Roil by Trent Jamieson

In Roil, we have three characters trying to save their icy, cold world from the heat and destruction caused by the spread of the roil. Margaret is a Penn, one of the geniuses of this world, and is set on revenge. Cadell, the old man, a really old man - about 4000 years - is a dangerous god-like creature. David, the son of a politician, is using addiction to hide his pain. All three are being chased by some very bad man and some very dangerous machines as they try to save themselves and everyone else by using the Engine of the World.
I really enjoyed this book, and not for the reason you'd think - at least not exclusively for that reason. I am talking about the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Most of them are meant to be from different history books that have been written about the events of the novel. They serve as an introduction to each chapter and some even foreshadow events that will occur in the sequel or provide an idea of where the author will be taking the characters in future novels. My favourite is the one from chapter 28, the quote is interesting but what actually made me laugh out loud is the book its supposedly from. The book is titled, "Assassinations Personal, Political, and Humorous." That has to be one of the best titles ever! I would love to read that book. Not only do these prologues make the whole novel that much more intriguing, they also serve to provide the reader with a much more detailed description of the political and historical setting of the events in the novel.
Jamieson is brilliant in the creation of this world. There is so much to see and be entranced by in it. The Engine itself is the greatest mystery and I really enjoyed the AI aspects of it. It is a harsh world, where cities are destroyed in hours by something people do not seem to understand. I also love that it is the cold that is the refuge of the humans. Heat brings death and corruption. I found every aspect of this world entrancing. I really need to read more of Jamieson's work if this is what his mind is able to create. A fast paced and thrilling novel, filled with damaged characters in a a very unique world.