What is a deepness in the sky?

"A Deepness in the Sky" is a science fiction novel written by Vernor Vinge, published in 1999. It is a prequel to Vinge's earlier novel "A Fire Upon the Deep," and is set in the same universe known as the Zones of Thought. The story follows two human factions, the Qeng Ho and the Emergents, as they clash over control of a trading outpost orbiting a star called OnOff.

The novel explores themes of power, betrayal, and the ethics of technological advancement, all set against the backdrop of a deep-space setting. It also delves into the nature of intelligence, communication, and the implications of advanced technology on society.

"A Deepness in the Sky" received critical acclaim and won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2000. It is lauded for its complex world-building, rich character development, and thought-provoking exploration of human behavior in extreme circumstances. It is considered a seminal work in the science fiction genre and is highly recommended for fans of hard science fiction and space opera.