Crux
By Ramez Naam (Angry Robot, ISBN: 978-0857665515)
Middle book in a trilogy
Review by Lawrence I. Charters, February 16, 2016
Crux is the middle book in a trilogy, which is really more of one novel sliced into three volumes. Naam, a computer wiz and biotech wiz in real life, puts his background to good use in this story of human uplift in 2040, where a drug, Nexus, combined with pervasive computing power, bring humanity to the brink of a new, transhuman species.
Unlike past evolutionary changes, this one was brought about by the species in question — modern humans — and applied to the same species — modern humans. But instead of progress, the changes are seen as a threat to humanity, and world-wide conflict erupts.
While I found the books riveting reading, that is due in large part to meeting Naam, and finding him a riveting speaker. As science fiction, they are decent, but at times the narrative groaned from undue stresses and strains. The sparkle of the first novel, Nexus, faded somewhat in the second. This is a shame, as much of the technology is soundly based on current and near-future capabilities. The story at times exceeds the delivery vehicle.
Recommended if you are planning on reading all three volumes: Nexus, Crux, and Apex.