Salvation Lost

Salvation Sequence Series, Book 2

By: Peter F. Hamilton

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 15 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

All the best in humanity rises to meet a powerful alien threat in the sequel to Salvation - part of an all-new trilogy from "the owner of the most powerful imagination in science fiction" (Ken Follett).

The comparative utopia of 23rd-century Earth is about to go dreadfully awry when a seemingly benign alien race is abruptly revealed to be one of the worst threats humanity has ever faced. Driven by an intense religious extremism, the Olyix are determined to bring everyone to their version of god as they see it. But they may have met their match in humanity, who are not about to go gently into that good night or spend the rest of their days cowering in hiding. As human ingenuity and determination rises to the challenge, collective humanity has only one goal - to wipe this apparently undefeatable enemy from the face of creation. Even if it means playing a ridiculously long game indeed.

But in a chaotic universe, it is hard to plan for every eventuality, and it is always darkest before the dawn.

©2019 Peter F. Hamilton (P)2019 Tantor

Humanity's undoing

Salvation Lost is Peter F Hamilton's 2nd installment in the Salvation Sequence series. With humanity recognizing the alien benefactors (Olyix) are in fact hellbent on capturing each human for an eventual offering to their god at the end of time, plans are put in motion in conjunction with another alien species that has dealt with the Olyix previously. Their advice is to run and hide, but humanity is not intent on going quietly into the night. Intermixed is a local gang of quasi-criminals believing to be doing odd jobs, but unknowingly working for the other side, as well as a connected family member who relates the alien invasion. Finally, there is a parallel tale, interspersed, 10,000 years in the future that is remnant of humanity still fighting the good fight who also encounter an entirely new player from Earth's distant past.

Hamilton continues much of the sci-fi elements from the first installment with the K-cells from the Olyix that were medical miracles turning out to be the mechanism for human subjugation in a most horrible manner. The 10k year advanced human have evolved considerably, while the development of neuroviruses allows for control of neural networks. The plan to destroy the Olyix takes shape, although they continue to be portrayed as a nearly unstoppable force.

John Lee's performance is simply spectacular and offers a wide range of characters with excellent distinction of both genders. His pacing and tone are perfectly aligned with the overall plot to result in pure ear candy delight that borders on diabetic coma levels of enjoyment.

Nothing better for me than the Hamilton/Lee combo.

The threat to humanity and the galaxy is finally taken serious by those threatened. I was blown away after just the first few pages. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, or for the author, whom I have the utmost respect of. But you know how some books will leave you on a cliffhanger, a big revelation and then take that story forward at the beginning of the next book? Well, Mr. Hamilton not only drops a bomb at the end of the first book, but sets the setting for an incredible continuation of the story from the very git go. Less than 5 pages in and he's already made your head spin with the epic giganticness of the Salvation sequence. Hamilton is at his imaginitive best, no surprise but extremely satisfying. 5 stars, all the way...neutron stars, if I had to pick.
Nothing better In the world than the Hamilton/Lee combo.
I am so thankful to #netgalley for being given an advance review copy

I can't with John Lee

If you've hear one book narrated by John Lee, you've heard them all. That Al Capone voice is horrible.

This is Space Opera

I really didn’t like the first book and thought that Peter F. Hamilton lost his flair. When I saw that the second book came out seven months ago, I wasn’t in a hurry to get “Salvation Lost.” I gave this series another chance because I really respect this author. This is Space Opera that I was expecting from PFH. Sex, drama, worm hole and so much more. I cannot wait for the series to continue. So glad that the author got his spunk back.

Wow!

Great story, one of my favorites from Mr Hamilton. Can’t wait for the finale. The only thing that gets old in all his books is the “not so low key” socialist propaganda... it’s a bit of an eye roll at times but he is a great story teller and the universe is very interesting.

Great middle story

I knew from the outset that this was the middle story of a trilogy and therefore would not be as substantive as the first or yet to be written third. However, this turned out to be an amazing story filled with lots of character development and lots of details and I enjoyed the story of immensely. Definitely would recommend

Sequel to the reboot to Starflyer Saga

Another great book from Hamilton and another par performance from John Lee. If you read/listened to the first Salvation book then you’re probably already going to read/listen to this one.

Pros: Continues a fascinating story. Hamilton really is a master world builder

Con: Sometimes it’s too obvious that the author’s padding it with detail just to add length and not the great world building that is elsewhere in the series.

Disapointing

One of the worst cases of "second book in a trilogy," syndrome I have ever seen. All the plot hooks laid out in the first book are either perverted or forgotten. There were no clever twists, and the numerous speeches did little to advance the meager plot. FIrst one was pretty good, but this one is barely worth the credit.

Some good moments

This is a good book, but feels more like short story . The back and forth between time periods is disorienting.

Still disappointed

Book 1: Is like if you took 6 stories, cut out all of the plot and just stuck them randomly together.
Book 2: Thinking maybe some things might get answered? Nope, think again.
Book 3: And now for the bland conclusion to one of the confusing series I've ever read.

I was really looking forward to another Epic saga from PH and was left extremely disappointed and out alot of $$$ on books I wouldn't give away.