STRINGS

A lengthy, brainy debut sci-fi novel that takes its characters, and its readers, to the edges of what can be understood about the universe.

U.S. Army Capt. Jim Randall, his team, and other travelers inside the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai vanish in a freak electromagnetic storm. Dr. Hirotoshi Yang, a theoretical scientist, hears the news and comes to investigate what he thinks may be the collapse of the universe; as he looks deeper into the matter, he finds that a dangerous assassin is stalking him. These and other storylines combine to create a fast-paced, idea-driven novel that challenges its readers. From the first chapter, the pace is strong and engaging; Solomon clearly knows how to move things along while also making complex scientific ideas, such as string theory, relevant to the story. However, the novel seems to document every moment in its characters’ lives, hardly allowing readers any breathing room from one sentence to the next, and at times, they may find it a struggle; at more than 500 pages, the novel could easily be shorter and be better for it. Also, the dialogue is sometimes robotic and uncharacteristic of how a person in a crisis might speak, and some passages seem to disregard readers’ intellects, such as a description of a villain’s cigarette as “nicotine-laden.” Despite these flaws, the novel’s ideas are beautifully orchestrated, reaching expansively across the globe and into alternate dimensions—an accomplishment that Solomon confidently and creatively pulls off. The subplots may seem far apart at times, but they all have an important role in uncovering the mystery at the heart of the story. With a few more edits, it’s clear that Solomon’s skill at juggling storytelling, string theory and global conspiracies would find an appreciative audience.

An agreeable, accessible novel for readers of thrillers, mysteries and science fiction.