Judas Unchained by Peter F. Hamilton Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Judas Unchained
Book Review: If you borrow, borrow from the best
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a worthy follow-up to "Pandora's Star," although each book could have used a bit more editorial oversight (the adjectival form is "renowned," Peter, not "renown"). As others have noted, it's very helpful to have the first volume fresh in memory when you begin this one. I would like to have seen a few more pages devoted to the outlook of MorningLightMountain, the paranoid unitary intelligence behind the Primes--this was one of the chief strengths of "Pandora's Star," an original, detailed and well thought-out rendering of an alien sentience and biology. This time out the narrative is increasingly dominated by the race to intercept the shadowy "Starflyer" as it races back to its lair on the periphery of the Commonwealth, attended by heavily-armed Institute troops. There was an oddly familiar resonance to this extended chase sequence that bothered me until I finally resolved it: it is, quite simply, the pursuit of Dracula lifted five centuries forward, with Institute troops standing in for gypsies, the environmentally sealed transport as the the coffin-laden wagon, FarAway as Transylvania and the "Marie Celeste" as Castle Dracula: a splendid riff upon an old theme.
Taken together the two books make a ripping yarn: by no means edifying, but a harmless and quite satisfying way to pass a couple of weekends. Warmly recommended for the space opera set.
Book Review: If you liked Pandora's Star...
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading Hamilton's Pandora's Star, I didn't want to wait until late February to read the sequel, so I bought the British version. All I can say is wow! The Primes are a very strong enemy. The Federation has developed weapons so strong to use against them that it could be genocide. What is the ethical thing to do? If you like Hamilton as I do, it's a must read.Book Review: It's really good!
Summary: 5 Stars
Best-selling author, Peter F. Hamilton's Judas Unchained is much more than the sequel to Pandora's Star. It feels as if it's a continuation of that book. This installment of the space saga addresses loose ends from Pandora's Star and ultimately leaves more at the end of Judas Unchained. That suggests a third installment.
With a book as big and complex as Judas Unchained, it is difficult to provide an adequate synopsis as there are so many characters and subplots. One wonders what to address and what to leave out.
It is the twenty-fourth century and the hostile Primes (an alien race) viciously attack the outnumbered human Commonwealth. They have decimated some of the hundreds of worlds and while the Intersolar Commonwealth Senate ponders their motives, the military struggles with a response. As the fight rages on, it is discovered that there is another party involved in controlling events. There is conspiracy afoot and the only hope for humanity is to stop it.
Ultimately a moral quandary stands out as important and current. The hostile Prime does not have any compunction about killing while the Commonwealth struggles with the ethics of genocide. If genocide is possible, is it ethical? Will the super weapon be used?
Hamilton's saga is absolutely mind boggling in its ambition and scope. The plot is richly layered with excitement, action and intrigue. The numerous characters and subplots require attention, and it is a detailed and long novel. But it is worth every moment spent turning the pages. If you want a thrilling read, I suggest you start with Pandora's Star and then continue with Judas Unchained.
Armchair Interviews highly recommends Judas Unchained as one of the best Science Fiction releases in a long time.
Book Review: Name
Summary: 4 Stars
From Peter Hamilton's website:
"The Judas of the title refers to the Starflyer agents in general, and in particular. (10th March 2006)"
Read the book to know (or go to the website if you like spoilers).
Good book, fun like always, should have been shorter. At least this series wasn't a six-tilogy disguised as a trilogy.
Book Review: Not Free SF Reader
Summary: 5 Stars
Ok, he's done it again. Another great book. Taking the creepy politico-mystery from the first book, and mutating through that to an out and out action thriller by the end. Just great fun. Put Mr. Hamilton down as still on the list of 'will read anything he writes'. Highly recommended. Really, really, long, and could be used as a weapon, in hardback! :)