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Pandora's Star
Written by Peter F. Hamilton
Narrated by John Lee
Book Actions
Start ListeningRatings:
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5 (88 ratings)
Length: 37 hours
- Publisher:
- Tantor Audio
- Released:
- Dec 1, 2008
- ISBN:
- 9781400177646
- Format:
- Audiobook
Description
Critics have compared the engrossing space operas of Peter F. Hamilton to the classic sagas of such SF giants as Isaac Asimov and Frank Herbert. But Hamilton's bestselling fiction-powered by a fearless imagination and world-class storytelling skills-has also earned him comparison to Tolstoy and Dickens. Hugely ambitious, wildly entertaining, philosophically stimulating: the novels of Peter F. Hamilton will change the way you think about science fiction. Now, with Pandora's Star, he begins a new multivolume adventure, one that promises to be his most mind-blowing yet.
The year is 2380. The Intersolar Commonwealth, a sphere of stars some 400 light-years in diameter, contains more than 600 worlds, interconnected by a web of transport "tunnels" known as wormholes. At the farthest edge of the Commonwealth, astronomer Dudley Bose observes the impossible: Over 1,000 light-years away, a star…vanishes. It does not go supernova. It does not collapse into a black hole. It simply disappears. Since the location is too distant to reach by wormhole, a faster-than-light starship, the Second Chance, is dispatched to learn what has occurred and whether it represents a threat. In command is Wilson Kime, a five-time rejuvenated ex-NASA pilot whose glory days are centuries behind him.
Opposed to the mission are the Guardians of Selfhood, a cult that believes the human race is being manipulated by an alien entity they call the Starflyer. Bradley Johansson, leader of the Guardians, warns of sabotage, fearing the Starflyer means to use the starship's mission for its own ends.
Pursued by a Commonwealth special agent convinced the Guardians are crazy but dangerous, Johansson flees. But the danger is not averted. Aboard the Second Chance, Kime wonders if his crew has been infiltrated. Soon enough, he will have other worries. A thousand light-years away, something truly incredible is waiting: a deadly discovery, the unleashing of which will threaten to destroy the Commonwealth…and humanity itself.
Could it be that Johansson was right?
The year is 2380. The Intersolar Commonwealth, a sphere of stars some 400 light-years in diameter, contains more than 600 worlds, interconnected by a web of transport "tunnels" known as wormholes. At the farthest edge of the Commonwealth, astronomer Dudley Bose observes the impossible: Over 1,000 light-years away, a star…vanishes. It does not go supernova. It does not collapse into a black hole. It simply disappears. Since the location is too distant to reach by wormhole, a faster-than-light starship, the Second Chance, is dispatched to learn what has occurred and whether it represents a threat. In command is Wilson Kime, a five-time rejuvenated ex-NASA pilot whose glory days are centuries behind him.
Opposed to the mission are the Guardians of Selfhood, a cult that believes the human race is being manipulated by an alien entity they call the Starflyer. Bradley Johansson, leader of the Guardians, warns of sabotage, fearing the Starflyer means to use the starship's mission for its own ends.
Pursued by a Commonwealth special agent convinced the Guardians are crazy but dangerous, Johansson flees. But the danger is not averted. Aboard the Second Chance, Kime wonders if his crew has been infiltrated. Soon enough, he will have other worries. A thousand light-years away, something truly incredible is waiting: a deadly discovery, the unleashing of which will threaten to destroy the Commonwealth…and humanity itself.
Could it be that Johansson was right?
Book Actions
Start ListeningBook Information
Pandora's Star
Written by Peter F. Hamilton
Narrated by John Lee
Ratings:
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5 (88 ratings)
Length: 37 hours
Description
Critics have compared the engrossing space operas of Peter F. Hamilton to the classic sagas of such SF giants as Isaac Asimov and Frank Herbert. But Hamilton's bestselling fiction-powered by a fearless imagination and world-class storytelling skills-has also earned him comparison to Tolstoy and Dickens. Hugely ambitious, wildly entertaining, philosophically stimulating: the novels of Peter F. Hamilton will change the way you think about science fiction. Now, with Pandora's Star, he begins a new multivolume adventure, one that promises to be his most mind-blowing yet.
The year is 2380. The Intersolar Commonwealth, a sphere of stars some 400 light-years in diameter, contains more than 600 worlds, interconnected by a web of transport "tunnels" known as wormholes. At the farthest edge of the Commonwealth, astronomer Dudley Bose observes the impossible: Over 1,000 light-years away, a star…vanishes. It does not go supernova. It does not collapse into a black hole. It simply disappears. Since the location is too distant to reach by wormhole, a faster-than-light starship, the Second Chance, is dispatched to learn what has occurred and whether it represents a threat. In command is Wilson Kime, a five-time rejuvenated ex-NASA pilot whose glory days are centuries behind him.
