An old rule is that the first sentence of a book should suck you right in. In this case, it's “There was a razorstorm coming in”, which is right at the top.

In fact, Reynolds manages to continue this for the whole book: each paragraph sucks you right in to the next. The sense of urgency is so palpable that it's almost impossible to put this book away. I know, it's a clichée, but it's absolutely true for this one. In addition, there is an abundance of ludicrous ideas that he somehow manages to make seem plausible. That way, he creates a living universe where everything is possible – and actually happens.

One of the best of the decade.