In "Neptune's Brood," an ambitious science fiction novel by Charles Stross, the story is set in a distant future where human life has evolved in surprising ways. The narrative follows the journey of Krina Alizond, a progeny of a long-extinct human civilization, as she navigates through a universe shaped by advanced technologies and economic systems. Stross intricately explores themes of capitalism, banking, and evolution, set against a backdrop of interstellar travel and life forms that challenge our understanding of sentience.
The plot thickens as Krina searches for her missing sibling, using her unique abilities to traverse the galactic landscape. The narrative is layered with rich world-building, incorporating elements like slower-than-light travel, which reflects Stross's creative take on the consequences of applied physics in a futuristic setting. As she encounters various species and factions, the story delves into moral dilemmas and the complexities of life in outer space, making readers question the nature of consciousness and economic survival.