.jpg) First edition (US) | |
| Author | Charles Stross |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Publisher | Orbit (UK), Ace (US) |
Publication date | 2 October 2007 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom & United States |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 368 |
| ISBN | 0-441-01498-4 |
| OCLC | 123232449 |
| 823/.92 22 | |
| LC Class | PR6119.T79 H36 2007 |
| Followed by | Rule 34 |
Halting State is a novel by Charles Stross, published in the United States on 2 October 2007 and in the United Kingdom in January 2008.[1] Stross has said that it is "a thriller set in the software houses that write multiplayer games".[2] The plot centres on a bank robbery in a virtual world.[3] It features speculative technologies, including Specs and virtual server networks over mobile phones. The book is on its second printing in the United States.[4] The novel was nominated for both the Hugo and Locus Awards in 2008.[5]
The main story is split between three main protagonists, Sue, Elaine, and Jack, whose sections are always in the second person, with italicised thoughts in first person during each character's respective chapter. Each chapter is followed in sequential trilogies (Sue, Elaine, Jack) for the duration of the novel. This pattern excepts only the prologue and epilogue of the novel, which both contain faux email to supporting characters.
A sequel to Halting State entitled Rule 34 (previously '419'[6]) was released in mid-2011.[7]
- ^ Charlie's Diary: Ahem
- ^ SFRevu Review
- ^ Charlie Stross's Halting State: Heist novel about an MMORPG – Boing Boing
- ^ "Charles Stross – 2007-10-12". Archived from the original on 30 October 2007. Retrieved 24 October 2007.
- ^ "2008 Award Winners & Nominees". Worlds Without End. Retrieved 27 July 2009.
- ^ "The Charles Stross FAQ". Retrieved 21 January 2009.
- ^ "Charlie's Diary: Hold The Front Page". Retrieved 28 September 2009.