Where the Axe is Buried

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What to expect

All systems fail. All societies crumble. All worlds end.

Nebula Award, Ray Bradbury Prize and Arthur C. Clarke Award finalist and Hugo and Locus Award winner Ray Nayler returns with a gripping technological thriller.

'A fast-paced dystopian thriller' - SFX Magazine

'First-rate science fiction' - Cory Doctorow

'As much a novel of ideas as it is a techno-thriller . . . A more erudite and emotionally engaging Philip K Dick' - Irish Times

In a familiar yet different Europe governed by AI, life is more efficient, objective, and peaceful. Yet all is not as it seems. Meanwhile, at Europe's eastern edge, the Federation endures under the rule of a President who has preserved his power by transferring his consciousness from body to body.

As both worlds begin to crumble, Lilia, a Federation scientist, discovers a way to slip the nets of surveillance and alter the balance of power. On the run, she becomes the reluctant centre of a struggle between resistance and control. Yet the systems and people surrounding her may already be beyond redemption. Is there any way to put humanity's future back in its own hands?

Critics Review

Roll over, George Orwell: This post-apocalyptic dystopia makes Airstrip One look like a summer camp. Nayler's sophomore novel is set in a familiar future world in which totalitarian orders rule, with recognisably Putinesque touches in what's called the (né Russian) Federation, not least an autocratic ruler who's been running the show for decades . . . A richly detailed evocation of a grim future that is, sadly, absolutely believable
Kirkus (starred review)
Nayler's twisting, turning political thriller has spectacular surprises, grounded by realistic, complex characters who are determined to change their world, however hopeless it may seem. A bold, epic SF story and an inspiring tale about taking down all forms of authoritarianism
Booklist (starred review)
Already a Hugo and Locus award winner, Nayler's third offering is as much a novel of ideas as it is a techno-thriller, and fully delivers on both counts. A more erudite and emotionally engaging Philip K Dick, Nayler thrives on technology's potential, but roots his story very firmly in human fragilities.
IRISH TIMES
An intense, claustrophobic novel . . . A work of first-rate science fiction
Cory Doctorow
This thought-provoking, fast-moving thriller is also a heartfelt call for resistance to oppressive regimes
The Guardian
Ray Nayler follows up two excellent ecological SF novels with this fast-paced dystopian thriller
SFX MAGAZINE
There's a lot to chew on here . . . [And it's] worth the effort
Financial Times
A book that warns and makes you think . . . It has things to say and does so extremely well . . . One of my best reads of 2025
SFF WORLD

User Reviews

Book 4.0
Narration 4.0
4.0
4.0
It's not the easiest listen, but is worth it. I usually listen while driving and found that it was very easy to miss important plot details so I went back regularly to catch up. The underlying message in the story is an important one and is a reminder to be vigilant against tyranny and oppression. At the same time, the story is engaging and enjoyable.
ScottR 05/10/2025

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