The Evolutionary Void

Void Trilogy, Book 3

By: Peter F. Hamilton

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 24 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

An innovator praised as one of the inventors of "the new space opera", Peter F. Hamilton has also been hailed as the heir of such golden-age giants as Heinlein and Asimov. His star-spanning sagas are distinguished by deft plotting, engaging characters, provocative explorations of science and society, and soaring imaginative reach. Now, in one of the most eagerly anticipated offerings of the year, Hamilton brings his acclaimed Void trilogy to a stunning close.

Exposed as the Second Dreamer, Araminta has become the target of a galaxywide search by government agent Paula Myo and the psychopath known as the Cat, along with others equally determined to prevent - or facilitate - the pilgrimage of the Living Dream cult into the heart of the Void. An indestructible microuniverse, the Void may contain paradise, as the cultists believe, but it is also a deadly threat. For the miraculous reality that exists inside its boundaries demands energy - energy drawn from everything outside those boundaries: from planets, stars, galaxies...from everything that lives.

Meanwhile, the parallel story of Edeard, the Waterwalker, as told through a series of addictive dreams communicated to the gaiasphere via Inigo, the First Dreamer, continues to unfold. But now the inspirational tale of this idealistic young man takes a darker and more troubling turn as he finds himself faced with powerful new enemies - and temptations more powerful still.

With time running out, a repentant Inigo must decide whether to release Edeard's final dream: a dream whose message is scarcely less dangerous than the pilgrimage promises to be. And Araminta must choose whether to run from her unwanted responsibilities or face them down, with no guarantee of success or survival. But all these choices may be for naught if the monomaniacal Ilanthe, leader of the breakaway Accelerator Faction, is able to enter the Void. For it is not paradise she seeks there, but dominion.

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

©2010 Peter F. Hamilton (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Epic, multi-stranded, full of wonders." (SFX)

It's an ending...

Like so many stories, I felt like the ending here left you wanting more. The majority of this book I felt was very good, but the final few chapters seem to overly rush events and after the conclusion of the main story arc I do not think enough time was spend on what happens to the main characters after. This is especially true with Edeard. Given the events that bring him into the final act, I would expect there to have been more about what he plans for his life. Also I was not a fan of what was done with Gor in the closing chapter. Other than that, I think this is still a great listen and if you have made it this far in the series then you own it to yourself to experience the ending.

Close to one of the greatest sci-fi epics

Any additional comments?

One of the most incredible series I've ever read. It's at the top of my all time sci-fi greats list along with Hyperion and the Revelation Space saga. Incredibly detailed. Plenty of hard sci-fi for those that love the stuff (like me). Rich, diverse characters. An absolute treat for sci-fi fans.

So good

This ending was so well done. The lines came together and it came back around again. I have tears from it. Thank the Lady.

Nice resolution to the series.

I enjoyed the end of this trilogy. Characters all developed and where interesting. Learned a lot more about what was happening everywhere. Most if not all of my questions were answered. In the pacing of the story was good. There a couple of times I felt like it was a bit rushed so minus 2 star for that but overall great read and I can't wait for the next one.

My favorite galaxy

I am a Hamilton super fan. This is a beautiful ending to a great family of characters I will miss very much. I listened to the whole series on audible this time around after reading these books as they were released in the past. It was immensely entertaining to hear the work narrated with all the inflection and humor. Really enjoyed John Lee as narrator. Mr Hamilton created a great world I truly hope gets developed for future streaming entertainment. I am sick of super heroes, we need to visualize the technology and possibility of his great Commonwealth. I also hope there will be more short stories or stand alones set in the commonwealth.

Nothing Better

I know...I know...Pandora's Star, Judas Unchained, and then The Void Trilogy. That equals almost 150 hours of time. However, this is, by far, the best collection of deeply developed characters, interesting plot, and well-thought out technical explanations of far-in-the-future technology ever rolled together into one story. You won't regret listening to a minute of it. Actually, you'll be upset that the story is over. Peter Hamilton is the God of Science Fiction (if science fiction allows such a thing). My kids will listen to these books. John Lee is the God of Narrators, too. Doesn't get any better than this!

Great wrap up to the series!

The universe that has been created is one I love to return to in stories like this. While the first book left me hanging, the second and third accelerated me to the summit. Bravo!

Awesome Space Saga

Where does The Evolutionary Void rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of my favorite audio books so far. I plan on re-listening to it much like I would re-read a great paper book. Peter F. Hamilton has written a space saga that has you guessing what will happen until the very end. If you like SciFi then you will love this series.

What about John Lee’s performance did you like?

John Lee was phenomenal and captured the energy and voice of each character so you always knew who was talking.

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

Since this is the end of the series if finally brings together all the elements that have been setup along the way. The ending climax is energetic and I could not stop listening until it was over. The dénouement is heart warming and finishes just where you need it to.

The Good Kind of Weird

The Evolutionary Void caps the series effectively, though the story gets so fantastic it began to stretch my very forgiving suspension of disbelief. My biggest nits to pick are all in the final act, which make them hard to critique squarely. Things just wrap themselves up way too neatly for all the incredible feats the protagonists pull off.

In spite of those things I can whole heartedly recommend the series, especially if you've listened to Pandora's Star and Judas Unchained. Like the previous series, the Void Trilogy is a wild, unpredictable, and meticulous epic of galactic proportions. It came off to me as a little less well developed, but Hamilton has managed to deconstruct time travel, that alone made the entire trilogy worthwhile in my book.

simply great

the whole series was outstanding. long, deep, suspenseful. just an awesomely epic space opera. must read.