The Dreaming Void

Void Trilogy, Book 1

By: Peter F. Hamilton

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 22 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

AD 3580. The Intersolar Commonwealth has spread through the galaxy to over a thousand star systems. It is a culture of rich diversity with a place for everyone. A powerful navy protects it from any hostile species that may lurk among the stars. For Commonwealth citizens, even death has been overcome.

At the center of the galaxy is the Void, a strange, artificial universe created by aliens billions of years ago, shrouded by an event horizon more deadly than any natural black hole. In order to function, it is gradually consuming the mass of the galaxy. Watched over by its ancient enemies, the Raiel, the Void's expansion is barely contained.

Inigo dreams of the sweet life within the Void and shares his visions with billions of avid believers. When he mysteriously disappears, Inigo's followers decide to embark on a pilgrimage into the Void to live the life of their messiah's dreams - a pilgrimage that the Raiel claim will trigger a catastrophic expansion of the Void.

Aaron is a man whose only memory is his own name. He doesn't know who he used to be or what he is. All he does know is that his job is to find the missing messiah and stop the pilgrimage. He's not sure how to do that, but whoever he works for has provided some pretty formidable weaponry that ought to help.

Meanwhile, inside the Void, a youth called Edeard is coming to terms with his unusually strong telepathic powers. A junior constable in Makkathran, he starts to challenge the corruption and decay that have poisoned the city. He is determined that his fellow citizens should know hope again. What Edeard doesn't realize is just how far his message of hope is reaching.

Into the Void? Listen to more in the Void Trilogy.

©2007 Peter F. Hamilton (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Broad in scope and panoramic in detail." ( Library Journal)
"A real spellbinder from a master storyteller." ( Kirkus)

Hard to follow

There was a lot going on and it was hard to keep the story and the characters straight. I really thought I would like this book but I think it was just the audiobook. I'm going to give it another go on kindle.

Confusing

The abrupt changes between characters and places and times is somewhat confusing. Is interesting story.

So hard to judge

Any additional comments?

This series had a strange attraction to me. So curious about the story, so uncompelling presentation. If the book had contained the same story in half the length, it would probably have been an Instant recommendation, as it is I'd rather warn people to not waste their time.

So strange, though. If you get hooked, you can't stop listening - but be warned, you will probaly still have a rough time getting through the book.

A good listen

Enjoyed the audio book as always. Nothing more to say really. Easy to allow imagination to do the pictures.

another great storyline.

I loved the commonwealth books by Peter Hamilton, then enjoyed listening to the Faller Chronicles. Now I really enjoyed this first book of the dreaming void.
I think it been helpful having read the other books to have more understanding of what is going on.

I read several very unhappy readers reviews of this book/trilogy and they didn't seem to be able to keep track of the storyline. so I was sort of waiting for it to not make sense but it's a really great story. Looking forward to the 2nd and 3rd book.

highly imaginative

The author revealed a huge amount of imaginative future technology and cultural ideologies. The narrator did a good job, not bad, not spectacular, sometimes kind of hard to hear as his tonal volume changed.

Epic story

I love Peter Hamilton's books. This one is no exception. Very good story and suspense. The only drawback is in the narration. There are alot of characters and when the scenes change, there isn't a clear indication of who they changed to. It takes a second or two to catch up.

Worth sticking with

As an audiobook, the story is a little hard to follow in the beginning, but easily captures the attention by the time it concludes. I will be starting the next book asap!

Fast paced and very imaginative

This is the first book in a trilogy for Hamilton and it is a winner. It illustrates the depth of his imagination, breath of his scientific knowledge, and his vast experience at story telling. I had to listen to the book twice before I felt that I really begun to appreciate the detail in this book. I look forward to the next book.

Great story! Would recommend to my friends, but...

Great story, love the way the individual stories combine, Mr. Hamilton does an excellent job syncing the time lines. The one and only issue I have is the times (and they are not many) someone has a potty mouth it can be very bad.