The Dreaming Void Review

Following hot on the heels of reading the Night's Dawn trilogy, I began reading The Dreaming Void, Peter F. Hamilton's first of three epic space opera-ing books set in the distant future.

In 3584 AD humankind has expanded far beyond the sphere of earth into the vast expanse of our galaxy, encountering and making peace with the various sentient races that checker the stars, some almost as ancient as the stars themselves. While many species are mentioned, only the Raiel take the center stage throughout the first book since they are concerned with the next Devourment, a massive star-engulfing event in which the Void, a mysterious gateway to another dimension through which no one can seem to pass at the center of the galaxy, expands at a horrifying scale.

Humankind has divided into three groups; regular people, who still manipulate themselves on a genetic level, Advancers, who are connected empathically by gaiamotes, and Highers, whose ultimate goal is to ascend beyond the physical condition into a greater existence. All of the above merely sets the backdrop for a story filled with mystery, espionage, sex, destruction, crazy cults, and interesting characters. Unfortunately a bit of apartment renovation is thrown in the mix, but the author can be forgiven quickly because it helps establish a pivotal character to the storyline.

Really, the book is two books, with one focusing on the future, while another takes us into the Void, where we follow Edeard through the early years of his life in a society which is technologically medieval. Edeard's story is brought to us by a series of dreams from Inigo, the first Dreamer in the future timeline who could see to the other side of the Void in his dreams, which has established a galaxy-spanning cult that desire only to enter the Void to become a part of Edeard's seemingly simpler society.

I won't give away any more of the plot, and considering that everything I mentioned is condensed into the first couple of chapters, I didn't spoil much. What I really enjoyed about this book were the numerous interesting characters, the enthralling storylines, and the excellent writing. Petter F. Hamilton has managed to condense his wild imagination into an understandable, readable, and exciting work, especially when compared to the expansive and often dragging Night's Dawn trilogy. I could always believe the actions and reactions of the characters and seldom felt pulled out of the universe of The Dreaming Void by dull or inconsequential sequences. There are still plenty of detailed sections describing the technology of the future, all of which are relevant and interesting. I felt that Peter F. Hamilton has also improved his ability to describe the ideas that must storm around in his imagination, bringing to life crystalline cities and outlandish alien cultures.

If you like sci-fi or fantasy or just a good book, please support an amazing author by picking up The Dreaming Void. I eagerly anticipate the next title, The Temporal Void, and can't wait to find out what happens next and how the two storylines converge.

Until then I will be reading Carrion Comfort, Dan Simmons' second book, which was published during the same year as Hyperion, which has so far been a chilling and enthralling read. More on that one later.