The Quantum Thief

By: Hannu Rajaniemi

Published by Tor Publishing Group, 2026-04-14

A stunning debut novel and a rollicking cyberpunk romp, The Quantum Thief is a modern classic of science fiction.

Kirkus Reviews Best of 2011 Science Fiction & Fantasy
Library Journal's Best SF/Fantasy Books of 2011

Tor Essentials presents new editions of science fiction and fantasy titles of proven merit and lasting value, each volume introduced by an appropriate literary figure.

Jean le Flambeur is a post-human criminal, mind burglar, confidence artist, and trickster. His origins are shrouded in mystery, but his exploits are known throughout the Heterarchy- from breaking into the vast Zeusbrains of the Inner System to stealing rare Earth antiques from the aristocrats of Mars. Now he's confined inside the Dilemma Prison, where every day he has to get up and kill himself before his other self can kill him.

Rescued by the mysterious Mieli and her flirtatious spacecraft, Jean is taken to the Oubliette, the Moving City of Mars, where time is currency, memories are treasures, and a moon-turnedsingularity lights the night. What Mieli offers is the chance to win back his freedom and the powers of his old self-in exchange for finishing the one heist he never quite managed.

This new Tor Essentials edition of The Quantum Thief includes a new introduction by Roz Kaveney.