A hard science-fiction novel featuring an assassin-for-hire, a witchdoctor, and an astronomer, this fast-paced thriller is perfect for fans of Arrival.
When a non-communicative alien spacecraft suddenly appears in the sky, global powers are thrown into turmoil.
But for Tope, a principled Nigerian assassin with a talent for lethality in the employ of the mysterious witchdoctor known as “Baba,” it’s all just business as usual. At least until a job goes wrong, and Tope is caught in the scramble – a high stakes game of power and politics for the future that is to come. Joined by Itumeleng, a South African astronomer plagued by mysterious dreams, they must find a way to survive, navigate their complicated pasts, and come to understand how they, and all of humanity, are connected to the alien craft before it lands and the world changes forever. But it won’t be easy. There are sinister forces marshalled against them, including a strange assassin obsessed with a single memory.
The Fist Of Memory is a first contact thriller unlike any other; a meditation on the nature of reality, memory and connectedness.
When a non-communicative alien spacecraft suddenly appears in the sky, global powers are thrown into turmoil.
But for Tope, a principled Nigerian assassin with a talent for lethality in the employ of the mysterious witchdoctor known as “Baba,” it’s all just business as usual. At least until a job goes wrong, and Tope is caught in the scramble – a high stakes game of power and politics for the future that is to come. Joined by Itumeleng, a South African astronomer plagued by mysterious dreams, they must find a way to survive, navigate their complicated pasts, and come to understand how they, and all of humanity, are connected to the alien craft before it lands and the world changes forever. But it won’t be easy. There are sinister forces marshalled against them, including a strange assassin obsessed with a single memory.
The Fist Of Memory is a first contact thriller unlike any other; a meditation on the nature of reality, memory and connectedness.
Reviews
Talabi's skilled writing presents a unique meeting of big concepts and elegantly-crafted action
Wole Talabi weaves memory, mythology, and the mysteries of the cosmos into a taut, propulsive novel. The Fist of Memory will have you turning pages while you question the nature of reality
An edge-of-your seat near-future thriller tinged with the fabled sense of wonder. But The Fist of Memory is more than just the sum of its parts. Talabi, one of the brightest new voices in 21st-century science fiction, has important things to say; the world needs this book
This novel was a rollercoaster. A genre bending work that riffs off the thriller, noir, hard SF, Africanjujuism, political drama, and the alien invasion narrative, all deftly woven together. We have something special here. Outstanding!
The Fist of Memory is unlike anything I've ever read.... It's Big Object in Space alien invasion but also cosmic fear and social reaction. Immersive. Don't miss it
A quantum entanglement of fundamental physics, mysticism, and hard-driving assassins in the shadow of first contact, woven together by verdant writing that compels you to turn the page. Well worth the trip
A bold first contact story that incorporates philosophy, religion, and technology into a near-future Nigeria. This novel is a brilliant addition to the canon of modern science fiction
The Fist of Memory is a masterclass of visionary storytelling and is entertaining from start to finish. Talabi resets the standard for brilliant science fiction, balancing high stakes action with an incisive exploration of the human condition. You will rip through these pages, guaranteed
Thrilling, wild, and philosophical, Wole Talabi's beautifully written tale of first contact between humans and aliens will have you turning pages late into the night and questioning what it means to be human. An action movie crossed with a fairy tale. Absolutely masterful
Taut, timely, and smart! The Fist of Memory is exactly what I love about science fiction. Talabi masterfully blends futurism and philosophy inside an action-packed thriller, serving up a beautiful first contact story about breaking the cycles of violence chaining us to the past and envisioning a better, more connected future
A dizzying, vivid and ultimately hopeful look at a future Nigeria where corrupt politicians, contract assassins and astronomers see their paths collide with a mysterious alien object