The Book of Elsewhere

In The Book of Elsewhere, the legendary Keanu Reeves and inimitable writer China Miéville join forces to create a genre-bending epic that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling. This dazzling novel intricately weaves together ancient powers, modern warfare, and the haunting journey of an outcast who yearns for the elusive release of death. Amidst the backdrop of a world in constant turmoil, the story explores the enigmatic existence of "B", an immortal warrior who has seen civilizations rise and fall through millennia.

The narrative begins with a tantalising whisper of legends and power. Known by many names throughout history—Unute, Child of Lightning, Death himself—B now seeks the one thing that has eluded him: mortality. In the present day, a covert U.S. black-ops group claims they can grant B his wish. Their offer is simple: assist them with their mission, and they will help him die. However, when an ordinary soldier miraculously returns from the dead, it hints at a force that is even more mysterious than B. This force, at least as powerful as B, harbours a plan of its own, making the plot deeper and more intricate.

This collaboration showcases Miéville's singular style and innovation combined with Reeves's haunting and soul-stirring narrative. Together, they craft a novel that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling, promising to captivate both fans and newcomers alike.

The Book of Elsewhere is an instant Sunday Times bestseller, heralded for its ingenuity and unique blend of genres. William Gibson praises it as 'an exceptionally innovative collaboration from two remarkable minds.' Stephen Fry exclaims, 'What an extraordinary book! China Miéville's brilliance as a writer combined with Keanu Reeves's quite magnificently wild imagination make for a compulsive read.'

Critics rave about the novel's multifaceted appeal. The Daily Mail describes it as 'a gripping, hugely intelligent and beautifully-realised nightmare. It’s clever, brilliant and horrifying.' The Sunday Times notes, 'A rattlingly good read . . . has much in common with Reeves’s best film roles,' while the New York Times calls it both 'a pulpy, adrenaline-fueled thriller' and 'a moody, experimental novel about mortality, the slippery nature of time and what it means to be human.'

The BBC's Radio 4 Front Row finds the novel 'exhilarating,' and the Telegraph deems it 'bloody fun.' SFX offers a poignant observation, 'Reeves and Miéville’s novel turns a (literally) comic book into a meditation on what it means to be truly alive that’s both affecting and enigmatic.'

The Irish Times lauds the book's 'sprawling blend of high-octane action sequences and philosophical meditations on life, death and immortality,' drawing comparisons to Roger Zelazny's Lord of Light. Polygon adds, 'A delight . . . let Keanu Reeves punch and shoot his way onto your summer reading list ... a philosophical, violent thriller about an immortal soldier pondering the nature of existence, The Book of Elsewhere has an elegance that might surprise you for a pulp thriller.'

Booklist praises its stylistic ambitions: 'Stylistically daring, combining sf, fantasy, parascience, history, and action. It’s violent, propulsive, and introspective, ultimately offering a philosophical exploration of identity and the meaning of mortality, chaos, and entropy. . . whatever it is, it works,' while Kirkus Reviews highlights the enjoyment and creativity evident in the work: 'It’s clear that Reeves and Miéville are having fun with the tale and its often playful, even poetic language. . . a well-written treat for fans of modern mythologizing.'

The Book of Elsewhere is a breathtaking journey through time, conflict, and the profound quest for meaning, making it a must-read for those who crave both intellectual and visceral thrills.