It's been a while since I last blogged and in that time amongst other things I picked up this one mother of an adventure, a nearly 900 page space epic from Christopher Paolin. The author is best known for his Eragon series of children's books the first of which was turned into a film which didn't appeal. To Sleep In A Sea Of Stars is apparently his first attempt at "adult" fiction and if that's so I look forward to more.
As is my way I picked this book up at random just before Christmas but didn't get around to reading until a couple weeks ago. A novel about the consequences of first contact always appeals as I imagine the result in the real world will be far from straightforward should it ever happens. I'm not a believers in aliens shoving probes up peoples rear ends but in this vast expanse of creation we live in there must be life including intelligent life somewhere out there.
A team of explorers working for a corporation are on a mostly barren world finding little of major interest when some giant crystals are spotted just before their departure. Somewhat aggrieved our main character Kira heads out to investigate whist the others pack their stuff up and prepare for departure. Nearing the formation Kira ends up in a chamber. It's not natural and it's not made by anyone human either.
Only one other alien artefact has ever been discovered the "Great Beacon" as it is dubbed though it's true purpose and it's builders (referred to as "The Vanished") remain a mystery. Is this something to do with them? However she is not alone and a black substance joins with her making me fear this would be some kind of Aliens type story but this is quite different as we shall see.
Kira's actions have attracted the attention of other previously unknown to humanity who appear and are far from friendly. And so a space opera begins as Kira's interactions with the "Jellies" (as they call these newcomers) and the military lead to a war and as the blurb says will she be bring the fall of humanity or be it's saviour.
Saying much more than that would seem to me to be far to much of a spoiler but there's plenty of action, mystery and character development to ensure that the book is a constant page turner.
Only one other alien artefact has ever been discovered the "Great Beacon" as it is dubbed though it's true purpose and it's builders (referred to as "The Vanished") remain a mystery. Is this something to do with them? However she is not alone and a black substance joins with her making me fear this would be some kind of Aliens type story but this is quite different as we shall see.
Kira's actions have attracted the attention of other previously unknown to humanity who appear and are far from friendly. And so a space opera begins as Kira's interactions with the "Jellies" (as they call these newcomers) and the military lead to a war and as the blurb says will she be bring the fall of humanity or be it's saviour.
Saying much more than that would seem to me to be far to much of a spoiler but there's plenty of action, mystery and character development to ensure that the book is a constant page turner.
Rating: 5 Stars
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