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

good book.

liked the book. it was just a bit hard to follow at times. maybe it was just me :-(

Absolutely loved it!

Reminds me of the first time reading Foundation, it's THAT good. The scope and scale are jaw-dropping, with excellent pacing and character development too. The parallel storytelling adds some extra weight to the arcs, and switching perspectives feels so seamless. Bravo Alastair, Bravo!

With an element of "Are we alone?"

Great narrator, great story. Solid all throughout with good world building leading to characters you're invested in. The ending chapter puts a slightly different light on the entire story without being too jarring. Really satisfying.

A mystery in deep time.

Maybe it's the performance, but there is a malice beneath the most banal utterance that keeps you on your toes throughout.

Great book, confusing narration

I really enjoyed this book. The main problem was the narration --- the narrator (John Lee) did not do a good of making it clear when he switched between characters, especially the 2 main characters. Moreover, I wish he had a better voice for female characters --- it's really no different. Every now and then he pulled out an accent of some sort for a character, but it was just odd and ill fitting. Anyways, once you get past the narration, it's a great read.

Classic sci-fi air. Interesting storyline.

Thickly written and completely textured with a (somewhat) romantic point of view/perspective (aka rose colored glasses). Very unusual storyline from a very competent writer. Interesting. Somehow, a tad disappointing at the end... but just a tad (I think I expected JUST a bit more from this author 'cause he's very good). BIGtime. Don't get me wrong: this IS a VERY intriguing author with unusual ideas.

One of my All-Time Favorite Sci-Fi Novels

This was actually my first audiobook listen ever, and I was enthralled by the story, the writing and by John Lee's narration. It is also my favorite book by Alastair Reynolds, and one I can hardly even believe is a standalone novel. This could have been a trilogy in itself, the universe is so deep and complex, the characters so fascinating, and the technology and scope so advanced. I would love to see sequels to this book or an entire spinoff series from it. Highly recommended.

So good I'mAnxious for sequel.

Really enjoy all of this authors book and John Lee's narration. Character development is superb.

Reynolds Always Satisfies!!!

Reynolds and Peter Hamilton are my 2 faves... John Lee narrates both excellently!
I recommend to all Hard Sci-Fi lovers.

deep time

delightful foray into the concepts of deep time, and a delightful story too. I find the dialogue a little stilted and formulaic, much like the narrator. well worth a listen