Opposed to the mission are the Guardians of Selfhood, a cult that believes the human race is being manipulated by an alien entity they call the Starflyer. Bradley Johansson, leader of the Guardians, warns of sabotage, fearing the Starflyer means to use the starship's mission for its own ends.
Pursued by a Commonwealth special agent convinced the Guardians are crazy but dangerous, Johansson flees. But the danger is not averted. Aboard the Second Chance, Kime wonders if his crew has been infiltrated. Soon enough, he will have other worries. A thousand light-years away, something truly incredible is waiting: a deadly discovery, the unleashing of which will threaten to destroy the Commonwealth…and humanity itself.
Could it be that Johansson was right?
The year is 2380. The Intersolar Commonwealth, a sphere of stars some 400 light-years in diameter, contains more than 600 worlds, interconnected by a web of transport "tunnels" known as wormholes. At the farthest edge of the Commonwealth, astronomer Dudley Bose observes the impossible: Over 1,000 light-years away, a star…vanishes. It does not go supernova. It does not collapse into a black hole. It simply disappears. Since the location is too distant to reach by wormhole, a faster-than-light starship, the Second Chance, is dispatched to learn what has occurred and whether it represents a threat. In command is Wilson Kime, a five-time rejuvenated ex-NASA pilot whose glory days are centuries behind him.
Opposed to the mission are the Guardians of Selfhood, a cult that believes the human race is being manipulated by an alien entity they call the Starflyer. Bradley Johansson, leader of the Guardians, warns of sabotage, fearing the Starflyer means to use the starship's mission for its own ends.
Pursued by a Commonwealth special agent convinced the Guardians are crazy but dangerous, Johansson flees. But the danger is not averted. Aboard the Second Chance, Kime wonders if his crew has been infiltrated. Soon enough, he will have other worries. A thousand light-years away, something truly incredible is waiting: a deadly discovery, the unleashing of which will threaten to destroy the Commonwealth…and humanity itself.
Could it be that Johansson was right?
- Publisher:
- Tantor Audio
- Released:
- Dec 1, 2008
- ISBN:
- 9781400177646
- Format:
- Audiobook
About the author
Peter F. Hamilton was born in Rutland in 1960 and still lives nearby. He began writing in 1987, and sold his first short story to Fear magazine in 1988. He has written many bestselling novels, including the Greg Mandel series, the Night's Dawn trilogy, the Commonwealth Saga, the Void trilogy, short-story collections and several standalone novels including Fallen Dragon and Great North Road.
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Reviews
Reviews
What people think about Pandora's Star
4.0Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
88 ratings / 51 reviews
What did you think?
Rating: out of 5 stars
Reader reviews
sr510
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars(3/5)
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I suppose the good news is that this is a long book, so there's plenty to read. Unfortunately, the quality isn't nearly up to the quantity. The writing is adequate at best, there's a faint layer of authorial condescension hanging over all the characters, and the cosmology and technology never quite add up.I was just interested enough to make it through this volume's 988 pages, but I really don't think I need to bother with the conclusion in the second book.
sr510
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars(3/5)
I suppose the good news is that this is a long book, so there's plenty to read. Unfortunately, the quality isn't nearly up to the quantity. The writing is adequate at best, there's a faint layer of authorial condescension hanging over all the characters, and the cosmology and technology never quite add up.I was just interested enough to make it through this volume's 988 pages, but I really don't think I need to bother with the conclusion in the second book.
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jwilker-1
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5/5)
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I found this at our local used book store, and wowza. Granted I'm a sci-fi nut, but Hamilton surprised me, with how deep his universe goes and how well he lays it all out.
My only gripe, and this isn't a Hamilton problem, but I had no idea it was a two parter, until I was 7/8s done and the story wasn't resolving, a quick flip to the back page, and low and behold, a second part.
If you're into the deeper sci-fi stories that have real people and lots of them, this two book series is a must. I'm reading the second part right now.
My only gripe, and this isn't a Hamilton problem, but I had no idea it was a two parter, until I was 7/8s done and the story wasn't resolving, a quick flip to the back page, and low and behold, a second part.
If you're into the deeper sci-fi stories that have real people and lots of them, this two book series is a must. I'm reading the second part right now.
jwilker-1
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5/5)
I found this at our local used book store, and wowza. Granted I'm a sci-fi nut, but Hamilton surprised me, with how deep his universe goes and how well he lays it all out.
My only gripe, and this isn't a Hamilton problem, but I had no idea it was a two parter, until I was 7/8s done and the story wasn't resolving, a quick flip to the back page, and low and behold, a second part.
If you're into the deeper sci-fi stories that have real people and lots of them, this two book series is a must. I'm reading the second part right now.
My only gripe, and this isn't a Hamilton problem, but I had no idea it was a two parter, until I was 7/8s done and the story wasn't resolving, a quick flip to the back page, and low and behold, a second part.
If you're into the deeper sci-fi stories that have real people and lots of them, this two book series is a must. I'm reading the second part right now.
