The Thousand Emperors

This dark and cautionary stand-alone sequel to Final Days careens through a future world that has survived one apocalypse, but seems to be heading toward another. The intricately crafted plot is centered on the Tian Di, a collection of worlds that represents half of a human race fractured after a disastrous run-in with alien technology. While the other human collective, called the Coalition, thrives and evolves, the Tian Di suffers under the stagnant and benighted leadership of the Temur Council, which rules through fear while aggregating unto itself all privilege and power, including the ability to live nearly forever. When a Council member is murdered, the Council turns to Archivist Luc Gabion for help. Gabion is soon overwhelmed, enmeshed in intrigue after intrigue, not knowing whom to trust. Eventually, he is led to re-evaluate his own understanding of history as well as his political allegiances as he slowly grasps the enormity of the danger facing both the Tian Di and the Coalition. The sweep of this book is impressive, and Gibson deftly keeps the action going and the reader enthralled right through the unexpected but thoroughly satisfying ending. (Jan.)