The End Of Mieville: HERE BE SPOILERS!!!

[j. d. worthington]

Originally Posted by Argali

I just finished Perdido Street Station, and I have to say that the deus ex machina of Jack Half-a-Prayer absolutely ruined the book for me. Was he even mentioned at all before he materialized in that final firefight? His appearance was just one giant WTF for me. Can anyone help me out and explain him?

Actually, Jack is mentioned several times in the course of the book; he's a sort of folk hero that battles against the Parliament, undermining their authority, very much a New Crobuzon-style Dick Turpin. But, since he's so elusive, several of the characters believe he's nothing but a folk myth, until they encounter him there at the end. He's the figure that is seen standing in the distance whenever they are dealing with the constructs in the junkyard, so he's obviously been keeping an eye on this bunch a long time....

[Foxtale]

As a quick mention, I think the time golem survives eternally because it stands outside of time and therefore draws its energy source from everywhen of Joshua's existence.