(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

This novel is a stand-alone story which takes two extraordinary characters and follows them as they, independently, begin to unravel some of the greatest mysteries of our universe.
Their missions are dangerous, and they are all venturing into the unknown ... and if they can uncover the secret to faster-than-light travel then new worlds will be at our fingertips.
But innovation and progress are not always embraced by everyone. There is a saboteur at work. Different factions disagree about the best way to move forward. And the mysterious Watchkeepers are ever-present.

(Actually 1-star but I don't like to leave them in the ratings...)

From the get-go, this was definitely the worst book I have read of Alastair Reynolds. Even the blurb makes it hard to work out - this is the third book in the Poseidon's Children trilogy...but the blurb says it's a standalone story. And it just gets worse from there...

Effectively, what I got from this book was a 600-page attempt of philosophical sci-fi with about 550 pages of nothing happening but talk. Very, very light on action or suspense. Very light on character (except when they are talking!)

Certainly could have done without wasting my time on this.


Paul
ARH