Another great debut novel up for awards that probably deserves one, Rajaniemi's "Quantum Thief" is a dizzying story that shows off both the writer's extensive technical background and his neat ability to turn a phrase. He writes well, with a certain showmanship that perfectly matches the thief around whom the novel, more or less, revolves.
The plot is convoluted, though possibly not as twisted as the science upon which its based. This is one of those books that is a fine read without any current science background, but which grows far richer with some knowledge (I found that my knowledge of some of the theory behind quantum computing, michel foucalt, and Hebrew all enhanced my experience of reading and could only imagine what more information might provide).
Of course, the beauty of Rajaniemi's novel is that, while it rewards outside knowledge, it does not require it. The story reads perfectly well with basic knowledge and still manages to catch you up in its mystery and majesty within the first few pages.
I really enjoyed it as an example of what a very good writer with a background in current science is capable of doing - telling a great story.