House of Suns

By: Alastair Reynolds

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 18 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Six million years ago, at the very dawn of the starfaring era, Abigail Gentian fractured herself into a thousand male and female clones: the shatterlings. Sent out into the galaxy, these shatterlings have stood aloof as they document the rise and fall of countless human empires. They meet every 200,000 years to exchange news and memories of their travels with their siblings.

Not only are Campion and Purslane late for their 30-second reunion but they have also brought along an amnesiac golden robot for a guest. But the wayward shatterlings get more than the scolding they expect: they face the discovery that someone has a very serious grudge against the Gentian line, and there is a very real possibility of traitors in their midst. The surviving shatterlings have to dodge exotic weapons while they regroup to try to solve the mystery of who is persecuting them and why---before their ancient line is wiped out of existence forever.

©2008 Alastair Reynolds (P)2009 Tantor

Excellent character development

Such an unusual storyline. I really enjoyed this novel. The depth of the story, and the amazing times! Just wow.

Great story

Really enjoyed this book. The author does a great job conveying the vastness of the universe and time.

great story,

why do I need to write 15 words to complete a teview? I liked the book.

A human story unfolding on the grand scale of space-time

A unique juxtaposition of the personal with the grandeur of galactic-level space and time. The story follows a relatively small group of humans who have used relativistic time dilation to extend their existence millions of years, and attained godlike powers. Highly imaginative and inspiring world building, coupled with a galactic detective story.

Beautiful and brilliant

Moves instantly into my top 5 all time SF novels.
Big, bold, beautiful and brilliant.

Reynolds Best Yet

I have read several of Alistair Reynold's novels, and "House of Suns" is by far my favorite. Reynolds is quickly becoming a master of the genre. The sweeping scope of this story, and the almost feverish imagination at work are a delight to the fan of science fiction on an epic scale. A few more books like this, and Reynolds will be challenging Iain Banks for his domination of the galactic canvas.

An interesting story

I really enjoyed this book. It was not a typical science fiction book where the ideas and concepts are contemporary with a futuristic setting. The author also does a good job not following traditional plots and themes. I never knew what to expect next. I was disappointed when it ended because there was so many questions and possabilities that still existed. Another sign of a good book.

Unexpectedly great

I was a little dubious about this title after seeing it show up in my suggested list many times. I decided to give it a try because I really do enjoy the author's works.

I wish I'd listened many moons ago. I was dubious about the shatterling premise, but it, and the rest of the story, worked marvelously..

Did not disappoint

Did not disappoint , the author says he has every intention to return to this universe and I CANT WAIT

Lol

Same as Pushing Ice, need more!

...a Form of Imortality?

First, the best match for narrator of this book was found. I truly think that a narrator can make a good book great, but not the other way(a bad book is just that). I think this was a great book and Mr. Lee was perfect. I think the book was a little hard to get into at first, but it had to be to give you the right state of mind. The distances were mind boggling. I will be thinking about this book for a long time. Really loved this book.