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"Cosmonaut Keep" is a science fiction novel written by Ken MacLeod and published in 2000. The novel is the first in a series known as "The Engines of Light" trilogy. The story takes place in a distant future where humanity has colonized the stars and developed advanced technology, including faster-than-light travel.

The novel tells the story of Matt Cairns, a historian who is sent to a distant planet to study the remnants of an alien civilization. There he discovers that the planet is inhabited by a group of people who possess advanced technology and have been living in isolation for centuries. They are known as the "Mendicants," and they possess a powerful device known as the "Keep," which allows them to manipulate the fabric of space-time.

The plot of the novel centers around Cairns' attempts to understand the Mendicants and their technology, and the various conflicts that arise between the Mendicants and the human society that Cairns comes from. The novel explores themes of power, politics, and the ethics of technology.

One of the major themes in the novel is the idea of power and control. The Mendicants possess a great deal of power and technology, which they use to maintain their isolation and control over the planet. They are also able to manipulate the fabric of space-time, which gives them an even greater level of control. This is contrasted with the human society that Cairns comes from, which is more open and democratic, but also more fragmented and less cohesive.

Another important theme in the novel is the ethics of technology. The Mendicants use their technology to maintain their power and control, but Cairns is forced to question whether this is ethical. He also grapples with the idea of whether the Mendicants' isolation is morally justifiable, or if they have a responsibility to share their technology with the rest of humanity.

The novel also explores the idea of politics and power struggles. The Mendicants are a small, powerful group who control the planet, while the human society that Cairns comes from is more open and democratic, but also more fragmented and less cohesive. This creates a tension between the two groups and raises questions about the nature of power and politics.

Finally, the novel also touches on the idea of identity and belonging. Cairns is an outsider on the planet, and he struggles to find a sense of belonging. He is also forced to question his own identity and what it means to be human.

Overall, "Cosmonaut Keep" is a thought-provoking novel that explores complex themes of power, politics, and technology. The story is well-written, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. The novel is a fascinating exploration of what it means to be human in a world where technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate.