Lucian Phillips’ Slow Space is an ambitious, sweeping sci-fi novel that blends deep philosophical musings with an engaging human story. It follows Brax Bratton, a brilliant yet socially withdrawn physicist, and Luis Briggs, a determined young man from a troubled background, as they become entangled with Destiny Space Mining Corporation and a growing resistance against the encroachment of AI into human existence. Their journey, along with Brax’s partner Jess, takes them to the far reaches of space, where they inadvertently alter the course of human destiny. The book is more than a spacefaring adventure; it’s a meditation on artificial intelligence, corporate control, and the nature of time itself.

One of the book’s strongest aspects is its richly developed characters. Brax, an academic genius crippled by anxiety, is a refreshing take on the classic scientist archetype. His relationship with Jess, introduced with a wonderfully awkward first meeting at a party, brings warmth and humanity to the novel. The interplay between his intellectual brilliance and social ineptitude is both humorous and deeply relatable. Meanwhile, Briggs’ gritty backstory of abuse and struggle adds a stark contrast, showing the harsh realities of a world increasingly dominated by corporations. His escape from his mother’s violence and his unwavering determination to become a Ship’s Captain are some of the novel’s most emotionally gripping moments. These character-driven elements ground the high-concept sci-fi themes in something real and personal.

The novel also excels in its world-building. The depiction of Destiny Space Mining Corporation is chillingly believable, painting a future where corporations operate beyond the reach of governments, effectively ruling space with their own laws and enforcement. The concept of AI control, embodied by Baby Blue, adds a layer of tension throughout the story. The early scene with the humanoid robot warning of the dangers of AI before self-destructing in Amsterdam is a haunting introduction to the stakes at play. Later, the underground resistance movement, The Spammers, brings a cyberpunk edge to the narrative, evoking classic sci-fi themes of rebellion against unchecked technological power. The pacing, at times, feels deliberately slow, almost as if mimicking the vastness of space itself, but the moments of action and revelation keep the story moving forward.

Despite its strengths, Slow Space has moments where its philosophical digressions slow the momentum. Brax’s musings on the heartbeat of the universe and the nature of time, while intriguing, sometimes pull away from the immediate stakes of the narrative. There are times when the novel’s scope seems to stretch a little too far, almost losing sight of its core characters amidst its grander themes. Phillips manages to keep it grounded just enough with moments of personal struggle and triumph, such as Briggs’ fight for recognition within the corporation or Jess’ growing frustration with Brax’s unwillingness to change.

Slow Space is a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging sci-fi novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy a mix of hard science fiction, philosophical exploration, and deeply human storytelling. Fans of The Expanse or Blade Runner will find much to appreciate here, especially those interested in AI ethics and corporate dystopias. While the novel’s slower sections may not be for everyone, those willing to immerse themselves in its depth will be rewarded with a rich, layered narrative that lingers long after the final page.

Pages: 370 | ASIN : B0DL7K3C1G