A Truth Beyond Full by Rosie Oliver (book review).
Once upon a time, a colleague told me that science fiction was ‘Mills & Boon for boys.’. ’. In the early days of the genre, there was some truth in that, as so many SF novels approximated westerns in space. Then the emphasis tended to be on the adventure rather than characterisation or the accuracy of the science. Some books were dashed off in a weekend (Lionel Fanthorpe’s output for Badger Books) with little concern for a literary style. Times have changed, and so have the expectations of the readers. Now, many of the writers of the genre have a scientific background, and with that has come the desire for scientific accuracy and speculation that is built on a firm basis of fact. There is also an increasing number of female writers who are proving they are equal to anyone when it comes to producing good, scientifically accurate stories that have excellent characters and absorbing plots. Rosie Oliver is one of them.
‘A Truth Beyond Full’ is set more than two centuries in the future. People have colonised and exploited the moons of the outer planets for their mineral resources. Here, the action takes place on Miranda, an icy moon of Uranus. The beginning is full of intrigue and, though cryptic, gives a good idea of time and place. The past haunts the main character, Kylone. He was a miner, but after his fiancé was killed in an accident, he has been weighed down by guilt and has become a priest in search of atonement and redemption. The priesthood is a refuge from his mental health issues.
Kylone is rockborne—someone who has the ability to see how the strata in the rocks continue beyond visible sight. This ability enables safe mining guidance, following the productive seams. Kylone has eschewed this ability as he is unable to enter the mines. Archdeacon Ariadne’s request for him to perform the funeral rites for a recently deceased miner thrusts him into a new situation. Afterwards, the widow, Alva, asks Kylone to investigate the reasons behind the accident, pointing out that the incidence of these accidental deaths has been increasing. Despite not anticipating any unusual findings, he consents. Then he meets Dirk Schimmeratski, Chief Compineer of Chynoweth, the company that runs and profits from the mining operations.
The partnership that develops, delving into the statistics and causes of mining accidents, leads to a conflict with the Guardians of History. This is a section of the religious hierarchy that archives the Truth that everyone lives by. To contradict the Truth is a crime that has dire consequences, especially for a priest like Kylone. Lying is a sin.
After a cave-in in one of the mines, Kylone is forced to face his demons and, at the same time, cements the animosity of Diomedes, a high priest and one of the Guardians of History. Kylone’s investigations lead to a confrontation with the Guardians, putting his life in danger and leading to a greater understanding of the ability of the rockborne and iceborne. Kylone, despite his reluctance, finds himself compelled to engage in the politics that pervade all societies, including those of faith.
Kylone is embarking on a lengthy journey, and it’s encouraging to witness the compassionate and hopeful treatment of mental health issues. The circumstances he finds himself in push him along paths he didn’t know he could take, restoring his confidence and faith in humanity. The novel imaginatively brings to life the undertones of social disaffection and corporate indifference in a mining colony on a distant moon. The novel also highlights the problems that institutions may face when their members adhere rigidly to the rules. Custom and practice are not always the best approaches.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable book, and I look forward to seeing more of Rosie Oliver’s books in the future.
Pauline Morgan
January 2025
(pub: Elsewhen Press, 2024. 309 page enlarged paperback. Price: £10.00 (UK). ISBN: 978-1-91304-48-3
check out website: https://elsewhen.press/index.php/catalogue/title/a-truth-beyond-full/