A Fire Upon the Deep

by Vernor Vinge
A Fire Upon the Deep cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 4560
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780575128811
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2013-01-24
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

A Fire Upon the Deep is a sprawling epic of science fiction that explores a universe divided into zones of varying intelligence, from the superintelligent Transcend to the primitive Unthinking Depths. The story begins with the Straumli realm's reckless use of an ancient artifact, which triggers a devastating power that enslaves all intelligence and destroys countless worlds. Amidst this chaos, a family of scientists, including two children, is captured by the Tines, a medieval alien race, and used as pawns in their ruthless power struggles. A rescue party, composed of diverse beings, embarks on a perilous mission to free the children and retrieve a secret that could save interstellar civilization. The novel delves into themes of survival, technology, and the boundaries of intelligence, all set against the backdrop of a richly imagined universe.

Reviews
Stuffed Puffin · 2023-03-14
mind-blowing 4.75

The novel is a mind-blowing space opera with expansive world-building and rich characters. The attention to detail is remarkable.

This reviewer was blown away by the scope of A Fire Upon the Deep. They highlighted the expansive world-building and the richness of the characters, which made the story immersive and engaging. The attention to detail is particularly noteworthy, adding depth to the narrative. The reviewer found the book to be a standout in the space opera genre, with a story that is both complex and compelling.

Quick quotes

    As far as expansive space operas go, this novel is mind-blowing.

    The scope of the worldbuilding, richness of characters and attention to detail are all top-notch.

    This is a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

At Boundary's Edge · 2021-11-28
fascinating 3.00

The exploration of hive minds and the alien is fascinating, but the story itself is less successful. The characters are simplistic.

This reviewer found the exploration of hive minds and alien concepts in A Fire Upon the Deep to be truly fascinating. However, they felt that the story itself was less successful, with simplistic characters that didn't fully engage them. The ideas presented are intriguing, but the execution falls short in terms of narrative and character development. Despite this, the reviewer appreciated the unique concepts and the depth of the world-building.

Quick quotes

    As an exploration of hive minds and the alien, A Fire Upon the Deep is truly fascinating.

    It's less successful as a story, with characters that feel a bit simplistic at times.

    The ideas are intriguing, but the execution could be better.

Elitist Book Reviews · 2011-10-26
awesome 4.50

The book is a dense space opera with impressive alien characters and accessible writing. It is slow-paced but packed with big ideas.

This reviewer found A Fire Upon the Deep to be a slow but rewarding read. They appreciated the depth of the world-building and the unique alien characters, which made the story engaging despite its slow pace. The writing is accessible, making it easier to get into the complex ideas presented. However, the slow start might not be for everyone, but those who stick with it will find a richly detailed and thought-provoking narrative.

Quick quotes

    A FIRE UPON THE DEEP is a slow, dense Space Opera with awesome alien characters, sweet ideas, and accessible writing.

    It's absolutely an EBR favorite, and it's easy to see why.

    The book is a slow burn, but it's worth the wait.

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