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)

Awesome!

Loved this series and am excited for the Nigel books next. It was strange listening to 3 books in this universe with barely any Ozzy and no Nigel. I’m looking forward to the next two and am a bit sad there is only two more.

Enjoy, this book is well worth the time and wraps up nicely.

What an ending!

If you’ve made it this far, you can’t stop now! And it’s worth it.
If you’re reading this and you haven’t listened to the other books in the series, start with Pandora’s Star.

Twists and Turns To Keep Your Attention

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you like Space Opera and enjoy the twists and turns of a complex and well-written story this is the book for you.

What did you like best about this story?

The consistency of the characters and plot from Book 1 - Book 3 and actually the books leading up to this series as well. The characters were fairly well developed and the plot, while complex could be understood even after taking long (several days) breaks between listens.

What does John Lee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The depth and range of characters. I could feel them coming alive in my head.

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

The initial meeting with the Void

A rare gem!

Very few Sci-fi authors can combine truly thought-provoking concepts with beautiful story telling like this!

Masterful

The entire universe that Hamilton created seems like it could actually happen in the distant future. You will never forget this story. Pure excellence!

One of the best books I've ever listened to

Loved it. Could not get to the end fast enough. the end wrapped up way too quick. That just mean there is more suspense leading up to it. I'll definitely read more of his books.

love this universe

I've spent around 160 hours immersed in the Commonwealth and I will be starting The Abyss beyond Dreaming next. if you enjoy space opera and are willing to invest the time in the world building this is for you

A fulfilling ending

Starting the series there were a lot of threads and questions, and they tied up neatly.

Truly wonderful. Thank you, Peter F. Hamilton.

I am truly going to miss escaping to the wondrous realm that is the common wealth, as I've just finished this final installment of the trilogy (of which I have blazed through all 3 in the expanse of a week!) Much praise to John Lee for engrossing narrator chops. and my regards, Peter, from a true fan.

Awesome

Mr. Hamilton is a master story teller. I've listened to several of his series. The Void series is the best so far...