Grass.

When I read the cover, I expected a mix of normal science fiction and horror. Grass, however, is much more than that. It offers fairly detailed descriptions about the world and features many characters with different motives. Religion, politics, personal motives collide and strange metaphysical events happen. The world on Grass feels much more like an episode from the High Middle Ages, although advanced science is discussed in between. The whole is underpinned by complex family drama. Add to that the danger that is omnipresent on the planet. An exciting read that I didn't expect, even if it was a bit lengthy and complex at times.

That was absolutely superb!

It's very much a book about ideas, and the novel is packed with them. The environment, ecology, the conflict between religion and belief, the problem with perfection, and how humanity’s relationship to other species. It’s a novel that takes a bit of time to get into, but once you do, the pay-off is well worth it.

If you want a solid story that gives you plenty of food for thought, then I can’t recommend this highly enough. (less)