Sometimes you will read a book that stuns you into such a deep silence that the backlash envelops you and kicks you out of space and time.

This is one of those books.

I'm still reeling. It's not every day that an author goes out of their way write a complex philosophical dissertation in the style of David Mitchell but goes on to make it hardcore SF with mind-blowingly cool science tropes, transhumanism, and a man-made god in the service of the serious philosophical treatise. Indeed, the multiple PoVs are deadly serious about driving home their ideas and their idealism and I was treated to one of the coolest villains I've ever read in the form of the primary narrator.

This is empathy, understanding, and wisdom taken to its full completion, yo.

Just what would happen if idealists and focused heavy philosophical thinkers gained the physical and temporal power to overcome all obstacles and fulfill their ambitions? Or how about just one. A serious one. One who believes that empathy and understanding is the ultimate goal.

I'm of the mind that the Borg collective fits that bill. If you're part of it, there's perfect empathy and understanding. :) Run with that.

I give this book top marks for being fearlessly dense and super intelligent and creative as a mother****er. I was somewhat worried about the somewhat less clear language used, but the sheer scope and beauty of the imagery and the speed at which so many wonderful scenes happen make up for just about anything.

This is NOT your average adventure hard-SF novel, nor is it a lofty philosophical discussion with a few SF trappings. This is a true shotgun wedding of the best of both worlds.

I'm flabbergasted. This is the kind of SF novel that comes along only a handful of times in a generation and it is NOT something to undertake if you want a light and thoughtless read. I'm putting this novel in the category of *OMG YOU MUST READ THIS*.

This is serious literature. This is thought-provoking and deserves a devoted cult following and if not recognition now, then at least serious recognition in 5 or 10 years. It may take that long for enough serious fans to get their hands on this or work their way through it, but I'll tell you now: it's worth it.

How's that for a squee? I want discussions on this book, people! PHD's welcome. :) ( )

3 1/2 *
Promises much more than it delivers.
Really wanted to like this book, given the scope of its ambition. Found the author rather too pleased with himself. ( )

"In a distant future, Tikan Solstafir lives in self-imposed exile. The star systems close to Earth have been colonized but, rather than embracing the adventure, people have chosen to withdraw into their own hallucinations. Meanwhile, in the 21st century, a disillusioned philosopher sets out on a quest to save humanity from itself and a young time-traveling girl called Sielle may hold the key to everything... especially after a mysterious enemy attacks Tikan's starship, and Tikan strikes back to end the tyranny and sever the dream-state that has enslaved humanity."

I read this book because it sounded interesting. While it is exactly that, I also found it very difficult to read and follow. The 2 stories are told simultaneously and honestly, I think it takes away from both stories to be told in this manner. I think they should have been written separately.

Although this book had a very entertaining premise, I have to admit that it gave me the heeby jeebies in reading the slow and VOLUNTARY decline of the human race. Seeing/reading things like this always weird me out. Perhaps that's because its just too realistic... it's genuinely scary!

All-in-all this was an intriguing read. Definitely a good Sci-fi novel. I would certainly recommend this book to those who enjoy science fiction and dystopian genres. ( )