The Dreaming Void (Void Trilogy 1) - Peter F. Hamilton

Excellent read, but not as involving as Pandora's Star/Judas Unchained

I picked this book up after rattling through the Pandora's Star/Judas unchained series, which I loved.

This book is written in a very similar manner, and is similarly entertaining.

There are 2 differing strand styles, one being high tech, set in the commonwealth 1500 years after the events of the books mentioned above. The other strand is more fantasy style, which I actually really enjoyed - when I hit the first chapter like this, I thought I would struggle with it, but it was pretty good.

Like his other work Hamilton does an excellent job of painting interesting characters that you care about - I feel this is one of his main strengths, and it comes through strongly here.

The single star I've taken off is that the overall story isn't quite as gripping as the Pandora's Star one, and therefore the book doesn't quite grab you in the same way. however, this being a trilogy, it may well develop more in the later books.

In summary, an excellent read. If you enjoyed the Pandora's Star saga, you will definitely enjoy this. If you haven't read the Pandora's Star books, go and read them first!

A personal void

I read about 20 pages then skipped to 50 and then gave up. This type of sci-fi epic is not for me...or perhaps it is because I very much like Iain Banks but this one left me cold.

I think it was the relentless gadget name-dropping that did it eg x took the anti-grav hopper to the sun-port, not forgetting his zero-g hank'..shut up shut up..arrrghhh

the thought of 500+ pages of this made me put it swiftly aside.

Hamilton back to his best!

There's already too many large reviews regarding this book, so I'm only going to say that this book is "Hamilton back to his best"! Easily on a par with the Nights Dawn trilogy - I might even buy the Temporal Void hard-cover version as I can't wait for the paperback!!

Great start to a new trilogy

This is a really good first book in the new series. Its good to have some continuity from the previous trilogy as those that read the Commonwealth trilogy can immediately relate. At the same time thigs are different enought to allow new avenues to be explored. Wheras the first book in some of Peter Hamilton's series can be a bit slow, this one gets of to a flying start and keeps you interested all of the way.

A very good read - can't wait until the next two are available in paperback.

Great fun, gripping read, can't wait for the next one!

Surprised by the number of low ratings the book has received.

Yes the book is telling two stories, one low tech tale of child-to adult 'fantasy' genre type and another a high tech futuristic mystery thriller.

The tales are intertwined and both are exciting. Can't wait for the next book, already on order!