Friday 28 September 2018

Book Review: Salvation (Salvation Sequence #1) by Peter F. Hamilton (Sci-Fi)

Title: Salvation (Salvation Sequence #1)
Author: Peter F. Hamilton
Publisher:
Pan Macmillan

Publication Date: 6 September 2018
Pages:
525
Format:
Paperback
Genre:
Sci-Fi
Source:
Review Copy from Publisher

 



Know your enemy – or be defeated

AD 2204
An alien shipwreck is discovered on a planet at the very limits of human expansion – so Security Director Feriton Kayne selects a team to investigate. The ship’s sinister cargo not only raises bewildering questions, but could also foreshadow humanity’s extinction. It will be up to the team to bring back answers, and the consequences of this voyage will change everything.

Back on Earth, we can now make deserts bloom and extend lifespans indefinitely, so humanity seems invulnerable. We therefore welcomed the Olyix to Earth when they contacted us. They needed fuel for their pilgrimage across the galaxy – and in exchange they helped us advance our technology. But were the Olyix a blessing or a curse?

THE FAR FUTURE
Many lightyears from Earth, Dellian and his clan of genetically engineered soldiers are raised with one goal. They must confront and destroy their ancient adversary. The enemy caused mankind to flee across the galaxy and they hunt us still. If they aren’t stopped, we will be wiped out – and we’re running out of time.


Sci-fi is not one of my favourite genres; I should say that up front. However, I had a little free time, so when I received a copy of Salvation, I decided to give it a shot. Overall, I don't think it was a waste. I am often put off sci-fi because of all the hard science that doesn't mean much to me. This book was a blessing since such moments were only included here and there, and never for too long, with most of the focus on the plot and characters. The premise of the tale was certainly intriguing, the world building was well done, and I appreciated the many-timeline narrative, which revealed information here and then until we had built a complete picture by the end. The only downside to this approach was that, aside from Dellian, and maybe Callum, I didn't feel that I spent long enough with any of the characters to get to know them fully. Each had a side story to share, but some were more engaging than others. I finished the book with the sense that I would be interested to know what will happen in book two, if the opportunity to read it arises. However, if I don't end up reading on, I won't be too downcast. As such, I am giving it 3.5-4 stars, with the proviso that a true sci-fi fan will probably get more out of it than I did. I didn't dislike it in any major way; it simply didn't grab me.

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