Tor picks up Paolini's 'spectacular' sci-fi novel

Tor has snapped up Fractal Noise, the latest addition to Christopher Paolini’s Fractalverse books. 

Publisher Bella Pagan acquired UK and Commonwealth rights with audio from Simon Lipskar at Writers House. The novel will be published in May 2023. 

Fractal Noise is a prequel to Paolini’s To Sleep in a Sea of Stars (Tor), charting a group of scientists’ journey to an uninhabited planet and their experience of first contact. The synopsis reads: "On the planet Talos VII, 23 years before the events of To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, an anomaly is detected. A vast circular pit, with dimensions so perfect that it could only have been the result of conscious design. So a small team is assembled to learn more – perhaps even who built the hole and why. Their mission will take them on a hazardous trek to the very edge of existence. For one explorer, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. For another, a risk not worth taking. And for xenobiologist Alex Crichton, it’s a desperate attempt to find meaning in an uncaring universe. But every step they take toward that mysterious abyss is more punishing than the last. Ultimately, no one is prepared for what they will encounter." 

Pagan commented: "Christopher has created a galaxy filled with incredible characters and far-flung worlds – one that will set readers’ imaginations on fire. I was swept away by this masterclass in tension and excitement, as his protagonists race to solve the ultimate mystery under near-impossible conditions."

"Fractal Noise is a fever-dream of a novel," said Paolini. "A stark, wind-whipped excursion into a hostile land where minds and bodies fail, and each person must decide whether they have the strength to keep moving forward in the face of overwhelming adversity. Of course, that’s not what it’s actually about, but you’ll have to read it to find out more. Fractal Noise is, perhaps, the most personal story I’ve written, and I’m excited to finally share it with you.”