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

Awesome setting, okay storytelling

House of Suns is one of the few books I've read that takes a believable look at what life might be like in a galactic civilization millions of years in the future. The weak part is the revealing of the major plot points; most of them happen when one character tells another, rather than discovery through investigation. As a result, it feels like the characters didn't earn it. Still, it is a good read for the worldbuilding and character interaction.

Engrossing, emotional, and epic

I have rarely enjoyed a novel and audiobook as much as I did this one. The story spans thousands of years and multiple worlds without losing any of the social and emotional impact of an intimate story of people trying to do their best in a complex society. I am forever a fan now of both Alistair Reynolds and John Lee.

strong story. excellent narration.

one of the best sci-fi stories out there. expect some heavy futurism and poetic language. absolutely spellbinding.

Great read!

Thoroughly enjoyable! Truly epic scale with several novel ideas. Don't miss this one! Would love a sequel!

Great audiobook!

Good story and very good narration. It's just confusing at first because of the alternation of the storyteller.

Brilliant

Just brilliant. I feel like I got so many awesome stories out of this listen and just the right amount of everything...action, mystery, romance, suspense. That ending though...I think I needed more.

My second favorite novel by the author. Excellent.

I wonder if Reynolds is from this world because he consistently puts out great engaging and intelligent novels. I have been searching for an author to fill the void of Frank Hebert, and Reynolds has filled it perfectly. Though not a literary conductor in the style of Herbert, he has mastered the linguistic cadence of diplomats and dignitaries in his word play for his characters. House of Sun's is a great novel that leads you in many directions and leaving you guessing on the final destination up until the last sentence. Characters are very well developed like all his books. The talented narrator was made for his books and writing style.

Great sci fi

Would you consider the audio edition of House of Suns to be better than the print version?

I haven't read it in physical format.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Campion. He's a strong character and totally unflappable, but when you get his perspective that isn't always the case. Although almost a little too perfect of a protagonist.

Have you listened to any of John Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Characters were unique and identifiable and he helped me get lost in the story. Slightly more interesting than Pushing Ice but that may simply be due to content.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The aside story about palacial was quite memorable.

Any additional comments?

New ideas in sci fi and very refreshing. Still has my mind wandering back to it weeks later.

Just an amazing book

An excellent story read by an excellent narrator. Amazing, just amazing. If you are a fan of space opera then this is a must read.

Reynolds Best

This space opera has got it all: inscrutable robots, vast space ships, galaxy spanning journeys, immortality, clones, love and loss. Superb narration by one of my favorites, John Lee. Top notch!