You know what you're getting with Peter Hamilton. Excellent throughout, as ever, on the first half of the tale! ( )

This is the first of two books that are part of the Commonwealth series. I had read several reviews that indicated that the second book was much better than the first. So when I started this one I was basically trying to get to the second book. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book.

My biggest criticism with the Void trilogy was the whole fantasy element of it all. I love science fiction and some fantasy. But I am a “keep my peas and carrots separated” type of guy so the mix was hard for me to get into. Not saying it was terrible to do but it just did not work so well for me.

With this series or at least this first book there was not as much emphasis to the fantasy side. Well, to be honest the fantasy stuff was the same but there was a direct connection from it to the greater commonwealth. The only part that dragged for me was the middle part dealing with the rebellion.

So, typical Hamilton. Maybe not as long as his other books but still just as in-depth as you would expect. I certainly recommend if you enjoy PFH.
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It is very much like his other books - story is different, but tone, pacing and complexity are the same. If you like Hamilton, you will like this. If you don't... then... don't...

It started off slow (as per usual), then the threads come together at the end. Bit of suspense to wrap it up... not a cliff hanger ending either, though there is another book in this series. ( )

Let's say it as it is. Big disappointment all the way. The third books series that plays in the Commonwealth Universe this is also the by far weakest and most boring one.

Simply put, it just plays in the Void universe. All of it. There is outside/inside interesting development going on. There is actually no development going on at all. It feels like reading the same "Void Trilogy" Edeard stories just with a different character. Nothing interesting at all.

While it is still written very well and it is still a page turner, it was just not enjoyful at all. This is not a Hamilton book as I was expecting it.

The ending is a nice cliff hanger, but the most shocking thing for me was "So what, don't really care how it goes on". ( )