Judas Unchained

By: Peter F. Hamilton

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 40 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Peter F. Hamilton's superbly imagined, cunningly plotted interstellar adventures are conceived on a staggeringly epic scale and filled with fully realized human and alien characters as complex as they are engaging. No mere world builder, Hamilton creates entire universes - and he does so with irresistible flair and intelligence.

His previous novel, the acclaimed Pandora's Star, introduced the Intersolar Commonwealth, a star-spanning civilization of the 24th century. Robust, peaceful, and confident, the Commonwealth dispatched a ship to investigate the mystery of a disappearing star, only to inadvertently unleash a predatory alien species that turned on its liberators, striking hard, fast, and utterly without mercy.

Coexistence is impossible with the technologically advanced aliens, who are genetically hardwired to exterminate all other forms of life. Twenty-three planets have already fallen to the invaders, with casualties in the hundreds of millions. And no one knows when or where the genocidal Prime will strike next.

Nor are the Prime the only threat. For more than 100 years, a shadowy cult, the Guardians of Selfhood, has warned that an alien with mind-control abilities impossible to detect or resist - the Starflyer - has secretly infiltrated the Commonwealth. Branded as terrorists, the Guardians and their leader, Bradley Johansson, have been hunted by relentless investigator Paula Myo. But now evidence suggests that the Guardians were right all along and that the Starflyer has placed agents in vital posts throughout the Commonwealth - agents who are now sabotaging the war effort. Is the Starflyer an ally of the Prime, or has it orchestrated a fight to the death between the two species for its own advantage?

Caught between two deadly enemies, one a brutal invader striking from without, the other a remorseless cancer killing from within, the fractious Commonwealth must unite as never before. This will be humanity's finest hour - or its last gasp.

©2006 Peter F. Hamilton (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

"For flat-out huge widescreen all-engines-at-full I-dare-you-not-to-believe-it space opera, there is no one quite like Peter F. Hamilton." (Richard K. Morgan, author of Market Forces)
"Richly satisfying.... In more ways than one, this...work is monumental." ( Publishers Weekly)

very imaginative

it really ends the story nicely, following all the characters in the first book.
if you hear this book while driving, tha readers voice is terrible. his low tone is to low to be understood in conjunction with the noise given by the tires on the road.

A geat story with a great reader

A very well written book definitely worth your time. The author developed all the characters, the plot was outstanding, and new ideas in science fiction were introduced...the reader did an excellent job...

Quite an epic tale

Really long but damn is it worth it. The narrator has a Captain Kirk style of speaking but if that doesn't bother you he did a good job.

good story. hard to follow at times

good atary but hard to follow at times. the readers volume went up and down a lot ao it was tough ro listen to in the car without volume really high. i will liaten to the next one in the series for sure.

Goes E.E. Doc Smith one better

This sequel to Hamilton's Pandora's Star continues the saga of the Commonwealth battles with the alien Primes, and does so in an even more expansive and space-operatic form (it is essential to read Pandora's Star first or you'll be lost). Hamilton uses the old E.E. "Doc" Smith tactic of introducing ever more powerful and fantastic technologies in every other chapter, coming very close to overdoing it at times. In that respect, and because the story is not quite as focused, this novel ranks a notch below its predecessor, but it's still a really compelling story (set of stories, really) about the many different ways in which people have to adapt to an increasingly large and dangerous universe, not to mention their own technology with its AI, biological enhancements, rejuvenation, and galaxy-spanning transportation system. It has the same strengths of detailed character development and a serious effort to make the science plausible (still too much hand-waving at times) as Pandora's Star, but it is long and does require a commitment of time and attention to get all the subtleties. It's not a great book for casual listening. But if you're looking for a good old-fashioned space epic full of interesting ideas and characters, this one is tough to beat. Narration is just okay, but does not detract.

my review

the narrator sucks other than that loved the 2 book series the story is like a mix of mote in gods eye mixed with a little hyperion

Exceptional

love the grandeur of Hamilton's creation and the way all ties back together the characters are wonderful in their complexity but understandable in their motivations

Excellent Story Telling

Would you listen to Judas Unchained again? Why?

Yes, it is quite long, but I feel that was necessary to build up characters, background on the aliens, and work through each scene. I know many have complained of the length of the saga, but I find that the most enjoyable. The worlds and characters are so well developed that I don't mind that its long. (Game of Thrones fan here.)

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite by all accounts has to be Paula Miyo(sp?) and Melanie. He explores their weaknesses and through both books takes us though their character development. This sci-fi has a detective story, love story and many triangles going on at the same time, besides the action that is occuring. I also enjoy the Ozzie character with all his quirky-ness.

Which scene was your favorite?

Since I am still working on the second book - I can't give that detail yet.

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

There have been several moments that kept my mind racing even when I put the earbuds down. It makes you want to go back and listen more just to see what happens next.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended. I have noticed its taking me time to get through both books, so the audible points keep adding up! I will be listening to more Peter Hamilton - he's a good storyteller.

What an adventure!

Wow. multiple genres in a single book. John Lee doesn't incredible job bringing depth and personality to every character. his narration breath incredible life into these figures that traverse time and space.

Hamilton's words are like a kaleidoscope of description, running deep into every detail. painting each world in every scene change.

bravo you guys I'm completely impressed.

I just finished this book and I'm going to start the next one right now :-)

Looooooong

As with all Hamilton books, this is a protracted story, and definitely not for everyone. If you can stick it out, the build up to the climax is (as always) excellent.