August 29, 2011
Anderton’s debut impressively combines far-future world-building, conspiracies, and a redemption quest. Elite architect Tanyana manipulates particles called pions, creating beautiful monuments. After a mysterious accident injures her head, she wakes up unable to see pions but cursed with the ability to see the titular debris, the dangerous offshoot of pion work. Forcibly converted into a cyborg debris collector, she finds herself working with a team of fellow outcasts. The most notable is Lad, a brain-damaged strongman who hears voices that may not be imaginary. As Tanyana adapts to her new way of life and lowered social status, she attempts to persuade anyone—her new team, her upper-class lover, assorted bureaucrats—that the accident was sabotage. Anderton clearly telegraphs the overall plot arc, but keeps it interesting with Tanyana’s strong, proud narrative voice and the complex culture built up around the pions and debris.
Starred review from October 15, 2011
As an architect capable of manipulating pions, the tiny glittering particles that hold objects together, Tanyana enjoys a privileged life until a bizarre accident results in ruin. Seriously wounded, she becomes unable to see pions, and the veche--those who rule the city--reassign her to the lowly job of debris collector. As Tanyana reluctantly adjusts to her new station in life, she not only finds new friends but also discovers a treacherous conspiracy that wants to stop her from revealing that her fall from grace was no accident. VERDICT Anderton demonstrates a mastery of storytelling and world building in this series opener that is reminiscent of the visionary works of China Mieville. This accomplished debut novel should enjoy a wide readership.
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