Down

Book review by Paul Scoones

Regular readers of my reviews will know that I absolutely adored The Also People, so the fact that Down is a 'sequel' to that 1995 New Adventure immediately aroused my interest. Although Down contains some related elements, the two novels are not very closely linked as I had hoped.

Down tells the story of Bernice's journey into a hollow world populated with bizarre characters, many of whom seem to belong in a pulp action serial. It is fortunately much easier going than the author's previous New Adventure, Christmas on a Rational Planet, which although loaded with great ideas, had a almost impenetrable narrative.

The style is somewhat reminiscent of Sky Pirates! and although overlong in places, is never boring. Miles is an author who seems to be brimming over with great ideas - the whole Mr Misnomer subplot and the horrifying truth behind the true nature of teleportation are just two very memorable features of this book. [3/5]