Fleet of Worlds

200 Years Before the Discovery of the Ringworld

By: Larry Niven, Edward M. Lerner

Narrated by: Tom Weiner

Fleet of Worlds marks Larry Niven's first full novel-length collaboration within his Known Space universe, the playground he created for his best-selling Ringworld series. Teaming up with fellow SF writer Edward M. Lerner, Fleet of Worlds takes a closer look at Human-Puppeteer (Citizen) relations and the events leading up to Niven's first Ringworld novel.

Kirsten Quinn-Kovacks is among the best and brightest of her people. She gratefully serves the gentle race that rescued her ancestors from a dying starship, gave them a world, and nurtures them still. If only the Citizens knew where Kirsten's people came from.

A chain reaction of supernovae at the galaxy's core has unleashed a wave of lethal radiation that will sterilize the galaxy. The Citizens flee, taking their planets, the Fleet of Worlds, with them.

Someone must scout ahead, and Kirsten and her crew eagerly volunteer. Under the guiding eye of Nessus, their Citizen mentor, they explore for any possible dangers in the Fleet's path - and uncover long-hidden truths that will shake the foundations of worlds.

©2007 Larry Niven and Edward M. Lerner (P)2007 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Niven is an undisputed master in the field." (David Gerrold)
"For three and a half decades, nobody's done it better than Larry Niven." (Steven Barnes)
"Great storytelling is still alive in science fiction because of Larry Niven, and his finest work is the Ringworld series." (Orson Scott Card)

A great story.

Loved it. I is compelling to learn how manipulative the puppeteers are, and they seem to live forever.

Not bad...

This is a prequel set in the Ringworld universe. It does have interesting stories that are layered in complex and surprising ways. Having said all of that I rarely connected to the characters and was not seriously drawn into the book at any time. I would only suggest buying this one if it was on sale.

Puppeteers' politics

Fleet of Worlds has plenty of big ideas, fascinating alien politics, and enough world-building to satisfy longtime fans of the Known Space universe. If you enjoy hard science fiction and intricate backstories, there's a lot here to appreciate.

Unfortunately, the story spends so much time explaining the Puppeteers' politics and motivations that the plot sometimes feels like it's waiting for permission to begin. There are chapters where everyone is carefully planning, discussing, and maneuvering... and then carefully discussing the planning some more.

The characters are interesting, but they're often overshadowed by pages of exposition. I kept waiting for the sense of wonder to kick into warp speed, only to find another meeting about interstellar strategy.

That said, the novel does a good job expanding the Known Space universe and answering questions fans have had for years. It's just more of a slow diplomatic mission than an edge-of-your-seat adventure.

Three stars. Worth reading if you're already invested in Larry Niven's universe, but don't be surprised if the most dangerous thing in the book turns out to be another committee meeting

Hurrah!

I only need one word to review this book: Puppeteers!

Excellent

If you could sum up Fleet of Worlds in three words, what would they be?

Excellent Detailed Unique

What did you like best about this story?

The characters are very deep and they become favorites

Which character – as performed by Tom Weiner – was your favorite?

HE does a great job with all of them.