Pandora's Star

By: Peter F. Hamilton

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 37 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Critics have compared the engrossing space operas of Peter F. Hamilton to the classic sagas of such SF giants as Isaac Asimov and Frank Herbert. But Hamilton's best-selling fiction - powered by a fearless imagination and world-class storytelling skills - has also earned him comparison to Tolstoy and Dickens. Hugely ambitious, wildly entertaining, philosophically stimulating: the novels of Peter F. Hamilton will change the way you think about science fiction.

Now, with Pandora's Star, he begins a new multi-volume adventure, one that promises to be his most mind-blowing yet. The year is 2380. The Intersolar Commonwealth, a sphere of stars some 400 light-years in diameter, contains more than 600 worlds, interconnected by a web of transport "tunnels" known as wormholes. At the farthest edge of the Commonwealth, astronomer Dudley Bose observes the impossible: Over 1,000 light-years away, a star...vanishes. It does not go supernova. It does not collapse into a black hole. It simply disappears.

Since the location is too distant to reach by wormhole, a faster-than-light starship, the Second Chance, is dispatched to learn what has occurred and whether it represents a threat. In command is Wilson Kime, a five-time rejuvenated ex-NASA pilot whose glory days are centuries behind him. Opposed to the mission are the Guardians of Selfhood, a cult that believes the human race is being manipulated by an alien entity they call the Starflyer.

Bradley Johansson, leader of the Guardians, warns of sabotage, fearing the Starflyer means to use the starship's mission for its own ends. Pursued by a Commonwealth special agent convinced the Guardians are crazy but dangerous, Johansson flees. But the danger is not averted. Aboard the Second Chance, Kime wonders if his crew has been infiltrated.

Soon enough, he will have other worries. A thousand light-years away, something truly incredible is waiting: a deadly discovery, the unleashing of which will threaten to destroy t...

©2004 Peter F. Hamilton (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The depth and clarity of the future Hamilton envisions is as complex and involving as they come." ( Publishers Weekly Starred Review)

Great book, volume issues with narrator

I loved this book and would recommend to space opera fans. The narrator was pretty good, but I was bothered by his volume changing. More specifically, he often trails off at the end of sentences, which resulted in me either having to rewind often or crank the volume up uncomfortably.

slow start

slow start but got really good. most def worth a listen. has another book as well

Great Value Scifi for Credit

I really enjoyed this, the characters were solid and the aliens were actually alien! I like how there are a few streams of view but they all directly converge on the plot.

Long and meandering. Engrossing and interesting.

At least a third of this book could really have been removed without being missed. I couldn't help but think of the writing rule "If it doesn't see the plot forward, it doesn't belong." Most ancillary and some primary characters tend to be one dimensional but the majority of main characters are compelling enough. Strong climax. I will read or listen to the sequel, but am dreading the long plod.

First Hamilton Book

Any additional comments?

Pandora's Star was my first Hamilton book, and I had to get used to his circling around themes by focusing on interpersonal interactions. One reads a chapter about two people being killed (and their memory chips destroyed) and it is far later when one realizes how this relates to the main story. Nonetheless, now that I have gotten used to it, I am addicted. I am getting the sequel immediately.
By the way, John Lee is an excellent narrator. He has great versatility in accents and cadance.

great story.

excellent story. the narration is weird and can make it hard to follow. also the recording is 'mushy' and often requires extra volume which is unpleasant.

Needs to be a movie

I've read this book in paperback so many times that it finally came apart. I had to get the audible book so I could enjoy it again. Great narration! Makes me want to see the two part books turned into a movie. If someone actually bought the script for Jupiter ascending then surely...

Lengthy epic.

Incredibly lengthy book, with serious writing. Hamilton's descriptions are wonderful, and "Pandora's Star" is one of my all-time favorite books. I had a very hard time putting it away. The intricate relationships between characters, and the immense amount of detail provided on said characters is on par with the wordiness of detailed intelligence briefings. The universe is huge, and there are aliens who act like humans, and aliens who are nothing like humans and there are some that humans have not even met (until later in the book).

It may be difficult to get used to at first, and may require another listen, but there are many plots and sub-plots in this book. It's science fiction with action and a hint of realism. Politics, sexual scenes (both heterosexual and homosexual), assassins, spies, backstabbing, etc. In about 40 hours (after you have listened to it and had a break), you will definitely want the next book, Judas Unchained. Most likely, you will also want more from Peter Hamilton (unabridged).

Narrator Issues

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I've listened to three books narrated by John Lee. It could be just me but his voice just slips past my ears. Other narrators grab my attention, however, I find Mr. Lee's voice makes my mind wander instead of listening to the story.

Screen play ?!?!?!!!!!

If ever there was a novel that screamed at you "movie" it would be this series !!! This is by far my all time favorite book EVER !!! Even the Void series is a must read. Peter Hamilton and narrator John Lee kept me with my headphones on all the time. Sad thing is that they do come to an end. His next book, the end to the Void series, is due out this Sept and I can't wait.
Please allow this to become a movie, or at the very least, an animated series.Hell....they made a direct to DVD out of the Halo video game...are you kidding me? This is by far a much better choice. Again...a must read.