Kernus

Kernus is a fictional planet featured in the science fiction novel "The Quantum Thief" by Hannu Rajaniemi. Within the novel's narrative, Kernus is depicted as a highly industrialized and technologically advanced world, known for its extensive manufacturing capabilities and its integral role in the wider civilization of the solar system. It is a planet that has undergone significant artificial modification, reflecting a long history of human or post-human engineering.

The planet's society is characterized by a rigid social hierarchy and a complex system of governance. Kernus is often described as a place where individual identity can be fluid and subject to change through advanced technology, a theme prevalent throughout the novel. Its inhabitants are often portrayed as sophisticated and somewhat detached, accustomed to a life mediated by pervasive technological interfaces. The economic and political influence of Kernus within the Oubliette, the novel's primary setting, is substantial, making it a key player in the unfolding events and conflicts. The planet's unique technological achievements and its societal structure contribute to the intricate world-building of "The Quantum Thief."