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A review by rdmathison
Mindstar Rising by Peter F. Hamilton
5.0
Mindstar Rising by Peter F. Hamilton is not what I was expecting. I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting, but what I got was a phenomenal cyberpunk technothriller. As a debut novel, Hamilton demonstrates an extraordinary talent, deftly crafting a narrative that is exhilarating and deeply engaging. This book is a non-stop thrill ride, immersing readers in a vividly realized world that is both familiar and fantastically futuristic.
Hamilton's worldbuilding is exceptional, creating a post-cataclysmic Britain that is rich in detail and complexity. The backdrop of environmental and political turmoil serves as quite fertile ground for exploring themes of corporate power, environmental responsibility, and the ethical implications of advanced technology.
The characters are equally well-developed, each with their own depth and complexities that drive the narrative forward. Our intrepid hero, Greg Mandel, is a former soldier equipped with a specialized gland that grants him psychic abilities at a considerable cost, and his journey, fraught with some sensational twists and turns, leads to an explosive climax that is immensely satisfying.
Other standout characters include Gabriel, a former colleague of Mandel's who has her own gland granting her completely different (and every bit as intriguing) abilities; Julia Evans, the young and ambitious heiress of her grandfather's tech empire; Eleanor, Mandel's love interest who takes some impressive initiative in the third act; and Royan, an incredibly gifted hacker with a heart of gold (who is rather hard to look at). Each character, through their unique perspectives and interactions, enriches the story, contributing to its dynamic and immersive nature.
Furthermore, Hamilton demonstrates a remarkable skill in pacing. The plot unfolds with a perfect balance between brisk, action-packed sequences and moments of intrigue that slowly unravel the complex web of the story. This equilibrium helps the story maintain steady engagement, ensuring that each page turned is both rewarding and filled with anticipation.
Mindstar Rising is a remarkable debut novel. It's a book that entertains and invites reflection on a possible future of technology, the environment, and society, offering readers a fresh and exciting perspective on cyberpunk and technothriller tropes. Peter F. Hamilton set a high bar for himself and the genre, and I look forward to completing the trilogy.
No messing.
Hamilton's worldbuilding is exceptional, creating a post-cataclysmic Britain that is rich in detail and complexity. The backdrop of environmental and political turmoil serves as quite fertile ground for exploring themes of corporate power, environmental responsibility, and the ethical implications of advanced technology.
The characters are equally well-developed, each with their own depth and complexities that drive the narrative forward. Our intrepid hero, Greg Mandel, is a former soldier equipped with a specialized gland that grants him psychic abilities at a considerable cost, and his journey, fraught with some sensational twists and turns, leads to an explosive climax that is immensely satisfying.
Other standout characters include Gabriel, a former colleague of Mandel's who has her own gland granting her completely different (and every bit as intriguing) abilities; Julia Evans, the young and ambitious heiress of her grandfather's tech empire; Eleanor, Mandel's love interest who takes some impressive initiative in the third act; and Royan, an incredibly gifted hacker with a heart of gold (who is rather hard to look at). Each character, through their unique perspectives and interactions, enriches the story, contributing to its dynamic and immersive nature.
Furthermore, Hamilton demonstrates a remarkable skill in pacing. The plot unfolds with a perfect balance between brisk, action-packed sequences and moments of intrigue that slowly unravel the complex web of the story. This equilibrium helps the story maintain steady engagement, ensuring that each page turned is both rewarding and filled with anticipation.
Mindstar Rising is a remarkable debut novel. It's a book that entertains and invites reflection on a possible future of technology, the environment, and society, offering readers a fresh and exciting perspective on cyberpunk and technothriller tropes. Peter F. Hamilton set a high bar for himself and the genre, and I look forward to completing the trilogy.
No messing.