Pandora's Star

By: Peter F. Hamilton

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 37 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Critics have compared the engrossing space operas of Peter F. Hamilton to the classic sagas of such SF giants as Isaac Asimov and Frank Herbert. But Hamilton's best-selling fiction - powered by a fearless imagination and world-class storytelling skills - has also earned him comparison to Tolstoy and Dickens. Hugely ambitious, wildly entertaining, philosophically stimulating: the novels of Peter F. Hamilton will change the way you think about science fiction.

Now, with Pandora's Star, he begins a new multi-volume adventure, one that promises to be his most mind-blowing yet. The year is 2380. The Intersolar Commonwealth, a sphere of stars some 400 light-years in diameter, contains more than 600 worlds, interconnected by a web of transport "tunnels" known as wormholes. At the farthest edge of the Commonwealth, astronomer Dudley Bose observes the impossible: Over 1,000 light-years away, a star...vanishes. It does not go supernova. It does not collapse into a black hole. It simply disappears.

Since the location is too distant to reach by wormhole, a faster-than-light starship, the Second Chance, is dispatched to learn what has occurred and whether it represents a threat. In command is Wilson Kime, a five-time rejuvenated ex-NASA pilot whose glory days are centuries behind him. Opposed to the mission are the Guardians of Selfhood, a cult that believes the human race is being manipulated by an alien entity they call the Starflyer.

Bradley Johansson, leader of the Guardians, warns of sabotage, fearing the Starflyer means to use the starship's mission for its own ends. Pursued by a Commonwealth special agent convinced the Guardians are crazy but dangerous, Johansson flees. But the danger is not averted. Aboard the Second Chance, Kime wonders if his crew has been infiltrated.

Soon enough, he will have other worries. A thousand light-years away, something truly incredible is waiting: a deadly discovery, the unleashing of which will threaten to destroy t...

©2004 Peter F. Hamilton (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The depth and clarity of the future Hamilton envisions is as complex and involving as they come." ( Publishers Weekly Starred Review)

First time I have had to force myself to listen to a book

I have spent a long time thinking about why I didn’t completely enjoy this book/performance. What I have concluded is that it was just a perfect storm. The narrator seems (to me at least) like he is hardly interested and is just going through the motions. The content itself is highly interesting and sparks my imagination but bounces around so much that I lose focus on where the performer is in the reading; might be due to either or, or even both the narrator and/or content. Sorry if this seems unclear but I guess it’s just hard to explain.

Wow... just WOW!

I've never heard of Pandora's star, but audible suggested it for me and I took their suggestion. wow, what an incredible story. I enjoyed every minute of it. some of the story travels so fast it's hard to keep up with, and other places seem to drag, but the overall pacing is spot-on, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The quality of the recording is not the best, but it's worth it to hear someone read this incredible story. my only other critique is this, the ending is rather abrupt! I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys sci-fi.

great book

the beginning was hard because of the narrators voice fluctuation for the first three hours after that it was an epic take to say the least

Great book

It took a couple of hours to get in to it, but well worth it. I'm looking forward to the next book.

Enjoyable story, sloppy production

I thoroughly enjoyed Pandora's Star, but as a regular audio book consumer I was extremely disappointed with the quality of the production. There are no pauses in narration when the story changes from one point of view to another (which happens frequently) or even if there are ellipses. It took a long time to determine that "Far Away" is a proper noun, something that would be immediately obvious if you read the book in print.

But honestly, as poor of a production it was, it should not deter you from buying this book. It has been one of the most enjoyable science fiction novels I've read in recent years. The author has a broad technical knowledge and can paint a thoroughly wonderful picture of life in this future. He may not be the best writer out there, some chapters can pass almost painfully slow, but it makes up for it when you get to the end and the plot reaches an epic climax. I warn you, you will want to have the sequel downloaded and lined up by the time you reach the end of this book!

LONG BOOK WITH ALOT OF PLAYERS

Where does Pandora's Star rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

5 ON ATABLE1 TO 10

What was one of the most memorable moments of Pandora's Star?

BATTLE SECENES TO MANY TO LIST

What aspect of John Lee’s performance would you have changed?

NO CHANGES NEEDED

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

NOT REALLY

Any additional comments?

BOOK COULD BE BETTER READ WITH THE PLAYERS IN ORDER RATHER THAN JUMPING BACK AND FORTH

Solid Worm Hole

I'm not really a sci fi reader, but Pandora's Star was recommended to me from a friend and I am quickly becoming a fan to this series. I have read other titles in this genre before, and they were all okay. It was something to read... Just to kill time... Whatever...

Pandora's Star is my first real sci fi novel and I was hooked to this saga. Unlike other titles from other authors, Peter F. Hamilton writes a complete real thick novel that doesn't leaves you hanging, asking yourself, "What just happened?"

Hamilton's material is very detail, but also very entertaining to read. The book is entertaining because it has a little of everything, sex, romance, action, drama, aliens and geeks with their different worm holes. The story works because he doesn't stress on one topic chapter after chapters, where you feel like that the plot is going nowhere. Hamilton knows how to transition the story smoothly, keeping you interested.

If you are new to this genre, Pandora's Star might not be your first choice just because it's very long and the story is very complex. It took me over a week to finish 37 odd hours, but I couldn't wait to listen to more and get my geek on!

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

All hail Peter F. Hamilton

Am excellent read with lots of fun and science. The people are memorable and interesting. I wish I could be there.

long but very entertaining story

This first part of the saga was very long but very rewarding. So many amazing characters that i met throughout the journey.

Narrator Mix issue.

loved the story and the narration for the most part. but every 3rd word was super quiet and then super loud. listening in a car was impossible to get the volume right without hurting your ears on the loud words just to hear the quiet ones.