This series is great. I listened to the first three volumes (Hidden Empire, Forest of Stars, Horizon Storms) on Audio Books (audible). It takes a while to get used to the fast switching of character's point of view (short chapters 4-6 pages, each jumping between characters) but that actually provides a tapestry that couldn't be woven otherwise. And while one likes some characters more than others, the chapters are short enough that the "uninteresting" characters don't take too much effort to go through. The amount of redundant material, necessary to connect all the distinct strands together in the weave, is absolutely bearable. I can't understand those who complain about it. There is an initial chapter recalling the previous book, and a short paragraph reintroducing the character and its motivations each time a new character reappears. Characters have their own psychology and in my opinion they stand on their own. The writing is straightforward, effective, not as well done as, say, McMaster Bujold, but highly readable. A bit on the heavy side, perhaps. That's for the form.
As for the substance, the story is superb. There are at least four different galactic plots threatening the universe and its several sentient races. Alliances shift, treasons, love stories (interspecies, the fecundity of which I found somewhat unbelievable but serves the plot...), wars aplenty, superhuman beings thanks to alliances with elemental entities, it's all very creative and rewarding and fun. The setup at the end of this book had me check audible every month to see if number four came out in audio, but alas when they finally did they changed the reader and he change the pronunciations (a big no-no in audio). So I reverted to paper. I distinctly remembered the main characters and the overall plot, despite the two-year gap between listening to this book and reading numbers four (and five, six, I just couldn't stop myself once I bought the paper series - didn't even wait for the vacations for which I was planning them). That's how well the characters stick with you.
I feel compelled to put in a small word of caution for young readers: Some parts may disturb some sensibilities, as they say "for mature audiences only" (some humans are sequestered in a breeding camp by alien species, for purposes of genetically enhancing the race - the survival of that species is thought to depend on it).
Overall, I highly recommend this series. I'd compare it to the great sagas in SF. And best of all, I've read up to volume six (final volume will come out in June 2008) and it just keeps getting better and better, or at least maintains consistent quality thoughout. This is not going to be left unfinished or water down undefinitely.
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Top reviews from other countries
inkyfingers
investment in characters
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 4, 2023
Mark Bradley
Horizon Storms - the Saga continues.........
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 5, 2004