Praise for JARDIN D'HIVER

The plot is hard-hitting, meticulous and intense, with many twists, turns and surprises. It manages to avoid being simplistic, nuancing its precepts and characters. The world is fascinating to discover whether it be through the highly imaginative technological aspect or in geo-political and geographical context. The characters are never uninteresting, proving to be both complex and human. One of the strong points of the narrative comes from the author’s contemplations on the de-demonization of machines, technology, nature, the environment, identity or the future.

Blog-O-Livre

 

French SF also has talented authors, like Olivier Paquet, who takes us on board a ship of big-hearted but well-armed smugglers, in a Europe where machines and plants are at war.

Olivier Paquet opens a wider debate with these two opposing concepts. Of course, the point of view developed is more on the side of the engineers. The “eco-terrorists” really don’t put up much of a fight and are sometimes exaggerated. But as we read, we quite understand the political combats, the aberrations of war and the beauty of a world which could possibly exist, both naturally and artificially. Philosophical considerations, which might have been a bit tedious, are only hinted at. Action and travel are the modi operandi. Travel allows an overview of Europe, to observe it and understand the conflict. The battles, whether they concern individuals or battalions, are well-documented and beat out the rhythm of the narrative.

Deborah Gay, Daily Mars

Published at April 19, 2019