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frugalotaku
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5/5)
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Addictively good.
frugalotaku
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5/5)
Addictively good.
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lisamorr
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4/5)
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Pandora's Star is an epic alien invasion story. Worm-holes are used for travel between planets, but when an anomaly at the far reaches of the known universe is observed by an astronomer, the quickest way to get there and check it out is by developing and building a new kind of starship. It was a bit of a slow starter because there were sooooo many characters to follow, but it ratcheted up to a rip-roaring finale!
lisamorr
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4/5)
Pandora's Star is an epic alien invasion story. Worm-holes are used for travel between planets, but when an anomaly at the far reaches of the known universe is observed by an astronomer, the quickest way to get there and check it out is by developing and building a new kind of starship. It was a bit of a slow starter because there were sooooo many characters to follow, but it ratcheted up to a rip-roaring finale!
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skraft001
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4/5)
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An intensely rich world-building book. New worlds were introduced through nearly 900 pages of the book. This book is so large that there are any number of threads that one could comment on. In general it was very satisfying -- although it got to be like a nightime soap opera of the '80's (think Dallas) with everyone being rich and glamorous. A host of characters, so a bit of a struggle to keep the story line straight if you put the book down for any length of time. (Spoiler alert) I had issue with the evacuation of the planets -- the capacity of the 'worrmhole train' wouldn't make this feasible. Unsatisfactory ending for having invested into an 1150 page book that basically requires you to read the same size sequel.
skraft001
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4/5)
An intensely rich world-building book. New worlds were introduced through nearly 900 pages of the book. This book is so large that there are any number of threads that one could comment on. In general it was very satisfying -- although it got to be like a nightime soap opera of the '80's (think Dallas) with everyone being rich and glamorous. A host of characters, so a bit of a struggle to keep the story line straight if you put the book down for any length of time. (Spoiler alert) I had issue with the evacuation of the planets -- the capacity of the 'worrmhole train' wouldn't make this feasible. Unsatisfactory ending for having invested into an 1150 page book that basically requires you to read the same size sequel.
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chrisriesbeck
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars(3/5)
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To be accurate, this review should go on for pages, and then stop before actually getting to the point, since that's what Pandora's Star does -- after more than 700 pages, the story stops with absolutely nothing resolved. You must read Judas Unchained to see how it all comes out.So, is this story worth 1500 pages? I'd have to say no. I'm a big fan of Hamilton's three-volume Reality Dysfunction, despite the deus ex machina resolution, and I was OK with half the plot line in the three-volume Void Trilogy, but bored with the world smashing part. With this two-volume set, a number of interesting threads are created, including the story -- told from both sides -- of detective Paula Myo and her life long career attempting to catch the terrorist Adam Elvin, the star (actually two, but one never seems to matter much) in question and its mysterious encapsulation behind a barrier, the system-dominating entity that seeks to exterminate humanity, the Jobs and Wozniak like creators of wormhole technology, the mysterious StarFlyer alien who may or may not exist and be plotting against humanity, and much more. Unfortunately, in the end -- no plot spoilers here -- it all comes down to a pile of McGuffins and several hundred pages of racing against the clock. Other aspects that didn't work for me: a really long boring thread with virtually no important plot payoff or emotional resonance, repeated reference to present-day corporations, e.g., Volvo, and even devices (DVDs passed by at least once), and an over-fondness for handheld super-energy plasma blasters.OK for fans of Hamilton who don't mind that it's all a lot of noise and little substance.
chrisriesbeck
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars(3/5)
To be accurate, this review should go on for pages, and then stop before actually getting to the point, since that's what Pandora's Star does -- after more than 700 pages, the story stops with absolutely nothing resolved. You must read Judas Unchained to see how it all comes out.So, is this story worth 1500 pages? I'd have to say no. I'm a big fan of Hamilton's three-volume Reality Dysfunction, despite the deus ex machina resolution, and I was OK with half the plot line in the three-volume Void Trilogy, but bored with the world smashing part. With this two-volume set, a number of interesting threads are created, including the story -- told from both sides -- of detective Paula Myo and her life long career attempting to catch the terrorist Adam Elvin, the star (actually two, but one never seems to matter much) in question and its mysterious encapsulation behind a barrier, the system-dominating entity that seeks to exterminate humanity, the Jobs and Wozniak like creators of wormhole technology, the mysterious StarFlyer alien who may or may not exist and be plotting against humanity, and much more. Unfortunately, in the end -- no plot spoilers here -- it all comes down to a pile of McGuffins and several hundred pages of racing against the clock. Other aspects that didn't work for me: a really long boring thread with virtually no important plot payoff or emotional resonance, repeated reference to present-day corporations, e.g., Volvo, and even devices (DVDs passed by at least once), and an over-fondness for handheld super-energy plasma blasters.OK for fans of Hamilton who don't mind that it's all a lot of noise and little substance.
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