Annihilation Factor

Annihilation Factor is the second list of [science fiction novels|science fiction novel] by Barrington J. Bayley, expanded from a 1964 short story originally published in New [Worlds (magazine)|New Worlds]. It centres on the strains placed on a galactic empire by the appearance of the mysterious, planet-devouring "patch".

Literary significance and reception

describes the novel as stronger than The Star Virus but "dated" and conventional, noting that the primary distinguishing feature comes from Bayley's decision to concentrate on the pressures of the disaster rather than its physical effects. He also remarks on the alienating effect of Bayley's downbeat ending.
John Clute described Annihilation Factor, along with Empire of Two Worlds and Collision [Course (Bayley novel)|Collision Course], as "variously successful".