Redsight

There are space books and then there are Space Operas. What makes a good Space Opera is a sense of scale – the big and the small. Characters making decisions that define the entire Universe, but also their place in the local power struggle. Who will rule, which family? Which sect? Which Goddess? Redsight by Meredith Mooring has that quintessential epic feel and a rivalry between three factions, making it an Opera. Can Mooring keep a handle on the story strands as well as the characters keep a handle on their emotions? 

Korinna is a Redseer, the descendent of a Goddess. She sees the universe differently to us, able to tap into the fabric of everything and manipulate it. Redseers are trained to become piolets for spaceships ranging from the smallest merchant vessels to military ships containing 500,000 souls. With her lack of powers Korinna may never be promoted to a Red Priestess, but she is happy to help in the academy. However, unbeknownst to her, her powers have been dampened for protection. It is now time for Korinna to shine and she will find herself spanning Universes, being part of epic space battles, falling in love and meeting beings that can devour stars. 

There is a lot in Redsight that makes it feel like a classic Space Opera; a huge setting, with plenty of characters all with their own agenda. Korinna is the main protagonist, but we do follow members of other Goddess sects. The book has been compared to Dune and it has some sense of that series. Lots of internal politics mingling with universe changing events. Whose side is Korinna on? As the book progresses, she evolves. The book does not dwell long on the coming-of-age element as Korinna must get up to speed fast if she plans to keep up with events. 

The best part of the book is the ideas. Korinna’s alternative way of perceiving the universe, the antient Goddesses in slumber, the other sects. Each lineage has different powers, a rock, paper, scissors of strength and weaknesses. For centuries they have been waging a silent war against one another, but is this the future? They may have a common enemy in the form of the military who benefit from the three Goddess sisters not combining powers once more. 

With such large ideas, the book throws concepts at the reader. The average Space Opera fan will be used to this and should be able to keep up, but I do think that it felt a little haphazard in places. I needed to reread some sections to try and understand what was happening. Also, the actions of the characters felt naive in places; this is part of their personality, but led to consequences that did not feel practical or realistic – if epic space battles can be realistic! 

Redsight is a tome for a fan of meaty science fiction to enjoy. It is packed with ideas and twists. Despite all its ideas, it is primarily a book about character and relationships. If you enjoy the interplay between characters impacting on the story, this is a book for you. I prefer a colder, more clinical approach to the science, but there are plenty of people who lean towards the emotional. With some unique ideas, Mooring has produced a promising novel with characters that many people will fall in love with. Just be careful who which one as they may just suck your essence away!