The Dreaming Void

Void, Book 1

By: Peter F. Hamilton

Narrated by: Toby Longworth

Will they find the utopian dream – or a galactic nightmare? From Peter F. Hamilton, The Dreaming Void is the first in an epic space opera trilogy. Set in his expansive Commonwealth universe, it is perfect for fans of Iain M. Banks and Stephen Baxter.

AD 3580. The Commonwealth has spread its civilization throughout the galaxy. Its citizens are privileged and protected by a powerful navy. And at the galaxy’s centre is the Void, a sealed universe created by aliens billions of years ago. Yet the Void isn’t inert. It’s expanding – and now it wants to make contact.

The Void chooses Inigo as its conduit and he channels dreams of a simpler, better life within its bounds. His visions attract followers – determined to seek this utopia. And they’ll cross the Void’s forbidden boundaries to reach it. However, this act could trigger push it to grow beyond all control . . . destroying everything in its path.

'Epic, multi-stranded, full of wonders' – SFX

The Dreaming Void is followed by The Temporal Void in this stunning trilogy by Peter F. Hamilton.

©2007 Peter F. Hamilton (P)2008 Macmillan Digital Audio

Critic reviews

As epic and far-ranging as his previous bestsellers. Hamilton is the master of widescreen baroque (Guardian)

This is thrilling stuff . . . compulsively readable and abundantly full of ideas (The Times)

Unmissable (Starburst)

Powerfully addictive . . . and hugely satisfying (FantasyBookReview)

The Dreaming Void has all the things you hope for from a novel by Peter F. Hamilton . . . Hamilton is capable of superb writing, which you shall find in The Dreaming Void . . . [the] execution is simply wonderful. Hamilton is playing to his strengths. (The Agony Column)

Well written and well performed sci-fi

What made the experience of listening to The Dreaming Void the most enjoyable?

To be honest, I don't usually like far future, all over the galaxy and many races kind of sci-fi. However this one is imaginative enough without too many cliches. Story lines start out loose but nicely merge eventually and the world seems well thought through.
If I compare it with Hyperion, I enjoyed this one more.
I'm definitely going for the second book.

Any additional comments?

It would be probably even better if I read the previous books of Hammilton, as he often refers back to the events of the Commonwealth saga. It is not necessary however.
Also some characters are difficult to understand due to their extreme accent, but those are allways minor characters, so it never hurts the story.

Fantastic

Entertaining story, very well narated. Can't wait to start reading the next book. I would be a little dissapointed if there wasn't the next book...

Very good start of a series

To put it simple: the touch of Peter F Hamilton. After I read it 10 years ago… now it’s even better

Great way to mix old and new

I am rereading all the Commonwealth saga after finishing sky without stars.

the story is great, but I do not like the performance, a bit too forced acting and vocalization for many characters.

Great Science Fiction

What made the experience of listening to The Dreaming Void the most enjoyable?

A really good story, very well narrated, interesting characters, excellent plots, came together well, plots believably intertwined.

What other book might you compare The Dreaming Void to and why?

Pandora's Star (Trilogy) same writer and should be listened to in advance of the Dreaming Void. Both the Pandora's Star & Dreaming Void triologies are brilliantly written and delivered.

What about Toby Longworth’s performance did you like?

Wasn't sure at the start as I prefer John Lee, but actually really enjoyed the book/listen overall and would listen to a narration by him again.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Would make me buy more Peter Hamilton.

Any additional comments?

The Dreaming Void starts off slowly for the first hour or two and I nearly turned it off and deleted it. That would have been a really big mistake. It sets the scene, albeit slowly, for the rest of the book, which is a really good and enjoyable listen. By the end of the two trilogies you really miss the characters, and the stories, and want the whole thing to keep going.