The Mountain in the Sea: Winner of the Locus Best First Novel Award

In the novel "Con Dao," a team of researchers is sent to investigate a highly intelligent, dangerous octopus species on a remote island owned by a transnational tech corporation. The octopuses hold the key to unprecedented breakthroughs in extrahuman intelligence, and there are vast fortunes to be made. However, no one has asked the octopuses what they think, and what they might do about it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2024
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

"Cloud Atlas" is a novel by David Mitchell that delves into a captivating and thought-provoking world. The book is a first-rate speculative thriller that captivates readers with its fascinating, brutal, powerful, and redemptive qualities. Jeff VanderMeer, the author of "Annihilation," praises it as a "first-rate speculative thriller."

Set in the remote Con Dao Archipelago, the novel explores the presence of mysterious creatures in the water. To the locals, these creatures are monsters, but to the corporate owners of the island, they represent a potential opportunity. A team of three scientists is sent to study these creatures, and what they discover is a revelation.

The octopuses in the novel possess minds that are unlike anything humans have ever encountered. They are intelligent, dangerous, and capable of communication. What sets them apart is their malleable, transformable, and shifting bodies. They can adapt to any environment and are able to communicate with each other in ways that are beyond human comprehension.

As Dr. Ha Nguyen, a pioneering marine biologist, is offered the chance to investigate the octopuses, she doesn't hesitate for a moment. She is drawn to the archipelago by DIANIMA, a transnational tech corporation known for its groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence. DIANIMA has purchased the islands, evacuated their population, and sealed the archipelago off from the world, allowing Nguyen to focus on her research.

However, the stakes are high. The octopuses hold the key to unprecedented breakthroughs in extrahuman intelligence. There are vast fortunes to be made by whoever can take advantage of their advancements. And yet, no one has asked the octopuses what they think about all of this. What might they do about it?

"Cloud Atlas" is a novel that explores the complexities of human nature, the power of technology, and the consequences of our actions. It is a multi-layered story that weaves together different narratives across different time periods and genres. The characters are well-developed, and the writing is masterful, with vivid descriptions and powerful emotions.

The novel has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Locus Award for Best First Novel in 2023, the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 2023, and the Ray Bradbury Prize for Best Novel in 2023. It is a testament to Mitchell's talent as a writer and his ability to create a novel that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

In conclusion, "Cloud Atlas" is a must-read for anyone who loves speculative fiction, science fiction, or just a good story. It is a novel that will leave you thinking, feeling, and reflecting on the world around you. Don't miss out on this incredible journey through time, space, and human nature."

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 196 x 128 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399600484