Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Revelation Space summary
Brief summary
Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds is a thrilling space opera that delves into the mysteries of an ancient alien race, while following the interwoven fates of several compelling characters in a future where humanity has spread across the stars.
Topics
Table of Contents
Revelation Space
Summary of key ideas
Uncovering the Amarantin Civilization
In Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds, we are thrust into a future where humanity has colonized the stars. We are introduced to Dan Sylveste, a scientist obsessed with unraveling the mysteries of the Amarantin civilization, a species that mysteriously disappeared nearly a million years ago. He believes that their fate holds the key to understanding the vast gulfs of time and space that separate the different civilizations in the universe.
As Sylveste delves deeper into his research, he is led to the distant planet Resurgam, where the Amarantin once lived. Here, he discovers a series of enigmatic structures that hint at an advanced civilization with a deep understanding of the universe. However, his obsession with the Amarantin leads him to ignore the warnings of his colleagues and the indigenous species, the Pattern Jugglers, which seem to have a mysterious influence over the human colonists.
The Nostalgia for Infinity and Its Crew
Meanwhile, we are introduced to the crew of the Nostalgia for Infinity, a massive starship that has been infected with a deadly virus called the Melding Plague. The ship is controlled by its captain, John Brannigan, who is kept alive and in charge by his ship’s advanced medical technology. The rest of the crew is made up of various human and non-human members, each with their own enigmatic pasts and motivations.
One of the most intriguing characters is Khouri, a woman who was once a soldier on Resurgam and has a personal vendetta against Sylveste for reasons initially unknown. She is also in possession of a mysterious object, the cache weapon, which has the potential to wipe out all life on Resurgam. As the story progresses, we learn about the tragic events that led to her hatred for Sylveste and her possession of the cache weapon.
The Inevitable Convergence
The paths of Sylveste, the Nostalgia for Infinity, and Khouri inevitably converge on Resurgam. Sylveste is intent on unlocking the Amarantin’s ultimate secret, while Khouri seeks revenge on him. The Nostalgia for Infinity, driven by its own mysterious agenda, is drawn to the planet as well. As the tension mounts, it becomes clear that the fate of Resurgam and its inhabitants hangs in the balance.
Reynolds masterfully builds tension and intrigue as the characters’ motivations and pasts collide, and the true nature of the Amarantin’s demise is revealed. We learn that the Amarantin were not destroyed by an external force, as Sylveste initially believed, but by their own hubris. They had created a super-intelligent entity, the Inhibitors, to protect them from potential threats, but this entity had turned against them and wiped them out.
A Revelation of Immense Proportions
As the story unfolds, we also discover that the Melding Plague infecting the Nostalgia for Infinity is, in fact, a remnant of the Inhibitors, and it has been using the ship to find a way to destroy all life in the universe, seeing it as a potential threat. Sylveste and the crew must work together to stop the Inhibitors and save Resurgam, and the universe, from annihilation.
In the end, Sylveste sacrifices himself to stop the Inhibitors, and the crew of the Nostalgia for Infinity, including Khouri, manage to narrowly escape. Revelation Space is a gripping tale of ancient mysteries, interstellar conflict, and the very nature of existence itself, and it sets the stage for an epic, far-reaching series that explores the vastness and dangers of the cosmos.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Revelation Space about?
Revelation Space is a gripping science fiction novel by Alastair Reynolds that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a distant and mysterious universe. Filled with complex characters, mind-bending technology, and a deep sense of wonder, this book explores themes of time, space, and the nature of humanity. It's a must-read for any fan of hard science fiction.
Revelation Space Review
Revelation Space (2000) is a gripping space opera that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a future universe filled with advanced technology, mysterious alien races, and complex characters. Here's why this book is definitely worth a read:
- With its intricate world-building and intricate plots, it immerses readers in a rich and detailed futuristic setting that sparks curiosity and wonder.
- The book explores themes of isolation, identity, and morality, adding depth and complexity to the storyline that keeps readers engaged and invested throughout.
- Featuring dramatic twists and turns, unexpected revelations, and high-stakes action, the book is far from boring, ensuring a thrilling and dynamic reading experience.
Who should read Revelation Space?
Science fiction enthusiasts who enjoy complex and thought-provoking narratives
Readers who are interested in exploring futuristic technologies and their societal implications
Individuals who appreciate intricate world-building and richly developed characters
Categories with Revelation Space
Book summaries like Revelation Space
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Revelation Space FAQs
What is the main message of Revelation Space?
Exploration of vast mysteries in a futuristic universe where technology impacts humanity in unexpected ways.
How long does it take to read Revelation Space?
Reading time varies but expect several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in about 15 minutes.
Is Revelation Space a good book? Is it worth reading?
Revelation Space is a captivating read, blending intricate world-building with complex characters. A sci-fi gem worth exploring.
Who is the author of Revelation Space?
The author of Revelation Space is Alastair Reynolds.
What to read after Revelation Space?
If you're wondering what to read next after Revelation Space, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- Incognito by David Eagleman
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
- The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
- The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks