Synopsis:
Light is currency, light is big business on Gliese 581g. Severum Rivenshear makes a living hunting those who steal it in the form of fireflies, just to have enough light to live by. He works in the icy, perpetually dark hemisphere of Evig Natt where the sun is nothing more than an absent deity. The rest of the world pursues every pleasure beneath a sun that never sleeps.
A feminist organization called O.A.K. attempts to increase planetary rotation to bring light and equality to everyone, rich and poor alike. They are led by three women calling themselves The Orchestrator, The Architect, and The Kontractor. Their actions threaten to cause hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis and to topple the economy that's necessary to support the wars between the hemispheres.
Review:
I finally had a chance to read an early released copy of Mark Everglade’s latest novel, and without jumping into spoiler territory: I believe Hemispheres seeks uncharted territory of science fiction I’ve yet to see explored, and it pays off well.
Set on a planet where light is the ultimate equalizer and the premier form of currency, the novel follows a group of revolutionaries who have a plan to increase the planet's rotation, thus bringing daylight to both hemispheres. An interesting solarpunk concept to say the least.
Everglade delivers an even pace that balances the novel's more philosophical moments with plenty of action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Additionally, the novel is filled with deep ecological themes, and explores the struggles of how society fights for resources, which makes it a poignant piece of fiction that can be applicable to our own lives.
Final verdict? Pick it up.