapt worldwide audience through social media. In the middle of their tour, their communications are cut. They find themselves isolated and uncertain of whether or not they can continue to trust the ship which seems to be growing less effective.

Max Barry may not turn out a new book every year but when he does put one out man is it worth the wait. The crew of the Providence is chosen not only for their individual technical skills but for how they are expected to complement each other during a long journey of extreme isolation in close quarters. They are more spectators than participants in the ship's actions. The danger they are in is frighteningly real. Barry does an excellent job not only of depicting how battles in space may actually be conducted but in describing the dangers of space itself. In one passage Talia reflects on the stars: “But now that she saw them unfiltered, she felt revolted. They weren't beautiful. They were the lights of anglerfish, deep-sea monstrosities with glowing lures calling the small and stupid toward jaws and needle teeth.” Barry beautifully and succinctly captures the attraction and the danger of the stars.

Barry is one of the best writers of thoughtful science fiction. The characters here are outstanding. Each has a distinct personality and motivations and they stand in stark contrast to one another. The aliens are truly alien although not, in the end, entirely incomprehensible. The deep-space setting and cramped quarters increase the feeling of claustrophobia and tension. The artificial intelligence that controls the ship also begins to take on the dimensions of a character itself.

Providence propels you along its journey not only with a great story but with great characters and great ideas. This is an early front-runner for best book of the year and it should certainly be in consideration for a Hugo award among others. My favorite book of the year so far and a highly recommended read.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.

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