Bestselling science fiction master Peter F. Hamilton delivers the
first of a two-book saga set in his popular Commonwealth universe.
Distinguished by deft plotting, a teeming cast of characters, dazzling
scientific speculation, and imagination that brings the truly alien to
life, The Abyss Beyond Dreams reveals Hamilton as a storyteller of
astonishing ingenuity and power.
The year is 3326. Nigel Sheldon, one of the founders of the
Commonwealth, receives a visit from the Raiel--self-appointed guardians
of the Void, the enigmatic construct at the core of the galaxy that
threatens the existence of all that lives. The Raiel convince Nigel to
participate in a desperate scheme to infiltrate the Void.
Once inside, Nigel discovers that humans are not the only life-forms to
have been sucked into the Void, where the laws of physics are subtly
different and mental powers indistinguishable from magic are
commonplace. The humans trapped there are afflicted by an alien species
of biological mimics--the Fallers--that are intelligent but merciless
killers.
Yet these same aliens may hold the key to destroying the threat of the
Void forever--if Nigel can uncover their secrets. As the Fallers'
relentless attacks continue, and the fragile human society splinters
into civil war, Nigel must uncover the secrets of the Fallers--before he
is killed by the very people he has come to save.
Praise for The Abyss Beyond Dreams
"The work of an author at the top of his game."--Science Fiction and
Fantasy World
"Incredibly robust and exciting and rousing, sharing flavors of Jack
Vance, John Wright, China Miéville, Orson Scott Card, and A. E. van Vogt
. . . Hamilton's deployment of lots of grand super-science is utterly
deft and convincing."--Locus
"Solidy engrossing fare . . . The characters, always Hamilton's
strength, remain as distinctive as ever."--Kirkus Reviews
"Everything one wants in sf--great characters, mind bending stuff,
adventure, politics, romance, revolution . . . just superb."--Fantasy
Book Critic
"Hamilton does a particular kind of planetary politics and space opera
very well, and this is a perfect example of it. . . . [The Abyss
Beyond Dreams is] a satisfying and well-oiled story, with potential
for more epic adventure to come."--Booklist
