The long cosmos

THE EXTRAORDINARY FINAL INSTALMENT OF THE BESTSELLING LONG EARTH SERIES'Intricately described . . . gently immersive' Guardian'Enthralling and thought-provoking in equal measure' Daily Mail'A love letter to science-fiction itself' SFX2070-71. Nearly six decades after Step Day and in the Long Earth, the new Next post-human society continues to evolve. For Joshua Valienté, now in his late sixties, it is time to take one last solo journey into the High Meggers: an adventure that turns into a disaster. Alone and facing death, his only hope of salvation lies with a group of trolls. But as Joshua confronts his mortality, the Long Earth receives a signal from the stars. A signal that is picked up by radio astronomers but also in more abstract ways - by the trolls and by the Great Traversers. Its message is simple but its implications are enormous:JOIN US.The super-smart Next realise that the Message contains instructions on how to develop an immense artificial intelligence but to build it they have to seek help from throughout the industrious worlds of mankind. Bit by bit, byte by byte, they assemble a computer the size of a continent - a device that will alter the Long Earth's place within the cosmos and reveal the ultimate, life-affirming goal of those who sent the Message. Its impact will be felt by and resonate with all - mankind and other species, young and old, communities and individuals - who inhabit the Long Earths...___________________The Long Cosmos is the fifth and final novel in the Long Earth series.'The Long Earth series deserves a place on the bookshelves of hardcore SF fans and general readers alike' Independent on Sunday