Why is this book called 'Magnificat'?The final installment in both the Galactic Milieu Trilogy and the eight book series which began with The Many-Coloured Land - the first book of the Saga of Pliocene Exiles - this is essentially a prequel, but has elements of an epilogue to the entire series as well.With a return to more exciting style of Intervention, May hypes up the action as things forment and the inevitable rebellion finally fulminates. Unlike Jack the Bodiless or Diamond Mask, the focus of this book is not on any particular character, but touches on a cast who have been introduced over the last three - or more books. Marc Remillard shows his true characters and we see the evolution what changes him into the arrogant revolutionary who is Abaddon, and the events which made his own children despise him and in turn rebel against him. Uncle Rogi is in the thick of things and his role is somewhat more integral than simply a passive observer and helpful cats paw of Atoning Unifex. Jack and Dorothea play their parts, and a host of rebels and loyalists line up for the grand show down - and of course, the Fury and Hydra side story are finally wrapped up.The final climax of the book is almost over before it begins. The rebellion and the war which almost breaks the Milieu is over with surprisingly fast - even having read this before. The aftermath is also wrapped up so very quickly, that is could easily leave the reader with a feel of anti-climax. However, in effect, this trilogy - and the book which came before it - are merely explanations and fill in details which help the original Saga make sense. This is probably the best of the Trilogy, despite its abrupt ending - but it is still not as powerful or vibrant as the either the original four books of the Saga, nor the excellent Intervention.And in the end... I still do not know why it is called Magnificat.
The final book of the Galactic Milieu Trilogy and the 9 book series compromising the Galactic Milieu Universe. The metaphysical rebellion is looming and Marc is one step closer to engendering Mental Man. Fury and Hydra are aiding Marc from the shadows, although he doesn't realize it and Jack and Diamond may finally understand what the true meaning of Unity is. The book is full of tension and surprises and every page seems to be packed with information. My biggest complaint is that "rebellion" itself is only a miniscule part of the book, and the book wraps up, in an interestingly enough way, almost immediately after. The end of the book isn't truly the end of the series since it is a bit like the worm Ouroborous in that the end of the book leads you right back into the beginning of the Pleistocene Exile series which is in its own way unique. Now I just have to wait for the other 6 books of the "universe" to come out in kindle format to get the true experience of the re-read.
It took me 20 years to get from Intervention to the end of Magnificat. I suppose that is a risk you take when you get involved in a series while it is still being written.The main surprise in this book (I won't give a spoiler here, though it was introduced at the very end of Diamond Mask) was a great shock. I've known the character involved for all of those 20 years and his/her ending was very sad. And knowing why it had to happen was even worse. I'm pleased to say that I didn't feel the need to cry, but it was probably a close call.I don't think this series is necessarily for everyone, but I loved it. It was exciting and interesting and internally coherent.Now I'd best read the Exiles.
—Shayne Power
This book culminates a 9 book series. Much of the series refers to the culmination. You are lead to expect an epic culmination. And this book builds up to the two (maybe more, been a while since I've read it) page culmination. WHAT a LET DOWN! I flipped the pages back and forth in disbelief. THAT'S IT? Oh, well. The entire series is great, Surveillance Metaconcert The Many-Colored Land The Golden Torc The Nonborn King The Adversary Jack the Bodiless Diamond Mask MagnificatIt was just a disappointment that that which had been built up for so long was dealt with so succinctly.Still, recommended.
—Thomas Kimpton
Finally, the end of this epic . . . no, that sounds as if I am glad it is over. Not so, though the whole thing (eight large volumes!) does leave one with a certain feeling of relief when the end is reached, simply because of its size!Here, at last are some resolutions, some tying of loose ends. Four stars - it deserves that at least, just for getting me to the end of something so large. And the epic that this is part of is, in my opinion, the best stuff May has written (I haven't yet written reviews of Trillium or Orion Arm - I just don't want to! They did not approach this standard!)Don't start here - start with either The Many-Coloured Land (my review here ) or possibly with Intervention (my review here ).This can not be reviewed beyond that point on its own, it can not stand alone. Go read the others first, and if you like SF/Fantasy with serious mindpowers stuff, then this Saga is for you.
—Alan Denham
