2008-11-16 Absolutely brilliant

I just finished reading the Temporal Void last night, and I would implore anyone who has a mind for imaginative sprawling space operas to buy this book. It is a wonderful addition to Hamilton's established Commonwealth series, beginning chronologically with Pandoras Star and Judas Unchained (known collectively as the Commonwealth saga), and the Void trilogy, of which the Temporal Void is number 2.

The plot picks up directly after the end of Dreaming Void, with Justine escaping Centurion Station, immediately after the Void encroachment is triggered by the Second Dreamer's rejection of the Void entity known as a Skylord. Aaron, the ANA agent, is on Hanko with Inigo and his estranged wife Corrie Lyn, trying to escape before the world implodes from an m-sink which was driven into the planet. The threat of the Ocisen fleet is a constant danger, with a few nostalgic twists that I couldn't help but smile at, in particular the Ocisens very formidable ally, unknown as yet to the Navy. If you've read the Commonwealth saga, you will know what I mean. The book basically kicks off with most of the characters trying to escape certain death, (or capture, in Araminta's case).

There is also another vital aspect of the book which I find very engaging. The story of Edeard the Waterwalker is one of the best concepts I've seen in large scale sci fi such as is fitting to Hamilton's writing style. If you were to take out all the segments entitled "Inigo's Dream", from the first 2 books so far, you would have a thoroughly engaging stand alone fantasy novel. But the way it ties in with the rest of the storyline is a winner, expertly switching from the events in our Universe, and that of the Void.

The closing chapters supplied me with many memorable (and emotional) moments. Edeard's plight as he consolidates Makkrathan and drives out the gangs, amounts to a series of wonderfully fashioned events which I found immensely gripping, paying homage to Hamiliton's development of his characters within the Void.

All in all, I would thoroughly recommend this book, whether you've read Hamilton's books or not (though is you haven't you're going to be very confused). I will let something slip though, which I cannot contain, but it sets up the final installment nicely. If you don't want to know finish reading here. To be honest it was inevitable, but if you're wondering where the hell Ozzie's been all this time, you're guaranteed to pay him a visit in the 3rd book.

Congratulations Peter Hamilton. I cannot wait until the final book.

Adam